Yoga Therapists Research Articles

Yoga for Caregiving Dyads Experiencing Chronic Pain: Protocol Development for Merging Yoga and Self-Management to Develop Skills Intervention.

Context:Caregivers often provide unpaid care for family members and friends with physical disabilities, often to the detriment of their health and well-being. Caregivers often experience pain, and individuals with physical disabilities also are likely to experience pain. Merging yoga and self-management to Develop Skills Study (MY-Skills) is an intervention that merges self-management education with yoga for dyads experiencing chronic pain.Aim:This article presents the yoga protocol for the MY-Skills intervention.Methods:The yoga protocol was revised based on feedback from six caregiving dyads. The protocol focuses on reducing pain interference and supporting the caregiving dyad.Results:The final yoga protocol incorporated the following elements: Centering and mantra, prana vidya and pranayama, asanas, mudra, and guided savasana/dhyana.Conclusion:The MY-Skills yoga protocol was modified by a yoga therapist with feedback from study participants. Revisions focused on the caregiving dyad, with specific attention to reducing pain interference.

Bibliometric Profile and Density Visualizing Analysis of Yoga Intervention in Type 2 Diabetes: A 44 - Year Study on Global Scientific Research Output from 1975 to 2019.

The aim of the paper is to provide an in-depth evaluation of the research output of yoga intervention on type 2 diabetes mellitus from 1975 to 2019 using large-scale data analysis, bibliometric indicators, and density equalizing mapping. Data related to yoga-diabetic research, as search descriptors were retrieved using the Scopus database. The most common bibliometric indicators were annual research output, total citations, productive countries and leading authors, journals and institutions, and frequently cited articles. The number of global research articles retrieved for yoga-diabetic research over the study period 1975–2019 was 411. The growth rate of global publications in 2015–2019 is four times as high as in 1975–2003. The total number of citations for the retrieved articles was 7189, and the average number of citations per article was 23.82. Of these journals, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has published the highest number of papers, which accounts for 2.9% of total publications. This study showed a wide variety of journals in which yoga-diabetic articles are published; these bibliometric indicators provide useful information on performance assessment of productivity and quality of research output. Therefore, this study provides a helpful reference for endocrinologists, yoga therapists, policy decision-makers, and diabetes researchers.

A Layered Approach to Teaching Breathing in Dissection Lab

Introduction A search on the word “breathing” yields over 940 million Google results (2021). Nestor's Breath (2020) has garnered mainstream attention and curiosity. We propose that breathing (via intubation) in a layered fresh tissue dissection can create a more three dimensional understanding of breath when linked to experientials in a movement-based anatomy lab. Literature continues to look at the importance of dissection in tactile learning (Granger 2004). Topp (2014), noted a concern in medically oriented labs in that, “pattern and form are not immediately apparent...” Others have commented that the combination of movement and dissection lab helps to reinforce understanding and retention of concepts in medical school students (Vertel et al., 2020). Methods Review of current dissectors included Gray's Clinical Photographic Dissector (Loukas et al., 2018), Netter (2018) Thiele, Stecco (2015) as well as anatomical models, such as those created through plastination. In addition, the authors’ expertise in dissection and movement was the basis for a 2020 dissection with a group of yoga therapists and related movement and medical professionals. Steps for fresh tissue dissection: 1) tracheotomy was performed, tubing inserted, and lungs inflated with body in first preparation with pectoralis major, pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles reflected from the midline to lateral 2) ribs were clipped laterally and reflected from the level of clavicles. Lung inflation shown with the pericardial sac and relationship to ribcage and lungs 3) dissection continued in stages to highlight relationship with the diaphragm 4) discussion continued in breathing lab utilizing various props to demonstrate the role of the diaphragm in breathing, and yoga concepts to represent the movement of air into and out of the system. Reinforcing the idea of breath as shape-change in the cavities was emphasized, with the distinction of shape and volume change in the thoracic cavity, and shape but not volume change in the abdominal cavity (Kaminoff, Matthews, 2007). Results Relational movement was demonstrated at every level of dissection, from the lungs inflated pre-rib cutting, to lungs in situ with muscles and ribs reflected to highlight the relationship of the lungs, diaphragm and pericardium. The combination of a layered cadaver dissection of lung inflation with the addition of breath applications through movement lab was found to have a high rate of participant satisfaction in being able to more fully visualize human breathing. Video footage of both was documented for educational purposes. Typical survey reports included comments such as: “the demonstration changed my ideas about breathing. I can now visualize the connections in a way that book learning alone never accomplished.” Conclusion/Significance Creating a demonstration of breathing in situ at different levels of dissection puts this important function of human life in context for students of all levels, and effective learning of breath can be enhanced through applications like yoga breathing. Student learning in dissection lab, whether in person or virtually requires application to the living body. Context matters. Future investigations could test learning outcomes from the video footage (both dissection and movement labs) in this approach in repeated settings.

