Yoga Styles Research Articles

Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on yoga instruction: Examining teaching methodology, class components, and injury patterns in the Northeastern US

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the perspectives of yoga instructors (YIs) regarding teaching methodology, class components, and yoga-related injuries among their clients DesignA cross-sectional design in this study. SettingA total of 407 YIs from Northeastern United States completed a customized, web-based survey. Main outcome measuresChi-square tests were carried out to determine changes in yoga teaching format before and during the pandemic, as well as the counts of yoga related injuries between face-to-face (FtoF) and online teaching format. Independent t tests were used to compare the characteristics of yoga teaching elements. ResultsDuring the pandemic, 47 % of YIs adopted online teaching, followed by a mixed (45.9 %) format and FtoF (7.1 %) instruction. Both online and FtoF classes showed similar trends, with most reporting class sizes of 4–6, followed by 7–9 and then 1–3 students. Regardless of the teaching format, most YIs performed sun salutations and practiced mixed yoga styles. Among the YIs teaching yoga online, 84.6 % expressed their willingness to continue offering online classes post-pandemic and perceived the quality of online yoga teaching as high. Importantly, the number of injuries was low, and there were no significant differences in injury counts between FtoF (3.6 %) and online (4.2 %) teaching formats (p > 0.05). The most common injury in all forms of teaching yoga was a sprain/strain (42.9 %). ConclusionsThese findings could inform the development of research studies to examine the long-term feasibility and effectiveness of delivering online yoga since short-term benefits, safety, and YI acceptance appear favorable.

Hatha yoga reduces momentary stress but does not impact diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase: A randomized controlled trial

Does the practice of yoga impact stress? Various studies have suggested that yoga may reduce both self-reported stress and stress biomarkers, but the evidence for such claims remains inconclusive, especially for yoga styles with a focus on physical postures. In a randomized controlled trial with 98 participants, we therefore examined whether an eight-week Hatha yoga intervention (60 min, 3×/week or more) led to reduced levels of diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and subjective momentary stress as compared to a waitlist control group. To ensure the concomitant assessment of self-report and biological measures in an ecologically valid setting, and to capture the diurnal profile of cortisol and alpha-amylase, we employed an ecological momentary assessment approach. Five times per day, participants reported their momentary stress levels on a visual analogue scale and collected saliva samples for the assessment of salivary biomarkers. The intervention led to a significant reduction of subjective momentary stress but there was no change in diurnal sCort or sAA levels. There are several potential explanations for these findings: The intervention may have helped participants to cope better with stress while leaving diurnal levels of stress biomarkers unaffected, or the change may at least not have been reflected in sCort and sAA. Alternatively, there may have been a self-report bias, insofar as a favorable disposition towards yoga may have led participants to report reductions in stress in order to indicate positive effects of the intervention. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of distinct yoga interventions, demonstrating their potential to serve as low-risk stress relief tools.

Yoga for Treatment-related Complications in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials

Background: Despite the advancements in oncology, the prevalence of treatment-related complications remains high throughout the course of cancer treatment. Extensive research has indicated that yoga can have a positive influence on both physical and mental energy, potentially alleviating the severity of these complications. Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the efficacy of yoga interventions in managing treatment-related complications among cancer patients Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, including Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, was conducted from 2000 to 2020. The search focused on randomized controlled trials that compared yoga interventions with other interventions for the management of cancer treatment-related complications. Female cancer patients participating in yoga interventions of any style and duration were included. The primary outcome measure of interest was the change in treatment-related complications from pre- to post-yoga intervention. Results: A total of 20 randomized controlled trials were identified, encompassing a sample size of 1349 cancer patients. These trials incorporated six different styles of yoga to manage treatment-related complications. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated significant short-term improvements in anxiety, depression, emotional function, and fatigue levels. Furthermore, regular practice of yoga exhibited positive impacts on cognition, pain management, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and shoulder strength improvement. Conclusion: The findings from the included studies strongly suggest that yoga, in its various forms, durations, and interventions, is equally effective in managing cancer treatment-related complications. Consequently, the integration of yoga into cancer treatment protocols has the potential to enhance the overall quality of life for patients with cancer.

Bibliometric Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients: A Decade in Review.

