Yoga Intervention Research Articles

Impact of Yoga as an Add-On Intervention on Neurocognitive Functions Among Adult Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Athletes are vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries and psychiatric conditions. Previous studies have reported the benefits of yoga on cognitive functions among healthy children, adults, and the elderly. This pilot study aimed to test the neurocognitive functions among athletes with/without yoga intervention. A non-randomized, two-armed parallel-group, single-blind comparative trial was used. The participants were grouped into (i) yoga with sports activity (YSA, n = 15) and (ii) sports activity alone (SA, n = 14). The subjects were assessed at the baseline and after a one-month intervention using digit span forward (DSF), digit span backward (DSB), Trail Making Test(TMT) A & B, and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT).A comprehensive one-hour yoga training three days a week for two months constitutes selected asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), relaxation techniques, and meditation techniques. The control group constitutes the routine sports activity for the same period. A paired sample t-test showed a significant improvement in cognitive performance on TMTA & B duration and RAVLT total score in the YSA group comparedwith the SA group. However, asignificant trend was observed for DSF, DSB, and RAVLT immediate recall. Independent sample t-test (pre-post change scores) showed no significant group difference in cognitive performance, except there was a significant trend observed related to DSF (p = 0.053) and RAVLT distraction (p = 0.09), where the yoga group showed better performance in cognitive functions. The results suggest that yoga may be integrated with sports to enhance neurocognitive functions.

Effects Of A Functional Fitness And Yoga Intervention On Cognitive And Balance Outcomes In Seniors

Effects Of A Functional Fitness And Yoga Intervention On Cognitive And Balance Outcomes In Seniors

Effect of Yoga on Quality of Life in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Randomized Control Trial.

Yoga is emerging as one of the holistic approaches to respiratory diseases. The scope of yoga is expanding in communicable diseases with physical, mental, and societal benefits. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of integrated yoga as an adjuvant therapy to the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) on assessing health-related Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). A randomized controlled trail study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study screened 826 PTB patients; 72 patients were found suitable and agreed to participate. The PTB patients were randomly assigned to either a yoga group (n = 36) or a control group (n = 36) using the sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope technique. The control group received standard-of-care treatment as per NTEP, and the yoga group practiced 45 min of integrated yoga for 8 weeks along with standard of care. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to collect the data at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. The results of within-group comparisons in both the groups showed that there was a significant improvement in physical (P < 0.01), psychological (P < 0.01), and social (P < 0.01), with P ≤ 0.05 being considered statistically significant except environmental domain. Between groups, analysis shows that in the preintervention, there was no difference between the yoga and control group as P > 0.05. After the yoga intervention, there was an enhancement in QoL scores with three domains except the environmental domain (P = 0.28). The study evidence supports the use of yoga as a complementary therapy for the NTEP in patients with PTB may improve their QoL.

From Inner Balance to Visual Health: Unraveling the Therapeutic Role of Yoga in Optic Neuropathy and Ocular Manifestations - Narrative Review.

The optic nerve comprises approximately 1.2 million axons of retinal ganglion cells and is vulnerable to degeneration due to a myriad of causes. While traditional treatments have been the cornerstone of ocular care, emerging evidence highlights the benefits of integrative approaches, which can be used as an adjunct in the management of optic neuropathy. Yoga is a mind-body energy medicine encompasses physical postures, breath control, and meditation. Currently, it has gained attention for its holistic effects on well-being, by promoting health, preventing onset of diseases, adjunct in disease management, and for its rehabilitative potential. In addition, the underlying mechanisms through which yoga exerts its therapeutic influence, evaluates clinical outcomes, and explores potential synergistic effects with conventional treatments remain largely unexplored. Neuroprotective mechanisms of yoga, such as enhancing retinal ganglion cell function, reducing oxidative stress, coupled with its ability to modulate inflammatory processes and improve circulation, contribute to its potential benefits in visual health. Analysis of clinical studies reveals promising outcomes, including improvements in visual acuity, visual fields, quality of life, and functional outcomes in individuals with optic neuropathy and ocular manifestations who undergo yoga intervention (especially dhyaan) with awareness of breath. Furthermore, the integration of yoga with conventional treatments and complementary modalities unveils the possibilities of multidisciplinary approaches in ocular care that need evaluation. By unraveling the role of yoga intervention in ocular health, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and paving the way for enhanced visual health outcomes. Embracing yoga as an adjunctive therapy may has the potential to revolutionize the management of optic neuropathy and ocular manifestations, offering individuals a holistic approach to optimize visual well-being, reduce comorbid depression and caregiver burden, and improve overall quality of life.

