Regular Yoga Practice Research Articles

Integration of yoga with modern medicine for promotion of cardiovascular health

Yoga and modern medicine are not exclusive, but complementary systems. Their combination can provide us with a holistic health care. While modern medicine has a lot to offer mankind in its treatment and management of acute illnesses and emergency conditions, yoga offers services in terms of preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative methods in addition to many management methods to tackle modern illnesses. Several published studies have demonstrated the health benefits of yoga. Regular practice of yoga has shown significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. However, there are many limitations with respect to the reported studies. Therefore, large multicentric trials using uniform methodologies and long-term outcomes are needed to confirm the findings. In view of the existing knowledge, yoga is a cost-effective and beneficial supportive/adjunct treatment without side effects. There is a favorable atmosphere for integration of alternate medical systems in resource-strained public health systems.

Longitudinal and Immediate Effect of Kundalini Yoga on Salivary Levels of Cortisol and Activity of Alpha-Amylase and Its Effect on Perceived Stress.

Context:Stress is defined as an alteration of an organism's balance in response to a demand perceived from the environment. Diverse methods exist to evaluate physiological response. A noninvasive method is salivary measurement of cortisol and alpha-amylase. A growing body of evidence suggests that the regular practice of Yoga would be an effective treatment for stress.Aims:To determine the Kundalini Yoga (KY) effect, immediate and after 3 months of regular practice, on the perception of psychological stress and the salivary levels of cortisol and alpha-amylase activity.Settings and Design:To determine the psychological perceived stress, levels of cortisol and alpha-amylase activity in saliva, and compare between the participants to KY classes performed for 3 months and a group that does not practice any type of yoga.Subjects and Methods:The total sample consisted of 26 people between 18 and 45-year-old; 13 taking part in KY classes given at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile and 13 controls. Salivary samples were collected, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to quantify cortisol and kinetic reaction test was made to determine alpha-amylase activity. Perceived Stress Scale was applied at the beginning and at the end of the intervention.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical analysis was applied using Stata v11.1 software. Shapiro–Wilk test was used to determine data distribution. The paired analysis was fulfilled by t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. T-test or Mann–Whitney's test was applied to compare longitudinal data. A statistical significance was considered when P < 0.05.Results:KY practice had an immediate effect on salivary cortisol. The activity of alpha-amylase did not show significant changes. A significant decrease of perceived stress in the study group was found.Conclusions:KY practice shows an immediate effect on salivary cortisol levels and on perceived stress after 3 months of practice.

Perception of stress among yoga trained individuals

Background: Yoga, originated thousands of years ago in India, is now well recognized as a form of mind-body medicine. Regular practice of yoga in the form of postures and breathing techniques stabilizes the autonomic nervous system with a tendency toward parasympathetic dominance and reduces the sympathetic arousal. Aims and Objectives: To assess the stress level among regular yoga practicing individuals. Materials and Methods: Regular yoga trained students (n - 90) were recruited from Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College, Arumbakkam, Chennai. Based on the duration of yoga practice, students were categorized into four groups: Group A (40 months). Perceived stress scale (PSS) was administered for assessing stress level. Results: The students in Group C (10.37 ± 5.21) and Group D (11.00 ± 4.59) showed significantly (P < 0.01) less PSS score compared with other group yoga students. Conclusion: This study suggests that regular practice of yoga significantly reduces stress level among the practitioners, but further investigation into this relationship using large, well-defined population, adequate controls, randomization, and long duration should be explored before recommending yoga as a treatment option.

