Yoga Group Research Articles

Effect of Yoga on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, perceived stress, and quality of sleep in industrial workers: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background and objectivesMusculoskeletal pain and discomfort at the workplace are closely associated with prolonged, repetitive, continuous, and unnatural movements. Yoga as mind-body medicine has been shown to reduce pain and disability. The current study aims to assess the effect of yoga on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort among industry workers. Materials and methodsNinety industrial workers with self-reported pain symptoms will be randomly assigned to Yoga and wait-list control groups following an equal allocation ratio. Yoga group will receive a specially designed Integrated Yoga module five days a week for eight weeks. The control group will be given lifestyle suggestions, and they will be offered the same Yoga module after the post-assessment. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort scores, perceived stress, and quality of sleep will be assessed at baseline, after four and eight weeks. Statistical analysesNormality and appropriate statistical tests will be done after data collection to assess the differences between and within the groups. Expected outcomesSpecifically designed Yoga module will help reduce subjective pain, stress and improve sleep quality in industrial workers.

Effect of yoga intervention on skeletal muscle linked glucose homeostasis in pre-diabetic individuals: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe pre-diabetic stage is important in terms of identification and timely management due to its reversible nature. Along with other factors, insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is often considered as primary defect before development of overt hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Physical exercises are beneficial in prevention of DM by improving skeletal muscle mediated glucose metabolism. Evidence suggests that Yoga interventions appear to be equal and/or superior to exercise in most outcome measures. As the Yogic postures are relatable to exercises, they are considered to improve skeletal muscle function and reverse the pre-diabetic stage. MethodsThis open-labelled, randomized clinical study is planned to evaluate effect of Yoga interventions on muscle mass, strength, endurance and flexibility which are direct/indirect indicators of fat deposition in skeletal muscles. Association between changes in muscle quality/ functionality and glycemic control will also be explored. With ethics committee permission, 120 pre-diabetic individuals of either sex between age group of 35–49 years with BMI range of 25–35 kg/m2 and family history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) will be recruited after obtaining written informed consent. They will be randomly allocated to either Yoga or exercise group by computer generated randomized method in a 1:1 ratio. One group will receive defined Yoga interventions, while other group will receive fixed program of physical exercises. Prior to initiating this 12-week study, both groups will undergo a training session for 4 weeks under supervision of a trained instructor. The outcome measures will be parameters related to muscle quality/functionality and glucose metabolism markers. DiscussionOur study aims to explore practicality of Yoga in pre-diabetic stage on skeletal muscle related glycemic control, which is novel. Additionally, the study will generate awareness about pre-diabetes and provide people with active coping skills for reversing it.

Effect of Yoga on Sleep, Self-Esteem and Wellbeing Among Overweight and Obese – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: People with obesity have concerns related to their disturbed sleep and poor self-esteem which decreases their health-related quality of life. The study aims to see the effect of yoga on sleep quality, self-esteem, and quality of life among overweight and obese people. Method: A total of 46 overweight and obese subjects were recruited and randomly divided into Integrated Yoga (n=23) or Walking (n=23) groups. For the Yoga group, weekly 5 days one hour of Yoga was taught and the walking group was doing a one-hour walk for the same duration for 13 weeks. Loosening practices, asana, pranayama, breathing practices, and relaxation/meditation were taught to the yoga participants. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RES), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used to assess sleep, self-esteem, and quality of life respectively. SPSS version 20 is used for statistical analysis. Finding: After 13 weeks of intervention and post-data collection in the Yoga group, paired t-test showed significant improvement in the scores for sleep quality p(>0.001); self-esteem p(>0.001) and quality of life p(>0.001). Whereas there was no significant improvement in the walking group compared to pre scores. After 13 weeks, the PSQI score (3.892.21) was reduced significantly in the yoga group than in the walking group (8.125.05), t(34) = -3.313, p=0.002. Also, RES score (20.844.56) was increased significantly in the yoga group than in the walking (16.123.52),t(34)=3.449,p=0.002. Novelty: Yoga practice improves the sleep quality, and self-esteem among the overweight and obese people when compared to walking. Quality of life can be improved with regular yoga practice. Further studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up are warranted. Keywords: Yoga; Obesity; Sleep; Quality of Life; SelfEsteem; Randomized Controlled Trial

