Weeks Of Yoga Training Research Articles

Yoga as a complementary therapy improves pulmonary functions in patients of bronchial asthma: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Asthma is one of the major non-communicable diseases affecting mainly urban population worldwide. With increasing traffic, there is upsurge in air pollution levels in Bengaluru, resulting in increase in number of bronchial asthma cases. The purpose of the study was to know the effectiveness of yoga on lung functions so as to reduce the disease burden in bronchial asthma patients. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to record pulmonary function test (PFT) in (1) Group A - 30 bronchial asthma patients practicing yoga along with pharmacological treatment and (2) Group B - 30 bronchial asthma patients who are only on pharmacological treatment and to compare the results between the two groups at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. Materials and Methods: Study included 60 mild-moderate bronchial asthma patients, divided into Group A and Group B. PFT was done, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory flow rate 25–75% (FEF25-75) were measured using MEC PFT and airway resistance (RAW) and specific airway conductance (sGAW) were measured using body plethysmograph at baseline, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks in both the groups. Results: Group A showed progressive improvement in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75, and sGAW (P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in RAW after 4th and 8th weeks of yoga training. Group B showed no significant change in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75, RAW, and sGAW after 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Conclusion: Yoga can be used as adjunctive therapy as it significantly improves lung functions in mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma. Regular practice of yoga leads to improved quality of life in bronchial asthmatics.

Psychophysiological responses across the menstrual cycle in low fit college women after yoga training

Background: Women of reproductive age suffer from menses-associated health problems such as premenstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, and irregular menstrual cycles. Research has proved that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a psychophysiological and a stress-induced disorder and that stress is a cause of symptoms of PMS. Objective: This controlled experiment was conducted with a view to examine the effect of full course of yoga training (suggested by Swami Kuvalayananda) on psychophysiological responses across menstrual cycle in low fit college women. Methods: A total of 55 low fit college women, aged 20–30 years, with problems in menstrual cycle, volunteered in this study and were divided randomly into two groups, namely, yoga group (n 1= 27) and control group (n 2= 28). At the baseline and after completion of 12 weeks of yoga training, both the groups were assessed for menstrual status, pain tolerance, resting pulse rate, and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) using standard tools. The yoga group practiced a set of full course of yoga for 1 h daily in the morning (6:30–7:30), 6 days in a week (except Sundays and holidays), for a total period of 12 weeks, whereas the control group did not participate in the said yoga program but were involved in some recreational activities and/or library reading during the tenure of experiment. Results: The result of factorial ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post hoc test indicates that yoga training could bring down pulse rate (CD = 0.43, p &lt; 0.05) and blood pressure (CD = 0.47, p &lt; 0.01) at a normal range, whereas it could bring a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of menstrual problems (CD = 0.45, p &lt; 0.01) and pain tolerance ability (CD = 0.40, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Yoga training could contribute to improvement in the psychophysiological responses across menstrual cycle among the low fit college women.

Effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption in urban residential school children

[Purpose] This study was conducted with a view to find out the effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption in urban residential school children. [Subjects and Methods] The study population comprised 66 urban school children aged 11–15 years staying in a residential school in Pune City, Maharashtra, India. A stratified random sampling method was used to divide the students into experimental and control groups. There were 33 students in experimental group and 33 students in control group. Both experimental and control groups were assessed for the status of zinc, copper, iron and magnesium at the baseline and at the end of 12 weeks of yoga training. The study participants of experimental group underwent yoga training for 12 weeks, for one hour in the morning for six days a week. The control group did not undergo any yoga training during this time period. [Results] The experimental group participants showed significant improvement in micronutrient absorption as compared to control group. [Conclusion] The findings of this study indicate that yoga practices could improve micronutrient absorption in urban residential school children.

Effect of yoga training on lipid metabolism in industrial workers with reference to body constitution (Prakriti)

IntroductionThe progressive increase in dyslipidemia and physical inactivity are considered to be major risk factors for the onset of non communicable diseases. Awareness of body constitution plays a vital role to regularise optimum health. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of yoga practices on lipid metabolism with reference to specific body constitution (Prakriti). MethodsA self-as-control study was conducted on 36 male healthy volunteers between age group of 30–58 years. Their prakriti analysis was done using standardized, validated questionnaire and were divided into Vata-Pitta (n = 16) and Pitta-Kapha (n = 20) groups. The assessment of lipid profile was done in fasting blood samples before and after 12 weeks of yoga training. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. ResultsAfter yoga intervention, the result of within group comparison revealed that in Vata-Pitta (V-P) group, significant decrease in the levels of TC, LDL (p < 0.001) and significant increase in HDL (p < 0.01) was observed. While, Pitta-Kapha (P-K) group showed significant decrease in TC (p < 0.001), TG (p < 0.01), LDL (p < 0.001) and VLDL (p < 0.05) levels. Further, the results between groups revealed that P-K group has significantly higher baseline levels of TC, TG and VLDL as compared to V-P group (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe study concludes that yoga practices can effectively regulate lipid metabolism and total body energy expenditure with reference to specific constitutional type (Prakriti) that may act as a tool to assess magnitude of metabolic functions.