Effect of Yoga–Preksha meditation on management of obesity in sportspersons

Background: Overweight is a big problem for sportspersons. Excess body weight affects sportsperson's skills and performances. Excess body fat in sportspersons also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and allied problems. Objectives: This study was designed to assess the impact of yoga–Preksha meditation on obesity in sportspersons. Materials and Method: The participants were selected randomly from the Physical Education Department of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. Totally seventy students were incorporated in the study. They were divided into two groups of 35 each. Group I was termed as “experimental” and Group II was considered as “control” group. The experimental group was progressively introduced to the selected yogic exercises and Preksha meditation. The practice session was conducted for 60 min on all weekdays except Sundays for a period of 4 months. Control group was not given any such training. Pre data (0 day) and Post data (after 4 months) of both groups i.e. height, weight and body mass index (BMI) was taken. The difference in the percentage of participants improving in the experimental group and the corresponding control group was tested for significance of difference by computing Student's t-test. Results: The results showed that there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI in experimental group which may be attributed to the dominance of parasympathetic component of autonomic nervous system and simultaneous balance in the stimulatory activity of sympathetic components too. This might have caused alteration in fat mobilization which resulted in reduction in body weight and BMI. Conclusion: The regular practice of yoga–Preksha meditation is helpful in managing the problem of obesity in sportspersons and improves their performance.

Yoga practice improves executive function by attenuating stress levels

BackgroundProlonged activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal system is thought to have deleterious effects on brain function. Neuroendocrine studies suggest that brain exposure to higher cortisol concentrations contribute to cognitive deficits as we age. Mind-body techniques such as yoga have shown to improve stress levels by restoring the body’s sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. The objective of this study was to determine whether yoga practice moderated the stress response resulting in improved executive function. MethodsSedentary community dwelling older adults (N=118, Mean age=62.02) were randomized to an 8-week yoga intervention or a stretching control group. At baseline and following 8 weeks, all participants completed measures of executive function, self-reported stress and anxiety and provided saliva samples before and after cognitive testing to assess cortisol. ResultsYoga participants showed improved accuracy on executive function measures and an attenuated cortisol response compared to their stretching counterparts who showed increased cortisol levels and poor cognitive performance at follow up. The change in cortisol levels as well as self-reported stress and anxiety levels predicted performance on the running span task, n-back working memory and task switching paradigm (β’s=0.27–0.38, p’s≤0.05 for yoga and β’s=−0.37–0.47, p’s≤0.01 for stretching control). ConclusionEight weeks of regular yoga practice resulted in improved working memory performance that was mediated by an attenuated response to stress as measured by self-report stress and objective salivary cortisol measurements. This trial offers evidence for non-traditional physical activity interventions such as yoga that may be helpful in restoring HPA balance in older adults, thereby preventing cognitive decline.

Comparing the Effects of Yoga & Oral Calcium Administration in Alleviating Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Medical Undergraduates.

Introduction: Medical undergraduates are heavily burdened by their curriculum. The females, in addition, suffer from vivid affective or somatic premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as bloating, mastalgia, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, and depression. The present study was proposed to attenuate the symptoms of PMS by simple lifestyle measures like yoga and/or oral calcium. Methods: 65 medical female students (18-22 years) with a regular menstrual cycle were asked to self-rate their symptoms, along with their severity, in a validated questionnaire for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Fifty-eight students were found to have PMS. Twenty girls were given yoga training (45 minutes daily, five days a week, for three months). Another group of 20 was given oral tablets of calcium carbonate daily (500 mg, for three months) and rest 18 girl served as control group. Data were analyzed by SPSS ver.13 software. Results: The yoga and calcium groups showed a significant decrease in number and severity of premenstrual symptoms whereas in the control group there was not the significant difference. Conclusion: Encouraging a regular practice of yoga or taking a tablet of calcium daily in the medical schools can decrease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Heart Rate Variability, Flow, Mood and Mental Stress During Yoga Practices in Yoga Practitioners, Non-yoga Practitioners and People with Metabolic Syndrome.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia are directly associated with autonomic flexibility, self-regulation and well-being, and inversely associated with physiological stress, psychological stress and pathology. Yoga enhances autonomic activity, mitigates stress and benefits stress-related clinical conditions, yet the relationship between autonomic activity and psychophysiological responses during yoga practices and stressful stimuli has not been widely explored. This experimental study explored the relationship between HRV, mood states and flow experiences in regular yoga practitioners (YP), non-yoga practitioners (NY) and people with metabolic syndrome (MetS), during Mental Arithmetic Stress Test (MAST) and various yoga practices. The study found that the MAST placed a cardio-autonomic burden in all participants with the YP group showing the greatest reactivity and the most rapid recovery, while the MetS group had significantly blunted recovery. The YP group also reported a heightened experience of flow and positive mood states compared to NY and MetS groups as well as having a higher vagal tone during all resting conditions. These results suggest yoga practitioners have a greater homeostatic capacity and autonomic, metabolic and physiological resilience. Further studies are now needed to determine if regular yoga practice may improve autonomic flexibility in non-yoga practitioners and metabolic syndrome patients. Clinical Trial No 'ACTRN 2614001075673'.