Mindfulness Practices for Chronic Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from both acute and chronic pain that severely affects their quality of life. Pain is largely managed with opioids, which have significant side effects including dependence, adverse mood effects, and potential for opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The 2020 American Society of Hematology guidelines for SCD suggests cognitive and behavioral pain management strategies (including mind-body interventions). However, there remains low certainty in the evidence of these modalities. We chose to pursue mindfulness-based interventions given their proven efficacy in other chronic pain syndromes and associated mental health disorders. Objective: The purpose of our pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of weekly group yoga therapy sessions conducted virtually via videoconferencing software in patients with sickle cell disease and chronic pain, defined as pain on more than 15 days per month for the last 6 months. Design: Twenty patients with SCD were recruited for weekly virtual group yoga therapy sessions, which incorporated aspects of mindfulness meditation and low impact movements synchronized with breathing exercises (see Table 1). Results: Twenty out of 22 patients (92%) approached for the study agreed to participate. The median age of participants was 35 (IQR 26-43), with the majority being female (n=13 out of 19, 68%). The baseline survey revealed participants had frequent Emergency Department visits (median 3, IQR 1.25-4) and hospitalizations (median 2, IQR 0-2) in the 6 months prior to the intervention. The study population exhibited high levels of pain catastrophizing (median PCS 40.5, IQR 27.25-52.5, 93%tile), anxiety (median GAD-7 18.5, IQR 10.25-21.5), and depression (median PHQ-9 17, IQR 13.25-22.5). On average, 15% of participants (range 2-32%) attended each session. Barriers to participation included technologic difficulties, time conflicts, and inability to contact participants. The participants who consistently attended the sessions had positive feedback. One participant stated, "It went well for me. Meditation was helpful...[and] the yoga helped with my knee." Another participant commented, "I liked having a community with the other patients." Conclusions and Future Directions: This pilot study was among the first of its kind to examine mindfulness practices for chronic pain in adults with SCD. While there was a high rate of agreement to participate in the study, indicating a willingness and receptiveness to the study intervention, the overall participation per session was low. The study population had high rates of health care utilization despite most participants being on chronic opioid therapy and disease modifying medications, which illustrates the need for additional therapeutic strategies. A striking aspect of the baseline survey was the high rates of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression, which directly impact chronic pain and thus require a holistic approach that includes mindfulness-based interventions. Our future research will draw upon lessons learned from the pilot study to address barriers to participation. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Effects of Yoga Intervention on Functional Movement Patterns and Mindfulness in Collegiate Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

High-quality movement patterns and high levels of mindfulness are thought to be beneficial in preventing sports injuries. Yoga is recommended in the field of athlete rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of yoga intervention on functional movement patterns and mindfulness in collegiate athletes. It is a quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test control design. The participants were divided into a yoga group and a control group. A Functional Movement Screen and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were used to assess participants' basic movement patterns and mindfulness before and after 12 weeks of yoga intervention (two classes per week, 90 min per class). The results show that the yoga group's FMS scores improved more compared to the control group [F(1,78) = 29.08, p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.27], and that the scores for the deep squat (ŋp2 = 0.4), shoulder mobility (ŋp2 = 0.17), and trunk stability pushup (ŋp2 = 0.36) improved substantially. The dysfunctional score ratio for deep squats (χ2 = 18.57, p < 0.001), shoulder mobility (χ2 = 26.90, p < 0.001), trunk stability pushup (χ2 = 17.07, p < 0.001), and rotatory stability (χ2= 38.29, p <0.001) decreased significantly compared with the control group, but there was no significant improvement in asymmetric movement patterns (χ2 = 0.75, p = 0.39). The mindfulness scores in the yoga group significantly exceeded those of the control group [F(1,78) = 13.56, p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.15]. These results suggest that yoga intervention can improve functional movement patterns and mindfulness levels, but further evidence is needed to determine whether yoga could positively influence sports injuries.