Effects of Yin Yoga on Burden and Self-Compassion in Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: A Pilot Study.

Informal caregivers of persons with dementia face tremendous challenges in balancing their own needs and those of the care recipient. The aim of the current pilot study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a Yin yoga intervention on caregiver burden and self-compassion. This study used a convenience sample (N = 5) with one group pre-survey/post-survey design. Participants were asked to complete a 60-minute Yin yoga intervention via Zoom three times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were performed on caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview Scale) and self-compassion (Neff Self-Compassion Scale). Results indicated that the intervention was feasible and acceptable with slight modifications, including (a) leveraging social networks to increase the scope of recruitment efforts nationally and increase the size and diversity of the sample, (b) adding an activity log to better understand adherence, and (c) offering more live yoga sessions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(6), 22-27.].

The Effect Of Yoga Exercise On Anxiety In Menopausal Women At Babakan Sari Sub-District, Bandung City

Introduction: Menopausal women experience various physical and psychological problems. One of the psychological problems that often arises is anxiety. Anxiety occurs because a decrease in estrogen causes a decrease in serotonin, a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the central nervous system, gut, blood, and humans. The impact of menopausal women's anxiety is a decrease in quality of life. One intervention that is easy and safe to do is yoga. Yoga exercise has movements that are relaxing so that it can be used to reduce anxiety. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of yoga exercises to reduce anxiety in menopausal women. Method: The research design used quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest. The population in this study were women aged &gt; 45 years. Samples were taken using purposive sampling. The inclusion criteria were women&gt;45 years who had experienced menopause. The exclusion criteria were menopausal women taking anti-anxiety drugs. The instrument is in the form of a Zung self-rating anxiety scale questionnaire sheet which consists of normal, mild anxiety, moderate anxiety, and severe anxiety. Results: It shows that in the pretest, the majority of respondents had mild anxiety 34 people (68%); in the posttest, the majority of respondents became normal, namely 32 people (64%). The results of the t-test showed p-value = 0.00, &lt; a = 0.05, so yoga interventions are proven to reduce anxiety in menopausal women. Discussion: Yoga exercises are effective in reducing anxiety because yoga exercises provide relaxation for postmenopausal women, with interventions given every 3 times a week for 3 weeks, increasing the effectiveness of yoga in reducing anxiety. Every movement in yoga has a relaxing effect, which if done continuously can reduce body tension and anxiety. Intervening 9 times for three consecutive weeks has been proven to reduce anxiety, initially mild to most normal. So yoga is proven to reduce anxiety in menopausal women. Every movement in yoga has a relaxing effect, which if done continuously can reduce body tension and anxiety. So yoga is proven to reduce depression in menopausal women. Conclusion: Yoga exercises are effective in reducing anxiety in menopausal women. Suggestions for other researchers are yoga interventions on the anxiety of chronic disease patients.

The Effect of Prenatal Gentle Yoga on the Anxiety Level Among Pregnant Women Trimester III in Facing Childbirth Phase

Anxiety and depression in pregnancy are disorders and are the second biggest cause of disease in 2020. Pregnancies with high levels of anxiety will affect the outcome of fetal neurological development which is related to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development until childhood. This research aims to identify the effect of prenatal gentle yoga on the anxiety level of pregnant women in the third trimester when facing childbirth at the Sifra Independent Practicing Midwife. This research uses a quasi-experimental research design with a control group pre-post test design. The experimental group's samples were 20 subjects, and the control group was 20 subjects. Purposive sampling technique. The results showed the experimental group’s average anxiety score before and after intervention with a p-value=0,000 (p-value&lt;0,05). This shows that there is a significant difference in the average anxiety score before and after being given prenatal gentle yoga intervention. The results of the study using the Independent-Sample T-Test showed that the average anxiety score after intervention in the experimental group was 8,35, while the average anxiety score after intervention in the control group was 23,05 with a mean difference of -14,700 and a p-value =0,000 (p-value&lt;0,05), shows a significant difference in the mean anxiety score after the intervention between the experimental group and the control group. The conclusion of the research is that prenatal gentle yoga has an effect on the anxiety level of pregnant women in the third trimester when facing childbirth.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Yoga, Naturopathy, and Conventional Medical Treatment in Managing Low Back Pain