Impact of Yoga on Postural Stability in Stroke

Deficits in motor capacity following stroke poses a potential threat to postural stability. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of yoga training on postural alignment, anticipatory postural adjustments, and compensatory postural adjustments in individuals with chronic stroke deficits. This study is a subset analysis from a prospective, randomized control trial using therapeutic yoga. Twenty one individuals with chronic motor deficits from stroke participated in an hour-long group yoga sessions twice a week for 8 weeks focusing on progressively challenging postures, breathing, and meditation in sitting, standing, and supine positions. Postural symmetry, compensatory postural adjustment, and anticipatory postural adjustment from the NeuroCom SMART Balance Master® were used to evaluate changes in postural stability. The Berg Balance Scale was used to evaluate correlations to changes in dynamic balance control. Prior to participation in yoga, significant weight distribution asymmetry was observed during full upright standing. After 8 weeks of yoga training, there were no significant differences in weight distribution between right and left legs at 0 degrees. Subjects demonstrated greater than 50% improvement in symmetry alignment for different standing positions. No significant changes in compensatory or anticipatory postural adjustments were seen following yoga training. Changes in functional BBS scores were significantly correlated to changes in upright standing symmetry. Yoga training may improve postural symmetry enhancing postural control decreasing the risk for falls in individuals with deficits from chronic stroke.

Yoga Practice for Reducing the Male Obesity and Weight Related Psychological Difficulties-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Obesity is a health disorder and increasing all over the world. It is also a cause for many non-communicable diseases. Yoga practice reduces the stress level which may improve the eating habits and help in weight reduction. To assess the final outcome of the effects after 3 months of the 14 weeks yoga training on obesity of adult male in an urban setting. This was a randomized controlled trial with parallel groups (Yoga and Control groups) on male obese. Total 80 subjects with Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 to 35 kg/cm2 were enrolled and randomized into two equal groups in which 72 subjects (yoga n = 37 and control n=35) completed the trial. Yoga group mean age ± SD was 40.03±8.74 and Control group mean age±SD was 42.20±12.06. A 14 weeks special IAYT (Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy) yoga training was given to the Yoga group and no specific activity was given to Control group. The interim results of this study at 14 weeks were covered in another article which is under process. After the 14 weeks of yoga training the Yoga group was asked to continue the yoga practice for the next 3 months and the Control group was not given any physical activity. The final outcome is covered in this paper. The assessments were anthropometric parameters of body weight (Wt), BMI (Body Mass Index), MAC (Mid-upper Arm Circumferences of left and right arm), WC (Waist Circumference), HC (Hip Circumference), WHR (Waist Hip Ratio), SKF (Skin Fold Thickness) of biceps, triceps, sub scapular, suprailiac and cumulative skin fold thickness value), Percentage body fat based on SKF and Psychological questionnaires of PSS (Perceived Stress Scale) and AAQW (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight related difficulty). Assessments were taken after 3 months of yoga training, for both Yoga and Control groups. Within group, between group and correlation analyses were carried out using SPSS 21. Improvement in anthropometric and psychological parameters such as Wt, Percentage body fat, PSS were observed in the final outcome. Also, some of the improvements such as AAQW score were lost in the final outcome, compared to interim results. The yoga practice is effective for obesity control for adult male in an urban setting.

A Study on Flexibility Improvement Causing Posture Change Through Well-Being Yoga

This study is to reveal the body alignment effects of yoga exercise focusing on the pelvis and spine which is the major joints of human body in the alignment. The 14 twenty-year-old women without any experience of yoga were participated in a training yoga session composed of 50 minute duration, 3 times a week for 24 weeks. 3D motion analysis was performed on the five selected yoga motions in order to verify the body alignment effects on the test subjects. The analysis of the results has been done with the average values taken from the two times selective motions. For the statistic validation, the paired sample t-test was utilized. After the training, the subjects first aligned their pelvis through the change in pelvic limb and then extend the spines and finally completing the posture by throwing their shoulders back. On the basis of biomechanical point of view, the consequence showed that the 24 weeks of yoga training has a positive effect in the pelvis and spine alignment. The yoga motions utilized in this study has proven to be effective in enhancing cognitive ability of the pelvis and spine.