Abstract 13772: The Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison With Runners and Sedentary Individuals

Introduction: Yoga practice, a means of stress management, has been reported to optimize psychophysiological health; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine the cardiac autonomic reactivity in long-term yoga practitioners and compared that to runners and sedentary individuals. Hypothesis: The level of cardiac autonomic reactivity in yoga practitioners would be greater than that in the sedentary individuals but similar to that in the runners. Methods: Female individuals aged 20-50 years old with BMI 18.5-30 kg/m 2 were recruited. Participants in the yoga (or running) group regularly performed yoga (or running) for ≥ 90 minutes/week, for at least 2 years. Participants who did not regularly perform any type of physical activity were assigned to the sedentary group. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters (e.g., high frequency normalized unit (HFnu), the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), total power (TP) and standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN)) were recorded at rest, during and following psychological stress, which was elicited by the Stroop color-and-word test (SCWT) and the mental arithmetic task (MAT). Outcome variables in the 3 groups were compared at multiple phases using Group x Time mixed design ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc comparison. Results: Yoga group demonstrated a lower RR (10.4±2.1 bpm) as compared to the other 2 groups, and a lower HR (66.6±7.6 bpm) and diastolic BP (67.8±8.4 mmHg) at rest as compared to the sedentary group (all p<0.05). HFnu following mental stress returned to the baseline in yoga (35.7±16.0 vs. 43.5±20.5) and running groups (44.7±17.1 vs. 52.0±18.0), but not in the sedentary group (29.9±22.0 vs. 43.1±18.3, p< 0.05). Similar results were observed in RMSSD and TP, where the level of outcome variables at the recovery phase returned to baseline in the yoga and running group, but not in the sedentary group. Conclusions: Yoga practitioners may have a greater homeostatic capacity and autonomic resilience than do sedentary individuals. The level of autonomic reactivity in long-term yoga practitioners was similar to that in the runners.

Effectiveness Of Yoga Versus Exercise on Lipid Profile, BMI, And Blood Pressure Among Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus - A Community Based Randomised Control Trial

Context/Background: Lifestyle interventions have proven to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prevent the complications. Yoga is considered safe, simple to learn, and can be practiced even by ill, obese, elderly, or disabled persons at home. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of one year of yoga therapy on lipid profile, BMI, and blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in an Urban Health center, Belagavi from July 2018 to December 2019. Around 120 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized into “Yoga” and “Exercise” groups. Fasting lipid profile, BMI, and blood pressure were examined at baseline, six months, and after one year of intervention. Results: GEE model analysis showed that there were significant effects of Intervention × Time on Cholesterol (p=0.001), LDL (p=0.006) and VLDL (p=0.000). It was identified that the exercise intervention was found to decrease cholesterol and TG significantly more than the yoga group. Also, there was a significant reduction in BMI in both the exercise and yoga groups at the end of six months and one year (p=0.247). Conclusions: Yoga can be a complementary therapy for type 2 diabetes, along with medications and exercise.

Participation in a yoga intervention is associated with improved mental health among Latinx adolescents.