Belief of Indian Population on Traditional Yoga System During COVID-19 Crisis

Today, the world has suffering a lot from the various psychological disease due to current COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which has been considered as one of the greatest pandemics. Due to this situation the entire world is still suffering and till today the overall death caused by COVID pandemic is approx. 5.9 lacks with a total number of affected people Globally approx. 2.01 Crore. 1 Due to this pandemic the world is looking forward for such a medical assistance to ensure health. The medical researcher is involved in doing much research in order to discover a vaccine or medicine to prevent the infection. In the meantime, a few of the medical professionals from India are announcing that this is not a pandemic, it’s just a common flu or influenza and they are announcing openly that to prevent this disease, we have to alleviate our immunity against common cough and cold. With this alleviation of immunity one can prevent himself with these kinds of Corona Viruses. In the meantime, we the Yoga therapist is also gathering knowledge about this virus, perhaps we are not a medical professional, and we don’t have that much of understanding about the viruses, but still we have an idea that none of the Bacteria, Virus or Fungus can affect a person with higher immunity. This research has an orientation towards alleviating the immunity against Corona virus. It can be considered as pilot study. On the other hands, due to this COVID-19 Virus the world is suffering with Stress and anxiety, due to uncertainty of life, to know the perception of common population of Gautam Buddha Nagar towards the Yogic practices we had conducted a study during this pandemic, in which total 350 participants (Male and female) took part (165 professionals and 185 students) and collected the data regarding their perception about Yogic Practices. Under the umbrella of evidences, it can be stated that younger peoples have more belief and shown their interest in yogic Practices than Elderly people. The result has a significant difference at 0.01 level of confidence. Thus, the perception is true that Yoga has a potential to buffer the overall management of health and immunity of one who practice the Yogic techniques on a daily basis.

Transforming Care With Yoga Therapy.

Veronica Riera-Gilley partners with certified yoga therapist Angel Brownlee to discuss the adaptability of a yoga practice to an older person's unique movement needs as they progress through late-life to end-of-life. The authors discuss the benefits of and provide resources for yoga therapy.

Transforming Care With Yoga Therapy

Veronica Riera-Gilley partners with certified yoga therapist Angel Brownlee to discuss the adaptability of a yoga practice to an older person's unique movement needs as they progress through late-life to end-of-life. The authors discuss the benefits of and provide resources for yoga therapy.

Videoconferenced Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients and their Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report from a Clinician's Perspective.

Background:The acceptability of videoconferencing delivery of yoga interventions in the advanced cancer setting is relatively unexplored. The current report summarizes the challenges and solutions of the transition from an in-person (ie, face-to-face) to a videoconference intervention delivery approach in response to the Coronavirus Disease pandemic.Method:Participants included patient-family caregiver dyads who were enrolled in ongoing yoga trials and 2 certified yoga therapists who delivered the yoga sessions. We summarized their experiences using recordings of the yoga sessions and interventionists’ progress notes.Results:Out of 7 dyads participating in the parent trial, 1 declined the videoconferenced sessions. Participants were between the ages of 55 and 76 and mostly non-Hispanic White (83%). Patients were mainly male (83%), all had stage III or IV cancer and were undergoing radiotherapy. Caregivers were all female. Despite challenges in the areas of technology, location, and setting, instruction and personal connection, the overall acceptability was high among patients, caregivers, and instructors. Through this transition process, solutions to these challenges were found, which are described here.Conclusion:Although in-person interventions are favored by both the study participants and the interventionists, videoconference sessions were deemed acceptable. All participants had the benefit of a previous in-person experience, which was helpful and perhaps necessary for older and advanced cancer patients requiring practice modifications. In a remote setting, the assistance of caregivers seems particularly beneficial to ensure practice safety.ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03948100; NCT02481349

Tele-Yoga Therapy for Common Mental Health Disorders: Need for Assessment Tool and Guidelines.