Yoga, regarded as an art, science, and philosophy, encompasses various dimensions of human existence, including the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. Its potential for enhancing life's purpose and nobility is noteworthy. Patient expectations in the context of treatment outcomes, particularly for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies, remain inadequately explored. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three distinct interventions—Yoga, Naturopathy, and Conventional medical management—in alleviating pain, reducing disability, enhancing spinal mobility, and improving the quality of life in individuals with low back pain. Ninety participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly divided into three groups. The first group (group 1) received Yoga intervention, the second group (group 2) received Naturopathy treatments, and the third group served as the control (conventional medications). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Flexion Test-Finger to Floor Test (FTFT) results, and Quality of Life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and after a 10-day intervention period for all groups. Overall comparisons between the groups, utilizing ANOVA, revealed marked differences in pain severity, disability index, daily functional capacity, and Quality of Life (QoL) improvements following respective interventions. Substantial improvements were also noted within the yoga and naturopathic medicine groups across multiple variables.

Yoga Programme for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention (YOGA-DP): A Qualitative Study Exploring the Trial Team's Facilitators and Challenges in Conducting a Feasibility Trial in India.

In India, around 77 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Yoga interventions can be effective in preventing T2DM. We conducted a feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) in India, and the intervention was the Yoga Programme for T2DM Prevention (YOGA-DP). This study aimed to identify and explore the facilitators and challenges in conducting the feasibility trial in India, and more specifically, to explore the perceptions and experiences of trial staff in relation to running the feasibility trial and Yoga instructors in relation to delivering the intervention. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at two trial sites in India (Yoga centers in New Delhi and Bengaluru). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants (six trial staff and four Yoga instructors) to explore their perceptions and experiences related to the study's aim. Data were analyzed using deductive as well as inductive logic and an interpretative phenomenological approach. Feasibility-trial-related facilitators were useful participant recruitment strategies and help and support received from the trial coordination center. Intervention-related facilitators were strengths of the intervention content, structure, and delivery (including materials) and competencies of Yoga instructors. Feasibility-trial-related challenges were lack of awareness about T2DM among potential participants, stigma and fear associated with T2DM among potential participants, difficulties in explaining the research and obtaining written informed consent from potential participants, expectations and demands of potential participants and control-group participants, gender and language issues in participant recruitment, other participant recruitment-related challenges, issues in participant follow-up, and issues in data collection and trial documentation. Intervention-related challenges were the limited interest of participants in Yoga, participants' time constraints on practicing Yoga, participants' health issues hindered Yoga practice, beginners' difficulties with practicing Yoga, participants' demotivation to practice Yoga at home, issues with the Yoga practice venue, confusion regarding the intervention structure, issues with intervention materials, and the incompetence of Yoga instructors. The perceptions and experiences of trial staff and Yoga instructors helped us to understand the facilitators and challenges in running a feasibility trial and delivering the intervention for T2DM prevention, respectively. These findings and their suggestions will be used when designing the definitive RCT for evaluating YOGA-DP's effectiveness, and may be helpful to researchers planning similar trials. India (CTRI) CTRI/2019/05/018893.

Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Drakshadi Avaleh and Yoga Intervention Program in Management of Tamaka Shwasa w. s. r to Childhood Asthma

Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Drakshadi Avaleh and Yoga Intervention Program in Management of Tamaka Shwasa w. s. r to Childhood Asthma

Can yoga show better vascular outcomes than regular exercise among office workers: a scoping review

Background: Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) in the elderly is mostly brought on by arterial stiffness with ageing, which results in a lack of vascular compliance. The main cardiovascular (CV) hazards for elderly persons are arterial ageing and high blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study was to investigate if endothelial function in young, middle-aged, and older, healthy persons would be improved by Bikram yoga, a heated form of hatha yoga. Methods: Randomised control trials on yoga, vascular function, exercise, and office employees were used in the study, which was done in four databases (Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, and Science Direct). Results: 3 of 103 articles were included. We identified improvement of vascular function, FMD and arterial stiffness using yoga intervention. While exercise does not significantly affect ventricular function, yoga significantly reduces heart rate (p = 0.031) and increases pulse pressure (PD). Yoga also results in a mean increase in left ventricular ejection time (LVET), which was observed in the yoga group. The improvement in myocardial function was more pronounced in the yoga group than in the exercise group, according to the between-group analysis, which revealed a significant difference in post-intervention rate-pressure product (RPP) between the yoga and exercise groups. With a P value of 0.004, the mean% Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was significantly lower, demonstrating that yoga was effective in lowering MAP. However, older adults, but not younger ones, experienced a significant increase in brachial artery FMD (Flow Mediated Dilation) following the intervention. Conclusions: Yoga interventions may improve vascular function, arterial stiffness, flow-mediated dilation, heart rate, RRP and MAP, with older adults experiencing a significant increase in brachial artery FMD, suggesting the effectiveness of yoga in improving myocardial function and lowering MAP, particularly in older adults.