Effect of Regular Yoga Practice on Respiratory Regulation and Exercise Performance.

Yoga alters spontaneous respiratory regulation and reduces hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responses. Since a lower ventilatory response is associated with an improved endurance capacity during whole-body exercise, we tested whether yogic subjects (YOGA) show an increased endurance capacity compared to matched non-yogic individuals (CON) with similar physical activity levels. Resting ventilation, the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, passive leg movement and exercise, as well as endurance performance were assessed. YOGA (n = 9), compared to CONTROL (n = 6), had a higher tidal volume at rest (0.7±0.2 vs. 0.5±0.1 l, p = 0.034) and a reduced ventilatory response to hypercapnia (33±15 vs. 47±15 l·min-1, p = 0.048). A YOGA subgroup (n = 6) with maximal performance similar to CONTROL showed a blunted ventilatory response to passive cycling (11±2 vs. 14±2 l·min-1, p = 0.039) and a tendency towards lower exercise ventilation (33±2 vs. 36±3 l·min-1, p = 0.094) while cycling endurance (YOGA: 17.3±3.3; CON: 19.6±8.5 min, p = 0.276) did not differ. Thus, yoga practice was not associated with improved exercise capacity nor with significant changes in exercise ventilation despite a significantly different respiratory regulation at rest and in response to hypercapnia and passive leg movement.

Mediators between Yoga Practice and Psychological Well-Being: Mindfulness, Body Awareness, and Satisfaction with Body Image

Regular yoga practice was connected to higher levels of psychological well-being in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. However, the psychological mechanisms of this connection are still unexplained. In the present cross-sectional questionnaire study, hypothesised mediating effects of body awareness, satisfaction with body image, and mindfulness were investigated. 203 healthy adults (183 females, mean age: 36.8 ± 10.03 years) practicing yoga at an advanced level were involved in the study. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing body awareness (BAQ), dissatisfaction with body image (BIQ), mindfulness (MAAS) and well-being (WHO-5). Body awareness, body image dissatisfaction and mindfulness showed significant correlations with the weekly frequency of yoga practice as well as with psychological well-being. Body awareness, body image and mindfulness mediated the connection between yoga practice and well-being. In the regression analysis, body image dissatisfaction and body awareness remained connected to well-being even after controlling for practice frequency, mindfulness, gender and age. According to these results, body awareness, body image satisfaction and mindfulness are mediators of the connection between yoga practice and well-being.

Change in Oxidative Stress of Normotensive Elderly Subjects Following Lifestyle Modifications.

Oxidative stress is associated with aging, which ultimately causes deterioration of muscles. Antioxidant defense system deteriorates while enhancing accumulations of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) due to lipid peroxidation and altered enzyme activities in old age. Regular practice of yoga can maintain the antioxidants level of the body, even in stressful conditions. The present study was designed to assess the effects of lifestyle technique on oxidative stress and lipid profile in normotensive elderly subjects. Seventy four healthy elderly subjects (43 males and 31 females) 60 to 80 years of age were selected from the Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh, India, for three months lifestyle modification program which included morning walk, Nadi shodan pranayama, dietary restrictions and increased intake of water. Blood pressure and oxidative stress markers Glutathione (GSH), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were recorded twice, one at baseline and another after three months of lifestyle modifications. Post lifestyle modifications technique values revealed a significant increase in GSH (88.03±9.58 ng/ml vs 93.12±9.17 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) and SOD (78.22±11.97 ng/ml vs 85.22±11.08 ng/ml, p < 0.0001), and a decline in MDA (5.28±0.52 m mol/ml vs 4.48± 0.69 m mol/ml, p < 0.0001) levels. Further, there was significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure (p <0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.0002); besides all fasting lipids decreased significantly except High Density Lipids (HDL). The findings of the present study show that lifestyle modification is helpful in reducing cardiovascular disease risk but also assuring for good health by decreasing oxidative stress level along with lipid profile. Further, all these modifications are easy to follow. However, more studies are required to make a generalized lifestyle modification program in normotensive elderly subjects.