Latinx youth with mental health disorders have worse outcomes when compared to their White (non-Hispanic) counterparts. Latinx youth also have less access to and lower utilization of mental health services. Emerging research supports the psychological and physical benefits of engaging in yoga and yoga may function as a complimentary treatment option for patients with mental health challenges. However, research assessing the efficacy of yoga and mindfulness is particularly sparse among Latinx youth, who may particularly benefit from mind body awareness activities given barriers to more traditional health approaches. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of a 12-week Vinyasa flow-based yoga group intervention on anxiety, depression, empathy, and life satisfaction among adolescents receiving outpatient mental health treatment. Adolescents (n=186; 12-17years old) were recruited to an active intervention condition (Yoga); a subsequent group of participants (n=91) were recruited in the same manner to an assessment-only comparison control condition (Comparison). The Yoga group participated in culturally and developmentally tailored group yoga classes for 12weeks. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the main effect intervention response between participants in the two conditions. At the post-intervention assessment, after controlling for baseline levels of outcome variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, empathy, and life satisfaction), on average participants in the yoga condition reported: less depression symptoms (B=-1.54, p=0.008), less anxiety symptoms (B=-0.75, p=0.048), greater empathy (B=1.32, p=0.025) and greater life satisfaction (B=0.30, p=0.013) as compared to the Comparison condition. Yoga interventions can be an acceptable and feasible modality for promoting well-being and reducing mental health problems among Latinx youth.

The Effect of Yoga and Pilates Exercises on the Motor Ability of Female Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The present study aims to investigate the effect of yoga and Pilates exercises on the motor ability of female elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design along with a control group. The statistical population was all the female elderly of Yazd city in elderly care and welfare centers. For statistical sampling, by referring to elderly care and welfare centers, a list of elderly (over 60 years old) of Yazd city was prepared and those who were willing to participate in the study were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups of 12 people, including yoga, Pilates, and control groups. Measurement tools included a motor ability test. The yoga and Pilates groups performed 6-week interventions, the control group did not perform any exercise interventions during the study, and only pre-test and post-test were taken from this group.
 Results: The results of the LSD test showed that the motor ability variable in the post-test had the best performance in the Pilates group. The results of the correlated t-test showed that the two Pilates and yoga groups in the post-test showed better motor ability compared to the pre-test. However, in the control group, there was no significant change from pre-test to post-test.
 Conclusion: By examining these studies, it can be said that functional interventions will probably have a positive effect on the performance of fine movements of different groups, especially the elderly.

Designing a group yoga class for adults with aphasia: “From the minute you walk in… it is communicatively accessible”

ABSTRACT Background Participation in physical and recreational activities is recommended for the long-term health and well-being of adults post-stroke. Yoga is associated with a number of physical and psychosocial benefits for older adults, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression in the post-stroke population. Stroke survivors with aphasia, however, face many challenges when participating in recreational activities which rely heavily on language, such as a group yoga class, and to date, research in this area has been limited. Aims The aims of this study were to: 1) explore the barriers that may hinder group yoga class participation for adults with aphasia post-stroke; and 2) explore the facilitators that may support group yoga class participation for adults with aphasia post-stroke. Method The study used a qualitative description research approach, underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who had both experience with aphasia and experience or interest in yoga: four people with aphasia post-stroke, four allied health professionals, and four yoga instructors. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Triangulation, peer debriefing, and member checking were used to enhance the rigour of the investigation. Results The participants identified 54 barriers and 61 facilitators in relation to eight categories: yoga class development, information, venue and transportation, scheduling, registration, yoga staff and other students, yoga class composition and content, and communication during and after yoga classes. Conclusion Improving the accessibility of physical and recreational activities for people with aphasia post-stroke requires that communication barriers, in addition to any physical barriers, be addressed. The findings from the current investigation can be used to inform the future development of more communicatively accessible group yoga classes for adults with aphasia post-stroke. The results may also be relevant for informing the development of other physical and recreational group activities for people with aphasia.