This literature review presents a bibliometric analysis of the randomized controlled trials conducted between 2014 and 2023 on the potential benefits of yoga as a complementary therapy for cancer patients. To conduct this analysis, we searched medical and scientific databases, such as Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed, using relevant keywords. Our search yielded 58 clinical trials involving 4,762 patients, which indicates a growing trend in this field of research. The studies we reviewed mainly focused on breast cancer patients and demonstrated the adaptability and versatility of yoga, offering a ray of hope and optimism. Among the various styles of yoga, Hatha yoga was the most frequently practiced style in these clinical trials. The analysis we conducted reveals that yoga interventions have a promising role in cancer care and can be a valuable complementary therapy for cancer patients. However, significant gaps and limitations still need to be addressed in this area of research. For instance, more rigorous and diverse investigations are needed to further establish the potential benefits of yoga interventions for cancer patients. Additionally, the standardization of yoga interventions is crucial to optimize therapeutic benefits. By addressing these gaps and limitations, we can further enhance the potential of yoga as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.

THE EFFECT OF YOGA ON SLEEP QUALITY AND INSOMNIA IN WOMEN WITH SLEEP PROBLEMS : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: With prevalence estimates ranging from 4% to over 20% of the adult population, insomnia is the most prevalent sleep complaint and a serious public health problem. Yoga has also been utilized therapeutically since it is thought that various styles of yoga might have distinct psychophysiological effects. Aims : This systematic review is to review the effect of yoga on sleep quality and insomnia in women with sleep problem. Methods: This study demonstrated compliance with all requirements by means of a comparison with the standards established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Thus, the specialists were able to guarantee that the research was as current as feasible. Publications released between 2014 and 2024 were considered for this search strategy. This was accomplished by utilizing a number of distinct online reference sites, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SagePub. It was determined that reviews, previously published works, and partially completed works would not be included. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 33 articles, whereas the results of our search on SAGEPUB brought up 416 articles, our search on SCIENCE DIRECT brought up 1107 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2014 yielded a total 26 articles for PubMed, 265 articles for SAGEPUB and 684 articles for SCIENCE DIRECT. In the end, we compiled a total of 7 papers, 4 of which came from PubMed, 1 of which came from SAGEPUB and 2 of which came from SCIENCE DIRECT. We included seven research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In summary, when compared to non-active control settings, yoga intervention can help women manage their sleep issues in either pregnant women, worker, or women with disease.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF YOGIC PRACTICES AT YOGA INSTITUTE AND YOGA STUDIOS

The purpose of the study was to find out the changing perspectives-practices-understanding of Yoga in the olden era and in the modern era. Yoga has become popular and commercialized so authentic practices of yoga become very much modified. Many yoga teachers have a wrong understanding about the concept of Yoga. The purpose of the study, 10 yoga institutes and studios of Pune city were randomly selected for observation. Their style of teaching Yoga and methods of classes. After observing 5 yoga institutes and studios respectively, it was observed that the many Yoga institutes teach traditional style of Yoga but Yoga studios teach modification in Yoga classes. Traditional way of practicing yoga is for example – Raja Yoga/Patanjal Yoga, Karma Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnyana Yoga, Nath Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga etc. and modern way of practicing Yoga - Hot yoga, Power yoga, Beer yoga, Wine yoga etc. so the real purpose of yoga is not fulfilled here by Yoga studios. There is a need to increase more awareness about traditional yoga. The experimental results show that the traditional methods are correct by giving them the right material of yoga and to make Yoga as a lifestyle.

No effects were found in favor of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises for improving cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, or quality of life: a systematic review with meta-analysis and metaregression.

To summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises on cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, and the overall quality of life in adults with cancer. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. The CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Embase, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus (via EBSCOhost) databases were searched from inception to 7th November 2022. Clinical trials evaluating cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, and the overall quality of life were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to check if the interventions reviewed were described in detail to be implemented in the clinical setting. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. Meta-regressions, sensitivity analyses, and subgroup meta-analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Eleven studies were included (N = 777 participants). Overall, Hatha, Iyengar, and the combination of both yoga styles did not improve any of the outcomes of interest. In addition, five studies had a high risk of bias, and six studies had some concerns about biases. Weaknesses in reporting modifications during the development of the study were observed (TIDieR item 10). The certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low across the outcomes. We could not make sound clinical recommendations with the current quality of the findings.