Impact of 10-weeks of yoga practice on flexibility and balance of college athletes.

Background:With clearer evidence of its benefits, coaches, and athletes may better see that yoga has a role in optimizing performance.Aims:To determine the impact of yoga on male college athletes (N = 26).Methods:Over a 10-week period, a yoga group (YG) of athletes (n = 14) took part in biweekly yoga sessions; while a nonyoga group (NYG) of athletes (n = 12) took part in no additional yoga activity. Performance measures were obtained immediately before and after this period. Measurements of flexibility and balance, included: Sit-reach (SR), shoulder flexibility (SF), and stork stand (SS); dynamic measurements consisted of joint angles (JA) measured during the performance of three distinct yoga positions (downward dog [DD]; right foot lunge [RFL]; chair [C]).Results:Significant gains were observed in the YG for flexibility (SR, P = 0.01; SF, P = 0.03), and balance (SS, P = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the NYG for flexibility and balance. Significantly, greater JA were observed in the YG for: RFL (dorsiflexion, l-ankle; P = 0.04), DD (extension, r-knee, P = 0.04; r-hip; P = 0.01; flexion, r-shoulder; P = 0.01) and C (flexion, r-knee; P = 0.01). Significant JA differences were observed in the NYG for: DD (flexion, r-knee, P = 0.01: r-hip, P = 0.05; r-shoulder, P = 0.03) and C (flexion r-knee, P = 0.01; extension, r-shoulder; P = 0.05). A between group comparison revealed the significant differences for: RFL (l-ankle; P = 0.01), DD (r-knee, P = 0.01; r-hip; P = 0.01), and C (r-shoulder, P = 0.02).Conclusions:Results suggest that a regular yoga practice may increase the flexibility and balance as well as whole body measures of male college athletes and therefore, may enhance athletic performances that require these characteristics.

Impact of individualized yoga therapy on perceived quality of life performance on cognitive tasks and depression among Type II diabetic patients.

Context:An individualized approach of providing yoga support can address many of the disease-related concerns indicated in the management of diabetes, specifically the impact on other life activities and long-term functional wellbeing.Aim:To analyze the role of regular yoga practice as a self-management approach to achieve glycemic control and psychological wellbeing in Type II diabetic patients.Methods:Ninety-one subjects of both sexes responded to the announcement and consented to participate in the study. This was a single group, before and after yoga evaluation without control comparison. The fasting and postprandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c), cognitive tasks, depression, cognitive failure, and diabetic-related quality of life (QOL) were measured as pretest. The subjects underwent one-to-one individualized yoga therapy sessions, which included 12 supervised sessions spread over a 3-month period. The posttest data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon paired rank test.Results:Showed significant reduction in fasting blood sugar. QOL of the diabetic patients had improved significantly. There was a significant reduction in the frequency (mean difference of 7.58, P > 0.01) of depressive symptoms and intensity of depression (mean difference 1.66, P > 0.05). Concentration and attention span improved significantly and mean discrepancy score reduced (mean difference 3.42, P > 0.01). There were no marked changes in the postprandial blood sugar and HBA1c.Conclusion:Yoga practice enhances the subjective wellbeing, QOL, improves mood and concentration, and facilitates achievement of adequate glycemic control among Type II diabetic patients.