Effects of exergaming and yoga on exercise capacity, symptoms, functional capacity, and physical and mental health in patients with heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swedish National Science Council and The Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation Background Many people with chronic heart failure have a sedentary lifestyle. Alternative forms of physical activity might be beneficial, and should be considered, especially for patients with heart failure who are less inclined to start programs using traditional modes of exercise. Exergaming and yoga are promising interventions for improving functional capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with heart failure. Objective To explore effects of exergaming at home and medical yoga in a group on functional capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with heart failure. Methods This is a sub-study within a larger randomized controlled trial (the HF-Wii trial) with a three-months intervention and outcomes measures at baseline, three, six, and twelve months. Study particpants were recruited from nurse-led heart failure clinics at two university hospitals in Sweden. Randomization was in a 1:1:1 ratio to either an exergame intervention, a medical yoga intervention, or an active control group. Exercise capacity was assesed using the six-minute walk test. Symptoms (shortness of breath and fatigue) were assessed with a numeric rating scale ranging from 0-10. Well-being was assessed with Cantril’s ladder of life. Health-related quality of life was examined by the Minnesota Living with Heart failure Questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured with the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Treatment effects in change of outcomes were tested in an analysis of mixed-effects models with repeated measures. Change in outcomes was the dependent variable. The independent fixed-effect parameters were treatment group, time, and the interaction between treatment group and time. Results In total, 104 patients (37% women, mean age 71±12, 48% in New York Heart Association Class II and 42% in III) were randomized to exergaming (n=35), medical yoga (n=33), or an active control group (n=36). No statistically significant differences were found between these three groups on any of the outcome measures. Exergaming improved exercise capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, and physical health-related quality of life (all p&amp;lt; 0.05) and medical yoga improved symptoms of fatigue and emotional health-related quality of life. The control group did not change on the exercise capacity, symptoms, health-related quality of life, or depressive or anxiety symptoms. The well-being score in patients in the control group significantly decreased at three months (p = 0.047). Conclusions This randomized sub-study showed that both exergaming and medical yoga had favorable effects on outcomes, with exergaming, with its higher physical intensity, having effects on physical health and with medical yoga being a mind-body intervention with effects on emotional well-being.

Study protocol for the Mindful Moms Study: A randomized controlled trial evaluating a mindful movement intervention for marginalized pregnant people experiencing depression

More than 1 in 5 pregnant people in the United States experience depressive symptoms. Although treatments exist, many people remain under- or un-treated due to concerns about stigma, side effects, and costs of medications or psychotherapy, particularly those who are marginalized (defined as those who are minoritized, low-income, or with low-educational attainment). Further, the standard depression treatments do not address social connectedness, which is a potentially modifiable factor involved in depressive symptom etiology. This protocol presents the rationale, design, and status of the two-arm longitudinal parallel group randomized controlled trial – the Mindful Moms Study – which aims to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of a group-based mindful physical activity (yoga) intervention in marginalized pregnant people with depressive symptoms (n = 200) compared to a prenatal education control group. The primary aim is to evaluate effects of group assignment on depressive symptom severity, anxiety, and perceived stress over time from baseline to six weeks postpartum. Secondary aims include understanding the role of social connectedness as a moderator of the effects and to identify genome-wide DNA methylation patterns associated with depressive symptoms and perceived social connectedness at postpartum. A focus on adequate symptom management through non-pharmacologic, accessible therapies that address social connectedness during pregnancy in marginalized women is an urgent clinical and research priority. The successful completion of this study will provide important insights into social connectedness as a mechanism to decrease depressive symptoms in a largely understudied population.Trial registration: NCT04886856.