Introduction:Tele-yoga is a cost-effective method of teaching yoga using cloud technology to relay from one source (trainer's venue) to multi-point video conferencing centers (participants' homes). However, there is a need to assess the tele-yoga trainer and the training itself to ensure safety and effectiveness.Materials and Methods:The Tele-Yoga Trainers Assessment (TYTA) tool was developed through (a) review of existing tools, (b) key informant interviews, and (c) validation by experts. It was tested for its feasibility in six persons with common mental disorders. A trained yoga therapist conducted tele-yoga therapy sessions which was webcast from NIMHANS Integrated Center for Yoga to NIMHANS Center for Well-Being for the first 15 days and to the respective homes of the participants using “Skype” in the remaining 15 days. Participants were assessed on (a) mental well-being, (b) satisfaction with overall health and were administered the (c) TYTA tool on the 1st, 15th, and 30th day.Results:The TYTA was easy to administer for assessing the performance of the yoga trainer. The qualitative case reports of individual participants depicted that over 30 days, mental well-being and satisfaction with overall health improved trainer's performance.Conclusion:Tele-yoga therapy is feasible with minimum technology and availability of good internet access at the relay and reception site. The trainer must be assessed for his/her suitability and be provided guidelines for achieving desired outcomes.

Yoga therapy DYADS: A novel approach to chronic pain management in underserved populations

Yoga therapy is an emerging integrative health approach that applies the practices and teachings of yoga for individuals with clinical concerns. It is generally offered as individual sessions between a yoga therapist and client or in a small group setting with several clients who share a clinical concern. Here we describe a third model for consideration- the yoga therapy dyad. A dyad includes two clients working simultaneously with a single yoga therapist and differs from both individual and small group sessions in the potential benefits and challenges. The yoga therapy dyad model that is detailed here was implemented as part of a feasibility trial along with group acupuncture therapy for chronic pain in an underserved population. Underserved populations are at risk for pain and reduced access to care. This pilot may inform future research, policy, education, and clinical practice.

Yoga to Reduce Leisure Constraints for Residents of Assisted Living Facilities

Residents of assisted living facilities face leisure constraints (barriers to leisure activities) at higher rates than their community-dwelling peers. Past research suggests yoga may be an effective intervention to decrease leisure constraints to physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an eight-week yoga intervention on the leisure constraints of residents of assisted living facilities. The study employed a convergent mixed methods design to assess the impact of a 50-minute group yoga intervention, offered twice a week for eight weeks by a Certified Yoga Therapist. The intervention was implemented at four different assisted living facilities in the Southeastern United States. Pre- and post-quantitative measures were collected to assess overall leisure constraints, limitations in functional fitness, and pain interference. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups post-yoga intervention to determine participants’ perspectives on changes in leisure constraints. A total of 15 participants completed the study. Data analysis revealed significant improvements in two of the four functional fitness measures: upper body endurance (measured by the Arm Curl Test), and trunk stability (measured by the Function in Sitting Test). No significant improvements were observed in pain interference, or overall leisure constraints. Qualitative results indicated participants used yoga to help engage in daily activities such as housework, sleeping, and walking. Additionally, participants reported using yoga to help manage pain. In this sample, yoga appears to be a promising intervention to help reduce specific leisure constraints such as a reduction in functional fitness. Additionally, yoga shows some promise as a pain management strategy, warranting further research.

Personalized Yoga Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Effect on Symptom Management and Quality of Life.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of personalized yoga therapy intervention in a private setting and its effect on quality of life (QOL), sleep quality, and symptom relief among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A single-group pre- and post-experimental study was conducted among 10 members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India between December 2017 and April 2018. At baseline and during follow-up, QOL, sleep quality, symptoms, and pain were assessed using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, MS Symptom Checklist, and visual analogue scale, respectively. The intervention comprised 12 private customized yoga sessions of 1 hour duration and three group sessions, all spread over 3-months. Patient feedback and direct observations by the yoga therapist we re documented at each session. Ten patients (seven female, three male, age 31-52 years) were enrolled in the yoga intervention; seven completed 8-12 sessions, and three completed fewer than 5 sessions. Therapist-to-patient ratio was 1:2. All domains except sexual function showed clinically significant improvement in QOL scores. Statistically significant improvement was found in social function (p = 0.014) and change in health status (p = 0.029) scores after the intervention. Although there was improvement in pain and sleep quality, these changes were not statistically significant. Patients reported improvement in symptoms with practice of yoga alongside lifestyle changes. The study supports the feasibility of this 3-month yoga intervention for patients with MS. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

Innovations in Care: Complementary and Integrative Health in the Veterans Health Administration Whole Health System.