Importance of Yoga Postures in Sports

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how yoga can benefit an athlete's body and mind, both physically and mentally. Yoga has been practiced since ancient times. Finding a style of yoga that suits you can be overwhelming at first. If you are a competitive athlete, it is best to tailor your yoga sessions to your training schedule as a particular sport may develop certain muscle groups at the expense of others. Over time, this process creates imbalances in the muscles and joints, leading to frequent injuries. Yoga helps muscles, tendons and ligaments move through a full range of motion,developingbalanceandcorestrength which isahugeadvantageforathletesintheirchosen sports. Another essential element in yoga is breathing exercises (Pranayama). Focusing on breathing during yoga can be considered one of the most important benefits for athletes. Learning to stay focused and focused through uncomfortable postures, while also focusing on inhaling and exhaling, prepares the athlete to remain focused during a race or challenging workout. Yoga requires a mind-body connection to help athletes develop mental acuity and concentration. Additionally, yoga not only helps you relax tight muscles but also relaxes the anxious and highly stressed mind. Getting more rest will also help with athletic performance. Therefore, incorporating yoga into the training plan will enhance performance and protect the athlete from injury.

Role and Effects of Yoga on Sports Performance of Olympic Participants from the State of Haryana- A Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, how Yoga can benefit to the body and mind of a sportsperson. Yoga is the science of life and the art of living. Yoga arose in the age of the Vegas and upanishads.It is India's oldest scientific, perfect spiritual discipline. Yoga is a method of training the maind and developing. Overwhel ming at first to find a style of yoga,that resonates with you.you r a competitive sport man ,it is best to tailor your yoga practices of your training schedule because a particular sport can develop certain muscle groups while ignoring others.over time this process causes imbalances in the muscles and joints, leading to overuse injuries. Yoga helps the muscles, tendons,and ligaments move through a full rang of motion , thus cultivating balance and core strength which is a huge benefit to athletes in their choosen sports .Another essential element in yoga is breath work (preanayam). The attention to breath during yoga can be considered one of the most important benefits to players to stay focused and centered through uncomfortable poses by consenting on even in halations and exhalation sets-up the athletes to stay focused during a race or challenging workout .The mind and body connection in yoga is essential to helping sports men develop mental acuity and concentration. Yoga helps you to relax not just tight muscles., but also anxious and over stressed mind .Yoga develop immunity and resistance in human body and helps the between body and mind balance . You can be benefits in sports men performance . So by ending adding yoga to the training plan will anhance the performance and prevent injury to a sports person. Keywords : Yoga, balance, flexibility, focus, relax, sports person etc.

An Analytical Study of the Overall Effects of Yogic Exercises on Health and Performance of Sports Persons

In the contemporary world, Yoga and Yogic exercises have assumed a pivotal role in promoting a well-rounded and health-conscious lifestyle. Indeed, Yoga empowers individuals to lead lives imbued with meaning and robust health in the modern age. Rooted in a history spanning over 5000 years, Yoga transcends being merely an ancient tradition; it embodies a scientific approach replete with practical remedies for addressing a wide spectrum of unhealthy lifestyles. Recent years have witnessed the burgeoning popularity of Yoga as a subject of academic study, giving rise to numerous schools and vibrant yoga communities. While selecting a yoga style that resonates with one's preferences may appear daunting initially, it's imperative to acknowledge that Yoga stands as an ideal avenue for personal growth through physical and mental practices. Engaging in Yoga not only prepares us for the challenges we encounter in our daily lives but also resembles the preparation one undertakes for a competitive game. Many Yoga instructors underscore that in today's fast-paced world, Yogic exercises and techniques serve as invaluable assets for upholding a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, Yoga emerges as a potent instrument for fostering a profound connection between the mind and body, equipping individuals with the resilience to confront life's multifaceted challenges.

Yoga-based interventions may reduce anxiety symptoms in anxiety disorders and depression symptoms in depressive disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression

ObjectiveTo summarise the effect of mind–body exercises on anxiety and depression symptoms in adults with anxiety or depressive disorders.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.Data sourcesFive electronic databases were searched from...

Not All Yoga Styles Are the Same: An International Survey on Characteristics of Yoga Classes.