Deciphering the Clinico-Biochemical Mileau of Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal women with a note on beneficial effects of Yoga and Exercise

Background & Objectives: Psychosomatic disturbances faced by women approaching their fifth decade have been a matter of concern since many years. Many approaches have been tried to help them, including nutritional, pharmacologic and hormone replacement therapies. However, the importance of regular yoga practice is not much debated though it is believed to improve blood glucose levels & serum lipid concentrations and also to combat oxidative stress. The current study was designed to broadly analyze the clinico-biochemical challenges encountered by such women and to suggest better measures to face them. Methods: A total of 90 women aged around 40-60 years were grouped into perimenopausal, postmenopausal and healthy control groups and were checked for anthoropometric and biochemical parameters like FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, calcium, magnesium, copper, ceruloplasmin, TSH, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total proteins. Results: Age of the subjects, their BMI, blood pressure and waist hip ratio (WHR) together with levels of glycated Hb, LDL cholesterol, TGs, calcium, magnesium, copper, ceruloplasmin and uric acid levels exhibited significant variation among the groups. Conclusions: Several psychosomatic changes encountered in and around menopause and few biochemical changes can be better handled by persistent yoga practice, either alone or in combination with conventional treatment, as it can effectively bring down the oxidative stress levels, chances of developing metabolic syndrome, risk of CVD events and improve the quality of life in such women. Keywords: Perimenopause, Postmenopause, FBS, HbA1c, Lipid profile, Calcium, Yoga

To Study the Effects of duration of Yoga Training on Post Exercise Recovery Time

It has been seen that regular yoga practice improves cardio respiratory functions. This study plan is to observe the effects of duration of yoga practice on post exercise recovery time. Our total sample size was 60. Out of which 32 were male and 28 were female subjects. First Baseline reading of HR and blood pressure were taken before starting of the test. Subjects were asked to do Harvard's step test exercise. After exercise HR and BP were measured at the interval of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and15 minutes. Recovery time for HR and Blood pressure was noted. Yoga training was given for two months. During the study at the end of one month and two months above test was performed. Our study revealed that at the end of one month of yoga training there was no significant fall in post exercise recovery time for pulse(p-0.156) but there was highly significant change was seen at the end of two months.(p<0.001). Similarly post exercise recovery time for blood pressure did not change significantly at the end of one month of yoga practice (p-0.902) but at the end of two months there was highly significant fall in post exercise recovery time for blood pressure.(p<0.001). This proved that minimum duration of 2 months of yoga practice improves post exercise recovery time i.e. improves cardiac functioning.

Exploring the pharmacological and pharmacotherapeutic effects of yoga

Yoga is a spiritual technique incorporating a wide variety of practices, whose goal is developing a state of mental and physical health, well-being, inner harmony and ultimately, achieving a state of oneness with the universe. Yoga can modify disease state(s) and pave the way for a healthy life. Many systemic disorders are associated with/ due to stress. Regular yoga practice may improve the adaptive autonomic response(s) to stress. Yoga can be used as supportive or complementary therapy in conjunction with medical therapy for the treatment of any systemic disorder. Recent studies have showed the beneficial effects of yoga on the management/ treatment of diabetes, blood pressure, arthrosclerosis etc. The main objective of this review is to summarize the pharmacological aspects, medical and health benefits of yoga.