Effect of Yoga on Dysmenorrhea in 6th Grade Elementary School Students at Rusunawa Health Center: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND: From 35 elementary school students in Marunda, 23 students (65.7%) had primary dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea can interfere with student learning activities and concentration. Interventions need to be given so that students can increase their productivity and learning achievement. AIM: This study aims to analyze the effect of yoga on dysmenorrhea in 6th grade elementary school students at Rusunawa Health Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a quasi-experimental approach with a non-equivalent control group design. The yoga group was given yoga practice for 3 months of the menstrual cycle. The sample consisted of 33 students in the yoga group and 33 students in the control group. Dysmenorrhea pain intensity was measured by Wong Baker Pain Rating Scale. Statistical tests used were Friedman test, Mann–Whitney test, and Ordinal Regression test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in pain duration and pain intensity of dysmenorrhea in the past 3 months in the yoga group (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in pain duration and pain intensity of dysmenorrhea between the yoga group and control group on the measurements in the 2nd month (p = 0.009; p < 0.001) and the 3rd month (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga had a significant effect in reducing the pain duration and pain intensity of dysmenorrhea in 6th grade elementary school students at Rusunawa Health Center. Midwives can educate elementary school students and young women in the working area of Rusunawa Health Center to use yoga as an alternative therapy to reduce dysmenorrhea.

Effect of breathing intervention in patients with COVID and healthcare workers.

BackgroundRegulated breathing facilitates ventilation and reduces breathlessness. However, the effect of Yogic breathing on patients with COVID remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two breathing protocols, i.e., short breathing technique (SBT) and long duration breathing technique (LBDT).MethodsThree groups including COVID-positive patients, COVID-recovered patients, and healthcare workers (HCWs) were included in the study and segregated into Yoga and control groups. SBT was administered to COVID-positive patients. Both SBT and LBDT were administered to COVID-recovered patients and HCWs. A total of 18 biochemical parameters, a 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a 1-min sit-stand test (1MSST) were assessed on 0th, 7th, and 15th days, where biochemical parameters were the primary outcome. Pre-post estimation of neuropsychological parameters (nine questionnaires) and heart rate variability (HRV) were carried out. The paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank test was applied for pre-post comparison and the Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney U test was used for group comparison. Repeated measures test was applied for data recorded at three time points.ResultsA significant elevation in white blood cell (WBC) count was observed in COVID-positive intervention (p < 0.001) and control groups (p = 0.003), indicating no role of intervention on change in WBC number. WBC count (p = 0.002) and D-dimer (p = 0.002) significantly decreased in the COVID-recovered intervention group. D-dimer was also reduced in HCWs practicing Yogic breathing as compared to controls (p = 0.01). D-dimer was the primary outcome, which remained below 0.50 μg/ml (a cutoff value to define severity) in the COVID-positive yoga group (CYG) and decreased in the COVID-recovered yoga group (RYG) and the HCW yoga group (HYG) after intervention. A 6-min walk test (6MWT) showed an increase in distance covered among the COVID-positive patients (p = 0.01) and HCWs (p = 0.002) after intervention. The high-frequency power (p = 0.01) was found to be reduced in the COVID-positive intervention group. No significant change in neuropsychological parameters was observed.ConclusionYogic breathing lowered D-dimer, which is helpful in reducing thrombosis and venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 besides lowering the chances of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia in vaccinated individuals. The breathing intervention improved exercise capacity in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Further studies can show if such breathing techniques can influence immunity-related genes, as reported recently in a study. We suggest that Yogic breathing may be considered an integrative approach for the management of patients with COVID.Trial registrationhttp://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php, identifier: CTRI/2020/10/028195.

Effect of Prenatal Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Cardio-Respiratory Synchronization: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The objective was to assess the effects of prenatal yoga on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardio-respiratory synchronization, used as proxies of autonomic nervous system activity. Sixty-nine healthy pregnant women were included; 33 in a yoga group attending at least one 90-min yoga class weekly throughout pregnancy, and 36 controls not involved in formal pregnancy exercise programs. Measurements of the time domain (SDNN, standard deviation of regular R-R intervals, and RMSSD, square root of mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals) and frequency domain (ln(LF/HF), natural logarithm of low-frequency to high-frequency power) HRV indices, as well as cardio-respiratory synchronization indexes were performed once per trimester before and after yoga or 30-min moderate-intensity walk. A statistical comparison was performed using a three-way analysis of the variance (p < 0.05 significant). Both the time domain and frequency domain HRV indices showed significant shifts towards parasympathetic dominance following yoga when compared to the controls throughout pregnancy (p = 0.002 for SDNN, p < 0.001 for RMSSD, and p = 0.006 for ln(LF/HF), respectively). There was a statistically non-significant trend towards higher synchronization between respiratory frequency and heart rate following yoga vs. controls (p = 0.057). Regular prenatal yoga was associated with enhanced parasympathetic activation persisting throughout pregnancy.