Effect of 12 weeks of yoga training on the somatization, psychological symptoms, and stress-related biomarkers of healthy women. Yoshihara K, Hiramoto T, Oka T, et al: Biopsychosoc Med 8:1, 2014(From BioPsychoSocial Medicine)

Effect of 12 weeks of yoga training on the somatization, psychological symptoms, and stress-related biomarkers of healthy women. Yoshihara K, Hiramoto T, Oka T, et al: Biopsychosoc Med 8:1, 2014(From BioPsychoSocial Medicine)

EFFECT OF YOGA PRACTICES ON MICRONUTRIENT ABSORPTION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RURAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL CHILDREN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Micronutrients are extremely important in preschool and adolescent children due to the rapid physical and mental growth . Impaired absorption of micronutrient s may lead to poor physical and mental health . Therefore, this study was conducted t o examine the effect of yoga practices on selected micronutrient absorption and physical fitness variables among rural residential school children. Eighty two male students, ag ed 11 - 15 years, were randomly divided int o experimental (n = 41) and control (n = 41) groups. Micronutrient status and physical fitness variables were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of 12 weeks of yoga training in both groups. During the experimental study, all the students continued wi th their normal vegetarian di et available at the hostel mess and n o external nutritional supplements were provided. Data were analysed using paired ‘t’ tests and independent ‘t’ test. M icronutrients and physical fitness were measured at the beginning and a t the end of 12 weeks. The results of comparisons between group s revealed significant improvement in Cu and Mg (p 0.05) . However, results of within group s howed no significant increase in Mg, Fe, and Cu (p 0.05) in yoga group , whereas control group showed significant increase in Cu (p 0.05) . The significant increase in flexibility, grip strength and abdominal strength was evident after yoga practice (p < 0.001). Micronutrient absorption and physical fitness can be improved after 12 w eeks of yoga training in adolescent rural residential school children .

Effect of 12 weeks of yoga training on the somatization, psychological symptoms, and stress-related biomarkers of healthy women

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that the practice of yoga reduces perceived stress and negative feelings and that it improves psychological symptoms. Our previous study also suggested that long-term yoga training improves stress-related psychological symptoms such as anxiety and anger. However, little is known about the beneficial effects of yoga practice on somatization, the most common stress-related physical symptoms, and stress-related biomarkers. We performed a prospective, single arm study to examine the beneficial effects of 12 weeks of yoga training on somatization, psychological symptoms, and stress-related biomarkers.MethodsWe recruited healthy women who had no experience with yoga. The data of 24 participants who were followed during 12 weeks of yoga training were analyzed. Somatization and psychological symptoms were assessed before and after 12 weeks of yoga training using the Profile of Mood State (POMS) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaires. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), biopyrrin, and cortisol levels were measured as stress-related biomarkers. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the stress-related biomarkers and the scores of questionnaires before and after 12 weeks of yoga training.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of yoga training, all negative subscale scores (tension-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility, fatigue, and confusion) from the POMS and somatization, anxiety, depression, and hostility from the SCL-90-R were significantly decreased compared with those before starting yoga training. Contrary to our expectation, the urinary 8-OHdG concentration after 12 weeks of yoga training showed a significant increase compared with that before starting yoga training. No significant changes were observed in the levels of urinary biopyrrin and cortisol after the 12 weeks of yoga training.ConclusionsYoga training has the potential to reduce the somatization score and the scores related to mental health indicators, such as anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue. The present findings suggest that yoga can improve somatization and mental health status and has implications for the prevention of psychosomatic symptoms in healthy women.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000007868.