Objectives: Yoga is a multicomponent activity that has been associated with many health benefits. Different yoga styles contain different combinations and durations of components (e.g., postures, breathing, meditation, relaxation, and chanting). A better description and quantification of yoga components within different styles are important in understanding how different yoga styles contribute to health outcomes. This survey aims to understand the general characteristics and components taught in different yoga styles. Design: An online international survey was sent to yoga teachers (18+ years with >1 year teaching experience) using snowball recruitment. Survey questions included demographic and professional characteristics of participants, specialized yoga style, and details of components typically taught in the class. The analysis included descriptive statistics and a comparison between teachers of traditional versus exercise-based versus therapy styles using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Nine hundred and sixty-eight yoga teachers (76.8% female, mean age 43.8 ± 11.1 years) from 64 countries participated in the survey. When grouped according to primary yoga style taught, 70.6% of participants taught traditional (e.g., hatha or ashtanga), 18.4% exercise-based (e.g., vinyasa or power), and 11.0% therapy (e.g., restorative or gentle) styles. Nearly all teachers included physical postures, but breath techniques, chanting, and cleansing were included by significantly more traditional teachers (95.2%, 68.3%, 25.8%, respectively) compared with exercise-based (88.6%, 42.5%, 7.2%) and therapy teachers (93.0%, 43.0%, 10.0%). Variations were reported in the time allocated to each of these class components. Physical postures took up 50.0% of total class time for traditional styles, 60.9% for exercise-based, and 53.9% for therapy styles (p < 0.001). Conversely, breath techniques, meditation, relaxation, and chanting took significantly more of the class time for traditional and therapy compared with exercise-based styles. However, teachers from all styles regarded yoga poses, breathing, meditation, and relaxation as equally important in the yoga class. Conclusions: Exercise-based yoga styles unsurprisingly dedicate more time to physical postures and less time to nonphysical components than traditional and therapy yoga styles. However, all yoga teachers report valuing and including multiple components of yoga practice regardless of the primary style of teaching, which is reflective of the holistic nature of yoga practice. Further research into the benefits of the specific component combinations in different yoga styles is needed to better understand the full potential of yoga practice for health.

Effect of Yoga on Frailty in Older Adults : A Systematic Review.

Yoga, a multicomponent mind-body practice, improves several domains of physical and psychological health and may affect frailty in older adults. To evaluate the available trial evidence on the effect of yoga-based interventions on frailty in older adults. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central from their inception to 12 December 2022. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of yoga-based interventions, including at least 1 session of physical postures, on a validated frailty scale or single-item markers of frailty in adults aged 65 years or older. Two authors independently screened articles and extracted data; 1 author assessed risk of bias with review from a second author. Disagreements were resolved through consensus and as-needed input from a third author. Thirty-three studies (n = 2384 participants) were identified in varied populations, including community dwellers, nursing home residents, and those with chronic disease. Yoga styles were primarily based on Hatha yoga and most often included Iyengar or chair-based methods. Single-item frailty markers included measures of gait speed, handgrip strength, balance, lower-extremity strength and endurance, and multicomponent physical performance measures; no studies included a validated definition of frailty. When compared with education or inactive control, there was moderate-certainty evidence that yoga improved gait speed and lower-extremity strength and endurance, low-certainty evidence for balance and multicomponent physical function measures, and very low-certainty evidence for handgrip strength. Heterogeneity in study design and yoga style, small sample sizes, and reporting deficiencies leading to concerns for selection bias. Yoga may affect frailty markers that are associated with clinically meaningful outcomes in older adult populations but may not offer benefit over active interventions (for example, exercise). None. (PROSPERO: CRD42020130303).

The experience of yoga for persons with complex interpersonal trauma: A phenomenological approach

Backgroundand Purpose: Complex Interpersonal Trauma is a phenomenon with great impact on the American population. Persons who have survived complex interpersonal traumas can experience symptoms beyond what is captured in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual's (DSM-5) diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Yoga is an ancient practice that has been found to have healing benefit for persons impacted by complex interpersonal trauma. The purpose of this study is to further the body of clinical research in support of yoga as a therapeutic intervention. Materials and methodsThis study uses transcendental phenomenology methodology to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of yoga for those who have survived complex interpersonal trauma. Narrative interviews were used to gather data, yielding insight that aligns with current findings in literature supporting yoga as a healing intervention. The sample size for this study was five participants. ResultsThis study's findings shed light on the benefits of yoga for persons with complex interpersonal trauma. Themes discovered include transformation through yoga, comparing holistic benefits through opposing yoga styles, community and relationships, and trauma healing. ConclusionThis study and its findings offer implications for clinical social work practice to incorporate yoga as a therapeutic intervention for trauma.

Yoga Module Development and Validation: A Systematic Review with Methodological Guidelines.