Innovations in Care: Complementary and Integrative Health in the Veterans Health Administration Whole Health System.

The emerging healthcare professional: Certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT)

The emerging healthcare professional: Certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT)

Trauma‐Informed Educational Yoga Program for Teens as an Addiction Prevention Tool

Dysregulated trauma can propel people to abuse alcohol or drugs as medicine to feel balanced. People are not aware of what is happening in their body and may use substances as a way to dial down their overreactive sympathetic nervous systems. Since the advent of the Polyvagal Theory (founded by Porges), we now have a deeper understanding of the body's parasympathetic processes that contribute to freezing, disassociation, and mental collapse. These processes make it difficult, especially in early recovery, for people to communicate effectively and with self‐understanding. Yoga education taught by a trauma‐informed yoga therapist offers a process that can encourage the individual to participate more fully in helping the body heal and the nervous system regulate. We believe we can empower individuals, starting in the formative years, through education, tools of breath work, simple movement, and meditation practices. This is the essence of therapeutic yoga. Sex education is mandatory in most school systems, with an option to opt out. What if there were a mandatory education module taught in middle school for emotional self‐regulation and self‐empowerment? Trauma‐informed yoga education could help to mitigate the effects of trauma and may even lessen the likelihood of individuals developing addictions.

A mixed methods evaluation of an individualised yoga therapy intervention for rheumatoid arthritis: Pilot study

Objectivesto explore patients’ experiences of an individualised yoga therapy intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), specifically in terms of its acceptability and impact on patient-reported outcomes. DesignTen patients took part in a 16 week yoga therapy intervention in a hospital setting, consisting of 10 one-to-one consultations with a yoga therapist followed by two group review sessions. Changes in health (EQ-5D, HADS) were assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 12-month follow-up. In-depth interviews were conducted post-intervention and analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsAttendance of the 1-to-1 sessions was high (98 %) and all participants reported strong commitment to their personalised home practice. There were significant improvements in measures of depression, anxiety, pain, quality of life and general health at post-intervention and 12-months (p < 0.05). In interviews, all but one participant reported positive changes to their symptoms and several reported reductions in their medication and broader benefits such as improved sleep, mood and energy, enabling re-engagement with life. The personally tailored nature of the practice and perceived benefits were key motivational factors. Particular value was placed on the therapeutic function of the consultation and provision of tools to manage stress and build resilience. ConclusionThis yoga therapy intervention was positively received by patients with RA, with high levels of adherence to both the treatments and tailored home practice. The findings suggest that yoga therapy has potential as an adjunct therapy to improve RA symptoms, increase self-care behaviours and manage stress and negative affect such as anxiety. A larger multi-centre study is therefore warranted.

White Paper: Yoga Therapy and Pain—How Yoga Therapy Serves in Comprehensive Integrative Pain Management, and How It Can Do More

This paper examines the role of yoga therapy in comprehensive integrative pain management (CIPM). The pain crisis is described, and how yoga therapists can contribute to its solution is explained. Yoga therapy can be an essential component of the multidisciplinary undertaking that will be required to improve patient outcomes and alter the trajectory of the global public health crisis constituted by an epidemic of poorly understood and inadequately addressed pain. Additional context and evidence are presented to document the effectiveness of yoga therapy interventions to support people living with pain. The white paper concludes by listing recommendations to providers, consumers, payers, and legislators, who together can address systemic and structural barriers to CIPM, as well as suggestions for enabling the yoga therapy profession to more fully participate in these solutions.

A Narrative Review of Movement-Based Mind-Body Interventions: Effects of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong for Back Pain Patients.