Yoga in the Management of Depression among Students

Depression symptoms are described as shy, moody, pessimistic, despondent, over-controlled, guilt-ridden, low mood and self-esteem, feeling of inadequacyand depressed. Depression is a serious mental health concern that affects learning process of students. Many boys (7%) and girls (12%) are affected by a depressive illness each year (Chandramohan, 1997; Kanmayani & Prisha, 2012; Karpagam et al., 2014).Yoga means Union in Sanskrit. Yoga deals with tire union of Individual soul (Jeevatma) with the Universal soul (Paramatma). Iyengar (1966, 1974 & 1994) has systematized over 200 asana and evolved therapeutic application of yoga Yoga is one of the greatest boons conferred on human by our ancient sages. As a mother strives for happiness and harmony in the home, so the asana strive for happiness and harmony of the human system. It is a panacea for most common ailments. Many of the asana have a direct effect on the glands andhelpthemto function properly. Yoga believes to maintain equilibrium, which results in endurance. In yoga, the mind is said to be under control.Chandramohan (1997, 1998) delineate the fact that regular practice of yoga helps to overcome airsickness and fear of flying among ab-initio pilot trainees. Also, yoga keeps the body free from diseases such as acidity, depression, anxiety, tension-headache and diabetes. Koyasa etal., (2008) explained Siddha Samathi Yoga was a program, in which, meditation was associated with Pranayama (breathing exercise). Twenty two volunteers with anxiety and depression, with the mean age of 42.8 years, were assigned to two groups such as Control (no=8) and Experimental group (no=14). They were evaluated before and one month after therapeutic intervention on the State Trait anxiety Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Tension Feelings Evaluation Scale and Well Being Self-evaluation Scale. A significant reduction in terms of Anxiety, Depression andTension was found in Yoga group.Depression was a serious mental health concern that affects learning process of students. Many boys (7%) and girls (12%) were affected by a depressive illness each year (Chandramohan, 1997; Kanmayani & Prisha, 2012; Karpagam et al., 2014). Depression is a psychological and physiological state characterized by cognitive, somatic, emotional, and behavioralcomponents (Seligman, et al., (2001).Javnbakht et al. (2009) carried out a study on sixty five women, suffering from depression and anxiety. They were allotted to Control (n= 34) and Experimental group (31) managed through yoga for 90 minutes duration, twice weekly for two months. They were administered with State - Trait Anxiety Index and Beck depression Inventory before and after therapeutic intervention. A significant reduction in perceived level of depression and anxiety and was seen in woman, who suffered from depression and anxiety. This study suggested that Yoga couldbe considered as a complementary therapy or an alternative method for medical therapy in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders,A large population of number of people suffering from psychiatric problem was school students. Depression impairs academic performance. Regular practice of yoga helps to overcome the illeffects of depression symptoms and promotes academic success. Hence, the present study is undertaken to manage depression symptoms of the school students through Yogic Exercises Therapy.Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to find out the effectiveness of Yoga in the management of depression among studentsObjectives of the studyObjectives of the present study are asfollows:* Depression impairs academic performance. Once it is identified at an early stage, therapeutic intervention are available to help students to overcome depression symptoms so that attrition rate can be reduced. Students will be successful not only in the academic but also in real life* Gender difference, if any, among Boys and Girls, in the management of depression through Yoga* Practicing Yoga regularly promotes psychological as well as physiological wellbeingType of study and rationalefor the research designThe present work is an experimental study. …

ROLE OF YOGA ON CARDIC AUTONOMIC FUNCTION TESTS AND COGNITION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES.

According to International Diabetic Federation, type 2 diabetic population is on the rise globally and cognitive decline is one of the complications seen in type 2 diabetes. The present study is aimed at exploring the role of regular practice of yoga on cognition in type 2 diabetes and also to study the relation between the cognition and functional status of autonomic nervous system by considering the Cardiac Autonomic (CAN) function tests. Ten type 2 diabetic subjects of both the sex, aged between 35-55 years, who practiced yoga for a period of six months at Yogi Vemana Yoga Research Institute were recruited as test group. Age and sex matched ten type 2 diabetic subjects were recruited as control group; both the group subjects are on oral hypoglycemic agents. Glycosylated hemoglobin concentration was estimated with Bio-Rad instrument, cognition was assessed with Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised battery and Cardiac autonomic function tests were also conducted. Unpaired student t test was performed and p<0.05 is considered statistically significant. The mean HbA1c concentration in control and test group subjects is 7.8±1.84 and 6.9±0.4% (p=0.03) respectively. Mean cognitive scores in test and control group subjects are 93±4.5 and 85±4.0 (p=0.008) respectively. CAN test results didn't showed any significance between the test and control group. But CAN functions are affected in both the groups. Regular practice of yoga in combination with oral hypoglycemic agents has a positive effect on cognition in type 2 diabetes.