A Comparative Clinical Study of the Effect of Yoga, Music, and Yoga with Music on Anxiety During Pregnancy

Purpose-stress, anxiety of mother can lead to adverse effects for the expectant mother and the unborn child. The present study investigates whether interventions like yoga,pranayama and classical music can improve anxiety,maternal as well as fetal well-being.&#x0D; Methods- A total of 201 pregnant women took part in this comparative clinical study Symptoms of anxiety were assessed by Hamilton anxiety scale&#x0D; and questionnaires before the intervention phase (from 18-20th weeks of pregnancy) and afterwards (up to labour). Additionally, immediate changes regarding experienced stress and mood from before until after the interventions were explored with questionnaires.&#x0D; Results- Regarding immediate effects, both interventions showed positive effects on the emotional state, symptoms of anxiety). Additionally, the singing group showed a larger reduction in cortisol and a larger improvement in valence than the music group. Looking at more prolonged effects, significant effects on general self-efficacy and perceived closeness to the unborn child were found.&#x0D; Conclusion -In the present study, promising effects of yoga with music and in particular depressive symptoms and on maternal well-being and perceived closeness during pregnancy appeared. Prenatal yoga and music interventions could be an easy to implement and effective addition to improve mood and well-being of the expectant mother and support mother-infant bonding.

Management of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms by yoga: an overview

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after trauma. While PTSD management strategies include first-line pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, mind–body therapies, such as yoga, are applied in the PTSD population. This overview aimed to summarize the effectiveness of yoga interventions on PTSD symptoms in adults in a systematic review (SR) including randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodWe searched for SR with or without meta-analysis of RCTs involving adults with PTSD diagnosis or trauma history. The search was conducted until April 2022, through six databases (Cochrane Database, MEDLINE (Pubmed), Scopus, Embase, CINHAL and PEDro). The primary outcome was the evolution of PTSD symptoms throughout the intervention. Secondary outcomes included follow-up, safety, adherence, and cost of the intervention. Two authors independently performed the selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment with the AMSTAR 2 tool and overlap calculation. This overview is a qualitative summary of the results obtained in the selected studies.ResultsEleven SRs were analyzed, of which 8 included meta-analyses. The overlap between studies was considered very high (corrected covered area of 21%). Fifty-nine RCTs involving 4434 participants were included. Yoga had a significant small-to-moderate effect-size on PTSD symptom decrease in 7 SRs and non-significant effects in 1 SR with meta-analysis. All SR without meta-analysis found beneficial effects of yoga on PTSD. Secondary outcomes were not sufficiently assessed to provide clear evidence. Results should be interpreted with caution as 1 SR was rated as at moderate risk of bias, 3 as low and 7 as critically low.ConclusionsWhile yoga therapy seems promising for decreasing PTSD symptoms, future research should standardize yoga therapy duration/frequency/type and consider long-term efficacy to better delineate yoga therapy efficacy in PTSD patients.

Exploring Yoga Behaviors among College Students Based on the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change.

During college years, perceived stress is the top reported hindrance to well-being and academic success. Data on the acceptance and perceived benefits of yoga among college students are limited. A purposive sample of college students (n = 79) from a course centered on Vinyasa Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation were recruited. Comprehensive yoga journaling data were collected, and a directed content analysis along the constructs of the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change was utilized. The advantages of yoga that emerged were improved physical performance, reduced perceived stress, acceptance of oneself, better well-being, and improved coping. The identified disadvantages were time commitment, lack of motivation, and other competing interests. Learning through small steps, modifications, and identifying multiple sources of confidence helped build behavioral confidence. Practicing at home or at a yoga studio was a common theme for support in the physical environment. Directing negative emotions into purposes was helpful in maintaining the yoga practice. Sustained commitment to the practice also helped maintain the regular performance of yoga. Finally, social support from family, friends, and instructors was vital for continued practice. The study has important ramifications for the development of survey tools for descriptive studies and designing behavior-change yoga interventions in this target population.

Yoga in the neonatal intensive care unit for parents (YIN): Evaluating the acceptability of an online intervention for parents of sick and preterm infants