Effect of Yogic Exercise on Selected Pulmonary Function Tests in Apparently Healthy Elderly Subjects

A case control study was done to find out the effects of simple yogic exercise programs (asanas and pranayamas) on selected pulmonary function tests of forty elderly individuals of both sexes, between 50 and 70 years of age, with no active medical disorders. The study was conducted at a selected yoga centre in Siliguri town of Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were measured, once initially and again after six weeks of yoga training under supervision of a certified yoga instructor. Two instruments were used: a) A Vitalograpgh Gold Standard Spirometer; b) A Wright's Peak Flow meter. There was definite improvement of ventilatory functions as revealed by significant increase in FVC, FEV1 and PEFR that was measured after 6 weeks. (P<0.05)

Effect of Yoga on Serum Homocysteine and Nitric Oxide Levels in Adolescent Women With and Without Dysmenorrhea

The purpose of the present study is to explore the effect of yoga on the serum levels of homocysteine and nitric oxide (NO) in a cohort of women with primary dysmenorrhea and normal healthy controls. A prospective controlled trial was conducted in 35 women with primary dysmenorrhea and 35 healthy controls in a community-based study. Short-form Menstrual Distress Questionnaires (MDQs) were administered to assess the menstrual symptoms. All participants were provided yoga intervention, twice a week at 30 minutes/session, consecutively for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from each woman on the third day of the menstrual cycle. Assessments of MDQs and blood samples for the determination of homocysteine and NO concentrations were performed at baseline and within the first 3 days of their next menses after completion of yoga intervention. A total of 30 women from the dysmenorrheal group and 30 from the control group completed the study. Homocysteine levels were higher in those with dysmenorrhea when compared with healthy controls before yoga intervention (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups after 8 weeks of yoga training (p<0.05). The concentrations of homocysteine in both the dysmenorrheal and control groups after 8 weeks decreased by 51.37% and 46.46%, respectively (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in NO levels between the two groups at baseline and after intervention. The total scores on the MDQs decreased significantly after yoga intervention in the dysmenorrheal group (p<0.05). Yoga intervention was found to be associated with reductions in severity of dysmenorrhea and may be effective in lowering serum homocysteine levels after an intervention period of 8 weeks. These observations suggest that yoga may have therapeutic effects in women by restoring endothelial function.

Yoga Training Improves Quality of Life in Women with Asthma

Individuals with asthma frequently suffer with a decrease in quality of life. Yoga has been shown to improve autonomic function in the healthy population and has been used as an alternative therapy to help improve symptoms associated with various diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess whether 10 weeks of yoga training can improve quality of life and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with asthma. Nineteen (19) females were randomly assigned to a yoga group or a control group for a 10-week intervention while still following guidelines established by their physician. All subjects answered the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) to assess quality of life and performed an isometric handgrip exercise test to assess HRV. Based on the SGRQ, significant improvements (45%, p < 0.05) in quality of life were observed with the yoga training, while no changes were found in the control group. Resting hemodynamic measures improved significantly in the yoga group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The yoga group decreased parasympathetic modulation (HFnu [normalized units]) pre- to postintervention (0.45 ± 0.60 to 0.35 ± 0.06 nu, p<0.05, respectively) in response to the isometric forearm exercise (IFE), whereas the control group did not change. Additionally, the yoga group increased sympathetic (LFnu) (pre 0.47 ± 0.07 to post 0.60 ± 0.07 nu, p < 0.05) and sympathovagal modulation (logLF/HF) (pre 4.61 ± 0.39 to post 5.31 ± 0.44, p < 0.05, respectively) during IFE with no change in the control group. Yoga training improved quality of life in women with mild-to-moderate asthma and resulted in decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic modulation in response to an IFE.

Doing Research: A Tutorial for Yoga Teachers

This article describes a Yoga teacher's experience in conceiving, designing, and implementing a research project. The study examined the effects of brief Yoga training on symptoms of psychological distress in individuals recovering from heart disease. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and non-equivalent groups was used. Seventeen cardiac rehabilitation outpatients (mean age: 65, age range:53-81) in three hospital programs received six weeks of Yoga training. The Yoga intervention consisted of modified Yoga postures practiced dynamically and integrated with conscious breathing. Each session ended with several minutes of regulated breathing practiced in a resting position. Emphasis throughout the six weeks was on cultivating a relatively long, smooth exhalation. Participants in the Yoga classes made significant improvements in their scores on Anxiety, Somatization, Tension,Depression, and the global measures, General Severity Index and Mood Disturbance. Somatization was the only variable in which the comparison group scored as high as or higher on the pretests than did the treatment group. The comparison group showed little change in Somatization at the end of the study, whereas the treatment group's differences were statistically significant (p &amp;lt;.01). Participants reported a number of benefits on an open-ended questionnaire at the end of the six weeks. At three-months follow-up, 12 of 15 respondents were maintaining at-home practice. The author discusses issues confronted by Yoga teachers attempting to measure and document the effects of their teaching. Consideration is given to other methods of inquiry appropriate for examining the processes as well as the outcomes of a Yoga intervention.