The association between regular yoga and meditation practice and falls and injuries: Results of a national cross-sectional survey among Australian women

IntroductionFalls are the leading cause of injuries in women across all ages. While yoga has been shown to increase balance, it has also been associated with injuries due to falls during practice. This study aimed to analyse whether regular yoga or meditation practice is associated with the frequency of falls and fall-related injuries in upper middle-aged Australian women. MethodsWomen aged 59–64 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) were queried regarding falls and falls-related injuries; and whether they regularly practiced yoga or meditation. Associations of falls and falls-related injuries with yoga or meditation practice were analysed using chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression modelling. ResultsOf 10,011 women, 4413 (44.1%) had slipped, tripped or stumbled, 2770 (27.7%) had fallen to the ground, 1398 (14.0%) had been injured as a result of falling, and 901 (9.0%) women had sought medical attention for a fall-related injury within the previous 12 months. Yoga or meditation was practiced regularly by 746 (7.5%) women. No associations of falls, fall-related injuries and treatment due to falls-related injury with yoga or meditation practice were found. DiscussionNo association between yoga or meditation practice and falls or fall-related injuries have been found. Further studies are warranted for conclusive judgement of benefits and safety of yoga and meditation in relation to balance, falls and fall-related injuries.

Yoga Is as Good as Stretching-Strengthening Exercises in Improving Functional Fitness Outcomes: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Despite yoga's popularity, few clinical trials have employed rigorous methodology to systematically explore its functional benefits compared with more established forms of exercise. The objective of this study was to compare the functional benefits of yoga with the conventional stretching-strengthening exercises recommended for adults. Sedentary healthy adults (N = 118; M age = 62.0) participated in an 8-week (three times a week for 1 hour) randomized controlled trial, which consisted of a Hatha yoga group (n = 61) and a stretching-strengthening exercise group (n = 57). Standardized functional fitness tests assessing balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility were administered at baseline and postintervention. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant time effect for measures of balance [F(3,18) = 4.88, p < .01, partial η(2) = .45], strength [F(2,19) = 15.37, p < .001, partial η(2) = .62], flexibility [F(4,17) = 8.86, p < .001, partial η(2) = .68], and mobility [F(2,19) = 8.54, p < .002, partial η(2) = .47]. Both groups showed significant improvements on measures of balance (left-right leg and four square step); strength (chair stands and arm curls); flexibility (back scratch and sit-and-reach); and mobility (gait speed and 8-feet up and go), with partial η(2) ranging from .05 to .47. These data suggest that regular yoga practice is just as effective as stretching-strengthening exercises in improving functional fitness. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine functional benefits of yoga in comparison with stretching-strengthening exercises in sedentary, healthy, community-dwelling older adults. These findings have clinical implications as yoga is a more amenable form of exercise than strengthening exercises as it requires minimal equipment and can be adapted for individuals with lower levels of functioning or disabilities.

Regular Yoga Practice Improves Antioxidant Status, Immune Function, and Stress Hormone Releases in Young Healthy People: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Pilot Study.

The aim of the present study is to highlight the beneficial effects of yoga practice on bio-parameters, such as oxidative stress, antioxidant components, immune functions, and secretion of stress hormones, in healthy young people. This study was conducted on healthy volunteers recruited from among university students, who were divided into two groups: a control (no yoga intervention, n=13) group and a yoga (n=12) group. Yoga practice was with an instructor for 90 minutes once a week spread over 12 weeks, with recommendations to practice daily at home for 40 minutes with the help of a DVD. The yoga program consisted of yoga body poses (asanas), exercises involving awareness, voluntary regulation of breath (pranayama), and meditational practices. Whole blood samples were collected when the volunteers had fasted for 8 hours at 0 and 12 weeks. The oxidative stress/antioxidant components, immune-related cytokines, and stress hormones were evaluated in serum or plasma. Serum levels of nitric oxide, F2-isoprostane, and lipid peroxide were significantly decreased by yoga practice (p<0.05 or p=0.01), whereas serum total glutathione (GSH) contents, activities of GSH-peroxidase, and GSH-s-transferase were remarkably increased after yoga practice compared with the control group (p<0.05 or p=0.01). Yoga practice also significantly increased immune-related cytokines, such as interleukin-12, and interferon-γ, in serum (p<0.05 or p=0.01). Yoga practice significantly reduced the plasma levels of adrenalin (p<0.05) and increased plasma levels of serotonin compared with the control group (p<0.05). Regular yoga practice remarkably attenuated oxidative stress and improved antioxidant levels of the body. Moreover, yoga beneficially affected stress hormone releases as well as partially improved immune function.