This narrative literature review evaluated the effects of movement-based mind-body interventions (MMBIs; yoga, tai chi, and qigong) on low back pain. A search of databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Thirty-two articles met inclusion criteria and were included for this narrative review. Of the reviewed studies, the highest number focused on yoga intervention (n = 25), 4 focused on qigong, and 3 focused on tai chi in managing back pain. The selected articles showed MMBI to be effective for treatment of low back pain, reporting positive outcomes such as reduction in pain or psychological distress (eg, depression and anxiety), and improved functional ability. However, little is known about the effects of MMBI, in particular qigong and tai chi. More clinical trials are needed to determine how to reduce back pain, improve physical function, and minimize behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with low back pain. Nurse practitioners may introduce such mind-body interventions for managing pain, especially for patients at high risk for adverse effects from pharmacological treatment, and refer them to a yoga therapist, tai-chi instructor, or qigong instructor.

Integrating Yoga Therapy into Oncology Care

Imagine walking into a busy chemotherapy infusion center. Amidst the sound of pump alarms and nurses scurrying from one patient to another, you notice a yoga therapist leading a patient through gui...

Impact of audio assisted relaxation technique on stress, anxiety and milk output among postpartum mothers of hospitalized neonates: A randomized controlled trial

Despite evidence suggesting use of relaxation technique beneficial for all human beings, it is one of the less commonly used approach for postpartum mothers. AimTo assess the impact of relaxation technique on stress, anxiety and milk output among the postpartum mothers of hospitalized neonates in NICU. Materials and methodsIn a non-blinded randomized controlled trial with total enumeration sampling technique, screening of NICU admission was done daily based on inclusion criteria. From total 160 admissions over a period of 6 month, 74 postpartum mothers meet the inclusion criteria whose neonates were born preterm (26–33 weeks gestation) and admitted consecutively to the level-III NICU at AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi, India. Total 57 mothers agree to participate, they were enrolled and randomly assigned to experimental (n1 = 29) and control (n2 = 28) groups using a computer generated random allocation sequence. There were total seven dropouts with the final sample size of 25 in each group. Baseline data including socio-demographic profile, maternal stress and anxiety were collected using subject data sheet, standardized Parental Stress Scale (PSS): NICU and Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) on 4 ± 2 postpartum day. An audio assisted relaxation technique of 30 min duration, was developed under the guidance of yoga therapist, which included deep breathing (5 min), Suksham Vyayam (8 min), Anulom-Vilom (5 min), Brahmari (5 min), Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) (5 min), and deep breathing (2 min). The experimental group was administered audio assisted relaxation technique followed by every day practice for 10 days, while the control group continued to receive the routine care. The impact of the relaxation technique on stress, and anxiety of mothers along with milk output was assessed after 10 days of enrolment. ResultsBaseline characteristics and pre-intervention mean maternal stress (3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 3.8 ± 0.5, p = 0.34) and anxiety scores (31.12 ± 11.4 vs. 31.08 ± 12.0, p = 0.99) were comparable in both the groups. There was significant reduction observed in maternal stress (2.9 ± 0.5 vs. 3.6 ± 0.6) and anxiety scores (19.8 ± 6.7 vs. 28.18 ± 11.7, p ≤ 0.05) and improvement in milk output (69.2 ± 19.3 vs. 54.1 ± 22.5, p ≤ 0.05) in experimental group as compared to control group. ConclusionUse of relaxation technique may have significant role in reducing maternal stress and anxiety and improving the milk output.This trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2018/06/014471).

(382) Yoga Based Self-Management Program for Chronic Pain Patients: A Pilot Study

To determine whether a yoga based self-management program improves the overall self-rated pain, disability, anxiety and depression. A total of 28 patients with different chronic pain conditions were treated with yoga therapy for 6-weeks in addition to pharmacological treatment. All the participants were seen by trained yoga therapist once a week and given self-managed yoga schedule to follow at home twice a day for 15 Min's at least. Baseline levels for pain intensity, disability, anxiety and depression were recorded. After the 6-weeks patients were assessed again to measure the change. The primary outcome was self-rated pain measured through Visual Analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures related to pain disability assessed with Pain disability Index (PDI), anxiety and depression through Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Twenty-six patients completed the 6-weeks intervention period. One patient had significant improvement at 4-weeks of period and didn't want to change yoga schedule given, fearing any changes would make the pain worse again. One patient was moved out of city. Significant change was reported in self rated pain intensity (p