ObjectiveTo explore parent and staff attitudes towards yoga for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents as a stress reduction intervention and determine the acceptability of an online yoga curriculum. MethodsA 13-item survey regarding attitudes about yoga as a stress reduction intervention for NICU parents was emailed to clinical and non-clinical staff at two level IV NICUs. Another 40-item survey was distributed to parents via linked QR code in both units. Results were used to determine acceptability of a 6-week online yoga curriculum for NICU parents. Results54 parent and 140 staff surveys were completed between Jan 2021–Mar 2022. Many NICU parents self-reported stress (n = 40, 74%) and anxiety (n = 35, 64%). Thirty-seven (68%) parents had practiced yoga and 13% used yoga as a coping strategy. A total of 114 (81%) staff members practiced yoga and thought yoga decreased stress (n = 125, 89%) and anxiety (n = 100, 71%). Most responders (97%) with any experience with yoga supported a yoga intervention for parents. 71% of parents supported online classes. Identified barriers from staff included liability (n = 28, 20%), cost (n = 30, 21%) and safety (n = 44, 31%). Parents cited stress (n = 1,17%), lack of time (n = 2, 33%) and inexperience (n = 1,17%) as barriers. ConclusionOnline yoga classes may be an innovative approach to address parental stress and anxiety during NICU hospitalization. ImplicationMany parents of critically ill infants in the NICU suffer from stress and anxiety. This study suggests that an online yoga curriculum for NICU parents is acceptable to parents and hospital staff and may provide an innovative non-pharmacologic approach to address parent stress and anxiety.

A microintensive research study: The impact of yoga on posture, breathing, and psychosocial variables in young adults with cerebral palsy

Abstract The objective of the study was to demonstrate physical and psychosocial impact of yoga on adults with cerebral palsy (CP). This study was a pre–post intervention study involving 12 adults with CP selected with purposive sampling method. The participants received individualized interventions planned by a special yoga specialist for 10 months. Along with the Yoga intervention they underwent traditional physiotherapy sessions on a once-a-week basis. The participants were evaluated on the following parameters: breathing capacity, posture and physical measurements, and psychological impact. Breathing capacity was assessed using the calibrated spirometer where the maximum volume of air inspired was measured. Chest expansion measurements at rest and full inspiration were recorded at apex of axilla and at xiphoid process. The length of time of Om chanting was recorded in seconds. Physical assessments were done by measuring height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and girth of arm and thighs and a postural assessment against a postural grid. The psychosocial impact was measured using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 items (DASS-21). There was no significant effect on BMI (P = 0.404; paired t test). There was significant improvement in the vital capacity (P = 0.04; paired t test) three ball spirometer (P = 0.003; paired t test), Om chanting (P = 0.0001; paired t test), and chest expansion at axilla and xiphoid process (P = 0.0004 and 0.002, respectively; paired t test). DASS-21 scores also showed significant differences (anxiety, P = 0.02; stress, P = 0.07; and depression, P = 0.06). It can, therefore, be concluded that yoga intervention does not impact the physical parameters of young adults with CP. It shows a positive impact on the vital capacity parameters and it also has a positive psychological impact.

Yoga for proprioception: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Proprioception is an important and effective measure for neuromuscular function training. Researchers primarily use the joint position sense (JPS) to assess proprioception. The study’s aim was to conduct a systematic review of the research on yoga for improving proprioception, with the objective of providing a systematic review for the various bodies’ JPSs. Relevant articles were found using the keywords “Yoga AND Proprioception” and “Yoga AND Joint Position Sense (JPS)” in major databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, EMBASE, and the Cochran Library. The peer-reviewed English language articles published between January 2011 and December 2021 were included in the study. Individually, the rated study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. The possible scores ranged from 0 to 27. Where possible, the effect size was calculated in the article. Three of the 60 identified studies met the inclusion criteria: one randomized controlled trial and two quasi-experimental studies. All three studies discovered a positive improvement in JPS. The current research has shown that yogic intervention may have a positive effect on proprioception, but research is limited. The number of studies was small, and more research on specific poses for improving proprioception is needed.

Effect of yogic practices in the management of fibromyalgia: A review

ABSTRACT Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep irregularities, and tenderness of joints and muscles due to dysregulation of neurophysiological functions. It is more common in women compared to men. Till now, there is no specific treatment available for FM. The review aimed to review the literature on the effect of yogic practices on FM. The search was done in the following databases: Google Scholar and PubMed. The articles were searched using the keywords, FM, FM syndrome, Yoga, Pranayama, Yogic practices, and alternative therapy, without date restrictions which yielded 28 results, and eight articles were included in the final review. A review of the included articles showed the significant role of yogic practices in managing symptoms of FM, including stiffness, pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and depression. The yogic interventions such as asanas, Surya Namaskar, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, and mindfulness meditation of specific duration were helpful in relieving the symptoms of FM. Yogic practices are helpful in the management of FM symptoms. Future randomized controlled trials contrasting various forms of yoga or exercise, however, will enable the identification of the most efficient treatments for FM and allow for more precise targeting of the patients who will benefit most from them.