Trauma-informed yoga (online) for positive mental health: A pilot study

ObjectiveThis aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of an online trauma-informed yoga programme to increase positive mental health and reduce stress in the general population. DesignThis was a mixed-methods prospective intervention study with an active trauma informed yoga group and a wait-listed control group. MethodsThirty participants were recruited from an organisation based in the United Kingdom.The active intervention was a once weekly pre-recorded TIY video class (approximately one-hour) for 10 weeks. The control group were wait-listed. The primary outcome was a comparison between the active and control groups postintervention on the positive mental health scale. Secondary outcomes were the difference between groups over various related scales. ANCOVA was used in the analysis to respectively control for baseline levels of the outcomes. ResultsA non-significant increase in PMH (b = 2.44, p = 0.16), mindfulness (b = 6.35, p = 0.07) and resilience (b = 4.08, p = 0.15 and a significant increase in selfcompassion (b = 2.53, p = 0.04) were demonstrated, while perceived stress increased non-significantly (b = 1.51, p = 0.56) and empowerment was reduced non-significantly (b = −0.25, p = 0.29) for the active group compared with controls. ConclusionsConsistent trends over multiple outcomes demonstrated positive effects of TIY on PMH, mindfulness, resilience, and a significant improvement in self-compassion. Limitations of a small study include an increased risk of failing to reject the null hypothesis when it is false. A larger trial is warranted to demonstrate the effects of TIY more conclusively in positive mental health.

Effects of yoga practice on physiological distress, fatigue and QOL in patients affected by breast cancer undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.

Background and purposeIn this study we want to evaluate the efficacy of yoga practice on dysfunctional stress, inflammation and QOL in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.Patients and methodsPatients with stage 0 to III breast cancer were recruited before starting radiotherapy (XRT) and were randomly assigned to yoga group (YG) two times a week during XRT or control group (CG). Self-report measures of QOL, fatigue and sleep quality, and blood samples were collected at day 1 of treatment, day 15, end of treatment and 1, 3 and 6 months later. Cortisol blood level, IL6, IL10, IL1RA, TNFα and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio were analyzed as measures of dysfunctional stress and inflammation.ResultsPatients started XRT and yoga classes in October 2019. Due to COVID-19 pandemic we closed the enrollment in March 2020. We analysed 24 patients, 12 YG and 12 CG. The analysis of blood cortisol levels revealed an interaction (p = 0.04) between yoga practice and time, in particular YG had lower cortisol levels at the end of XRT respect to CG (p-adj = 0.02). The analysis of IL-1RA revealed an interaction effect (p = 0.04) suggesting differences between groups at some time points that post-hoc tests were not able to detect.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of yoga in a cancer population studying inflammation markers, cortisol trend and QOL during and until 6 months after XRT. This study suggests that yoga practice is able to reduce stress and inflammation levels over time. Besides including a larger number of patients to increase the power, future studies should consider other inflammatory or pro inflammatory factors and long-term yoga program to gain more evidence on yoga practice benefits.