In the past decades, more than fifty different yoga styles have been implemented in the therapeutic context to manage various diseases. Yet, not all of these yoga styles have been validated or standardized as a program. The aim of this article is to review the different methodologies used for yoga module development and to assess their quality. Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched using the following keywords and Boolean operators: (validation OR development OR design) AND (yoga OR mind-body) AND (module OR protocol OR program). Three thousand six hundred and seventy-one articles were enlisted, and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 articles were narrowed down for review. Since no checklist exists to assess the quality of yoga modules, the authors designed a 23-item checklist to categorize each having low, medium, or high quality. As per the yoga module quality checklist, only 21.6% of the studies had high quality, while 75.3% of the articles had medium quality and 8.11% had low quality. A commonly used development method was literature review, while for validation, experts' scoring of the Likert scale was the preferred means. The feasibility of the module was carried out only by half of the studies. Few diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and obesity had more than one yoga module developed. The findings of this systematic review have shed some light on the growing need for standardized methods of yoga module development. The 23-item checklist can guide researchers in the homogeneous development strategies when designing yoga interventions in the future.

Role of Yoga in Sports Injury

Yoga has been around for around 5,000 years. Yoga has spawned a slew of schools and organisations throughout the years. Finding a yoga style that connects with you can be intimidating as first. If you're a competitive athlete, it's best to match your yoga practise to your training programme because some sports focus on developing specific muscle groups while neglecting others. Over time, this process produces muscle and joint imbalances, resulting in overuse problems. Yoga allows the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to move through their full range of motion, promoting balance and core strength, which is beneficial to players in their chosen sports. "I'm delighted I found yoga and added it to my weekly workout programme," Heidi Resiert, a triathlete from San Diego, said. I'm not only feeling stronger, but I'm also more confident that I won't be hurt again." Breath work is another important aspect of yoga (pranayama). One of the most essential benefits for athletes is paying attention to their breath while doing yoga. Learning to stay focused and centred in painful poses by focusing on even inhalations and exhalations prepares the athlete for a race or a difficult workout. Yoga's mind-body connection is crucial for athletes to improve their mental clarity and attention. Yoga also aids in the relaxation of not only tense muscles, but also worried and agitated minds. Yoga is beneficial not only in the sagittal plane, but also in the frontal and transverse planes, ensuring complete growth. Being more calm will also help you perform better in sports. So, why not integrate yoga to your training regimen today to improve your gaming performance and prevent injury?

Yoga and mental health among Brazilian practitioners during COVID-19: An internet-based cross-sectional survey

This study aimed to describe yoga practice and verify its association with depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian practitioners. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted in all regions of Brazil using a snowball sampling strategy among yoga practitioners. A total of 860 participants (87% female, aged: 19–82 years) completed the survey. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle factors, yoga practice during the pandemic, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) scores were collected between July 9 and July 15, 2021. Overall, 9.5%, 9.3%, and 5.6% of participants exhibited some traits (mild to severe) of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Hatha yoga (48%) was the most commonly practiced yoga style. In the adjusted analysis, a higher yoga experience (> 5 years) was associated with better anxiety (odds ratio; bootstrap 95% confidence interval: 2.42; 1.32, 4.49) and stress status (1.80; 1.06, 3.00) than beginners (< 1 year). Practitioners who reported higher time and days of yoga practice during the study period were more likely to show normal levels of depression (odds ratio: 2.56–6.49; p ​< ​0.05), anxiety (odds ratio: 3.68–8.84; p ​< ​0.05), and stress (odds ratio: 2.15–5.21; p ​< ​0.05). Moreover, the maintenance of practice frequency during the pandemic was associated with higher odds of normal levels of depression (2.27; 1.39–3.79), anxiety (1.97; 1.25–3.10), and stress (1.97; 1.32–2.96). In conclusion, our findings indicated that a higher level of yoga practice was associated with better mental health levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Serum and gene expression profile of cytokines following combination of yoga training and vitamin D supplementation in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the effect of the combination of yoga training with high vitamin D dose supplementation on the expression and systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines and psychophysical status of breast cancer survivors.MethodsThirty volunteered breast cancer survivors (48 ± 8 years) were randomly allocated to a high dose (4000 IU) of vitamin D supplementation (HD) group (n = 10), yoga with a high dose of vitamin D (YHD) group (n = 10), and yoga with a low dose (2000 IU) of vitamin D (YLD) group (n = 10). Participants performed the Hatha yoga style for 12 weeks, twice a week. Blood samples, quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, and physical performance tests were taken before and after the intervention.ResultsBody fat percentage (ηp2 = 0.36), handgrip strength (ηp2 = 0.41) and QoL indicators include global health (ηp2 = 0.54), functional scales (ηp2 = 0.49), and symptoms scales (ηp2 = 0.50) were significantly improved in the both YHD and YLD groups compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). Also, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were markedly increased in the Y-HVD group compared to the Y-LVD and HVD groups. Moreover, there were significant decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels in the Y-HVD group after the intervention. The anti-inflammatory index (IL-10/TNF-α) was significantly increased in both the yoga groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionYoga promotes physical and psychological fitness and, in combination with a high dose of vitamin D, improves the cytokine profile, which can effectively manage the side effects associated with cancer.Trial registration IRCT20210726051993N2. Registration date: 2022/02/27. URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/62079