Effectiveness of an Unsupervised Online Yoga Program on Pain and Function in People With Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Yoga is a mind-body exercise typically done in groups in person, but this delivery method can be inconvenient, inaccessible, and costly. Effective online programs may increase access to exercise for knee osteoarthritis. To evaluate the effectiveness of an unsupervised 12-week online yoga program. Two-group superiority randomized trial. (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620000012976). Community. 212 adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Both groups received online osteoarthritis information (control). The yoga group also received access to an unsupervised online yoga program delivered via prerecorded videos over 12 weeks (1 video per week, with each session to be performed 3 times per week), with optional continuation thereafter. Primary outcomes were changes in knee pain during walking (0 to 10 on a numerical rating scale) and physical function (0 to 68 on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) at 12 weeks (primary time point) and 24 weeks, analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models. Secondary outcomes were self-reported overall knee pain, stiffness, depression, anxiety, stress, global change, quality of life, self-efficacy, fear of movement, and balance confidence. Adverse events were also collected. A total of 195 (92%) and 189 (89%) participants provided 12- and 24-week primary outcomes, respectively. Compared with control at 12 weeks, yoga improved function (between-group mean difference in change, -4.0 [95% CI, -6.8 to -1.3]) but not knee pain during walking (between-group mean difference in change, -0.6 [CI, -1.2 to 0.1]), with more yoga participants than control participants achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for both outcomes. At 12 weeks, knee stiffness, quality of life, and arthritis self-efficacy improved more with yoga than the control intervention. Benefits were not maintained at 24 weeks. Adverse events were minor. Participants were unblinded. Compared with online education, an unsupervised online yoga program improved physical function but not knee pain at 12 weeks in people with knee osteoarthritis, although the improvement did not reach the MCID and was not sustained at 24 weeks. National Health and Medical Research Council and Centres of Research Excellence.

The effect of yoga on sexual function and body image in primiparous pregnant Women: A randomized controlled single-blind study

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to examine the effect of yoga practice during pregnancy on sexual function and body image. Study desingThis study was planned as a randomized controlled single-blind trial. The study was performed with 140 pregnant women randomized in a pregnancy outpatient clinic of a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, between March and September 2021. Two groups (A: yoga group and B: routine hospital care) were included in this study. The Personal Information Form, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Body Exposure During Sexual Activity Questionnaire (BESAQ) were used to collect the data. Clinical Trial ID: “NCT04764838″ ResultsThe groups were homogeneously distributed, except for age and income status. The mean score of the Female Sexual Function Index in the yoga group was significantly higher in the post-test (24.71 ± 3.48) compared to the pre-test (22.95 ± 4.14) (t:-3.142; p: 0.002). In the control group, there was no difference between the pre-test (24.82 ± 6.15) and post-test (25.79 ± 2.47) mean scores of the Female Sexual Function Index (t:-1.351; p: 0.181). There was no significant difference between the groups' pre-test and post-test mean BESAQ scores (Z = -0.670, p = 0.503; Z = -0.225, p = 0.822, respectively). No correlation was found between the pre-test and post-test scores of the FSFI and BESAQ (r = -0.105; p = 0.218; r = -0.099; p = 0.244). ConclusionYoga can have a positive effect on sexual function during pregnancy. However, the effect of yoga on body image during sexual function has not been observed. Midwives can direct pregnant women toward yoga practice to increase the positive effects on sexual function.

Effect of Practicing Meditation, Pranayama, and Yoga on the Mental Health of Female Undergraduate Medical Students: An Interventional Study