Acute mood and cardiovascular responses to moderate intensity vinyasa yoga, static yin yoga and aerobic exercise in people with depression and/or anxiety disorders: A 5-arm randomised controlled trial

IntroductionDue to the multi-composite, mind-body features of yoga, it is of interest to determine what effect exercise plays as a component of modern yoga in providing psychological and physiological health benefits, and whether benefits are enhanced with a combination of components. Furthermore, although the effects of regular, long-term yoga practice are well documented, the acute effects have received less empirical investigation. MethodA within-subjects, repeated measures randomised controlled crossover trial with five conditions was conducted (trial registration: ACTRN12620000983909). Participants (N = 41, mean age = 32 years) with Depressive and/or Anxiety Disorders completed 1) yin yoga, 2) aerobic exercise, 3) vinyasa yoga, 4) stretching (sham) control and 5) no-intervention control. Acute changes in mood and cardiovascular tone were assessed. ResultsA significant main effect of condition on mood was observed (N = 38; F4,127.193 = 7.507, p = <.001). Participants receiving yin, vinyasa, aerobic exercise and stretching achieved comparable improvements in mood symptoms compared to no-intervention control. Cardiovascular changes were observed for aerobic exercise and vinyasa yoga. No adverse events were reported. ConclusionsThe acute mood benefits of a single initial session of yoga are not significantly greater than those derived from other forms of movement. Moderate-intensity styles of yoga can provide a sufficient and equivalent acute cardiovascular exercise effect to that of traditional exercise options (i.e., cycling).

Greater Sun Salutation Frequency and Standing Time Predict Increased Rate of Perceived Exertion across Multiple Yoga Styles: A Cross-sectional Yoga Instructor Survey

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the relationship between yoga elements and characteristics across multiple yoga styles, including mixed yoga styles, and exertion levels estimated by yoga instructors (YIs) using the 10-point OMNI perceived exertion scale (RPE). <h3>Design</h3> We used a cross-sectional design. <h3>Setting</h3> YIs completed this web-based questionnaire on personal computers. <h3>Participants</h3> 375 YIs from the Northeastern US completed this study. <h3>Interventions</h3> Participants completed a customized, 57-item web-based survey that included questions regarding client exertion levels, yoga styles, practice elements, and other characteristics when teaching yoga. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> The independent variable was the average exertion level that YIs felt their participants experienced in a typical yoga class using a RPE scale. In our analyses this variable was collapsed into three categories: low intensity (1- 4), moderate intensity (5-7), and high intensity (8-9). <h3>Results</h3> Our response rate was 46%. YIs identified greater than eight different styles of yoga that they used in classes with 87% of them using more than one style of yoga/class. Elements of yoga were directly related to exertion level estimated by YIs: time spent in standing/class (rspearman = 0.36, p < 0.001), the frequency of sun salutations performed/class (rspearman = 0.27, p < 0.001) and time performing vinyasa/class (rspearman = 0.22, p = 0.001). We found that estimated RPE reported by YIs was inversely related (rspearman = -0.16, p = 0.004) to the non-performance of sun salutation. An ordinal logistic regression model that included the above variables revealed statistical significance: Χ-squared (4) = 29.411, p = 0.001. Only time spent in standing (p = 0.007) and frequency of performing sun salutation (p = 0.006) during a yoga class were significant predictors of estimated RPE. <h3>Conclusions</h3> If improved cardiorespiratory fitness is the client's goal and yoga is their exercise preference, our findings suggest that health care providers and clients should seek yoga classes, regardless of yoga style, where YIs spend greater time standing and perform a higher frequency of sun salutation sequences. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> There are no known conflicts of interest to declare by the authors.