BackgroundMedical education is a rigorous formal education with a vast syllabus. Burnout and stresses are common among medical students and more prominent in females. Female medical students suffer from a higher level of stress than male medical students. For the improvement of physical and mental health, meditation, pranayama, and yoga are some of the ancient techniques. Meditation is a technique of focusing the mind on a target like an object, activity, or any thought. Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice focusing on the breath. Yoga is a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions that has the potential to improve mental and physical health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to find the effect of meditation, pranayama, and yoga on the improvement of mental health among female undergraduate medical students.Materials and methodsThis was an interventional study. A total of 105 females with a median age of 19 years (first quartile - third quartile: 18-20) first-year undergraduate medical students were recruited for this study. They were randomly allocated to control, meditation, pranayama, and yoga groups. The control group did not practice any form of meditation, pranayama, or yoga. The rest of the group practiced a designated program for their group, six days a week for 12 weeks. The anxiety, depression, anger, and sense of well-being were assessed by a validated self-administered questionnaire developed by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, New Delhi before starting the study, at six weeks, and at 12 weeks after the intervention. Inter-group levels of anxiety, depression, anger, and well-being were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s posthoc test. Intra-group parameters at baseline, at six weeks, and at 12 weeks after the intervention was tested by Friedman’s test.ResultThe age (years) (p = 0.07), height (cm) (p = 0.98), and weight (kg) (p = 0.26) of participants among groups were similar. Anxiety, depression, and anger significantly decreased after six weeks in all three intervention groups. A further decrement was seen after 12 weeks of meditation, pranayama, and yoga. The maximum effect was seen in the yoga group. A sense of well-being was improved after practicing all types of interventions. However, meditation was found to increase a sense of well-being to the highest level compared to pranayama and yoga.ConclusionIntroduction and sustainment of meditation, pranayama, and yoga programs for first-year female undergraduate medical students may help reduce anxiety, depression, and anger and promote a sense of well-being. Although a six-week program helps to improve mental health, a 12-week program helps in further improvement. A yoga program is more effective for improving the mental health of the students in comparison with pranayama and meditation.

Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Yoga in Stress Reduction and Sleep Quality Improvement among Chinese Female College Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

College students, particularly female students, often suffer from severe stress and poor sleep. Aromatherapy yoga has become a popular exercise in recent years and may help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, although empirical evidence is limited. We investigated the effectiveness of aromatherapy yoga intervention in reducing stress and improving sleep quality among Chinese female college students. A total of 89 participants—44 in the experimental group (aromatherapy yoga) and 45 in the control group (yoga)—with an average age of 19.88 ± 1.13 years, were enrolled in this quasi-experimental study. Interventions were performed in the respective groups once a week for 12 weeks, for 90 min each time. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U test (including effect size) were used to test the differences in stress reduction and sleep quality before and after the intervention. From the findings of the current research, both therapies did not help female students’ stress levels or sleep hygiene significantly. However, aromatherapy yoga has the potential to improve sleep disturbances experienced by female college students. Additionally, there was no difference in the amount of stress or the quality of sleep between the aromatherapy yoga groups and the regular yoga groups before and after therapy.

Prenatal Yoga Menurunkan Keluhan Nyeri Punggung Bawah pada Ibu Hamil

Globally, the prevalence of low back pain in pregnancy varies between 34-86%. Prenatal yoga increases flexibility, strength, and endurance of muscles such as the back, abdominal, and pelvic floor muscles. This study aims to determine the effect of prenatal yoga on reducing low back pain in pregnant women. This research method is quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test approach with a control group design. A total of 46 pregnant women (23 subjects in each group) who came consecutively and had passed the selection based on inclusion criteria (pregnant women aged 16-31 weeks, experiencing mild to moderate low back pain, willing to be research respondents) and exclusion (pregnant women) with complications, nausea vomiting pregnancy, spinal disorders, multiple pregnancies, taking pain medication, having medical restrictions on physical activity or exercise, and participating in other back pain therapies) were selected as study subjects. Research subjects in the intervention group received prenatal yoga once a week (60 minutes) for eight weeks with the same sequence, while the control group was given education and motivation for pregnancy exercise according to ANC standards using leaflets. Pain measurement using VAS performed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and paired t-test. The results of the study showed that there was a decrease in low back pain in the prenatal yoga group and the control group (p&lt;0.001). The average decrease in low back pain in the prenatal yoga group was higher (3.57mm) than in the control group (1.76mm). The study concludes that prenatal yoga is a complementary and alternative therapy that is safe and can prevent and reduce complaints of low back pain in pregnant women.