Yoga Intervention Research Articles

Effect of adjuvant yoga therapy for asthma control: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic respiratory disease with symptoms of attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, & tightness in the chest. Even with pre-existing treatment exacerbations go uncontrolled. ObjectiveThis study compared asthma control in yoga intervention versus non-yoga intervention group using Asthma Control Test. MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, participants were allocated into two groups in 1:1 ratio - yoga intervention versus non-yoga intervention. Only outcome assessor was blinded. Sample size of 200 was calculated. Individuals between 18 and 60 years of age, diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma with no exacerbation in past one month were screened and enrolled. Per-protocol analysis was done to assess the outcomes of Asthma Control Test and expenditure.(CTRI/2020/02/023534) ResultsA total of 192 participants enrolled, 165 completed this study who were considered for final analysis. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between yoga and non-yoga exercise group at 13 weeks. Expenses were more in non-yoga exercise group. ConclusionOur findings confirm that yoga exercise with routine medical care reduces exacerbations and improves asthma control.

Systematic review protocol of yoga therapy as a modality in occupational therapy practice for adults experiencing mood disorders

IntroductionMood disorders can have a negative impact on daily functioning because cognitive deficits are exacerbated when individuals experience associated symptoms. Nevertheless, yoga therapy has been found to have enhancing features...

Fostering a Peaceful Tomorrow - Investigating the Impact of Yoga on Exam Stress in Higher Secondary Level Students of Meerut District

This research endeavors to explore the impact of yoga on exam stress among higher secondary level students in Meerut District, with the overarching goal of contributing to a more peaceful tomorrow. The study holds significance in its dual focus: identifying various training schedules suitable for school students and evaluating stress levels experienced by secondary school students. The research design encompasses a total of 20 girls and 20 boys from higher secondary schools in Meerut District, establishing a controlled environment for in-depth analysis. Among these participants, 10 girls and 10 boys have been deliberately assigned to both control and experimental groups. The investigation aims to ascertain the efficacy of yoga interventions in mitigating exam-related stress, with potential implications for educational practices and policies. By assessing stress levels and introducing tailored yoga interventions, the study aspires to contribute valuable insights that can positively impact the mental well-being and academic performance of higher secondary-level students. This research serves as a stepping stone toward fostering a more serene educational environment, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of a peaceful tomorrow.

Evaluating the Impact of a 12-Week Yoga Intervention on Cardiac Autonomic Function and Blood Pressure in Young Indian Adults with Primary Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background. Hypertension is a significant health concern in India, particularly among young adults. High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart disease. One potential approach to managing hypertension is through non-pharmacological interventions, such as Yoga. Purpose. This randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week yoga intervention on cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure in young Indian adults with hypertension. Methods. A total of sixty-six patients with hypertension (age: 22.4 ± 0.9) were randomly allocated to either the Yoga Program Group (YPG) consisting of (n=33) participants who underwent the 12-week yoga intervention or the Control Group (CG) with (n=33) participants who did not receive any treatment. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period, measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure. Results. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant improvements in the YPG for several HRV parameters, including RR interval (p ≤ 0.001), RMSSD (p ≤ 0.001), NN50% (p ≤ 0.001), pNN50% (p ≤ 0.001), and HF (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, LF (p ≤ 0.001) and LF/HF ratio (p ≤ 0.001) significantly decreased in the intervention group. Blood pressure parameters also demonstrated significant reductions (p ≤ 0.001) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that a 12-week yoga program positively impacts cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure in young Indian adults with primary hypertension. These results underscore the potential of Yoga as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing hypertension in this demographic.

Integrative Yoga and Psychoneuroimmunology for Post-Surgery Recovery - A Complementary Therapy in Post-Surgical PTSD

Posttraumatic stress complaint (PTSD) can do after trauma. While PTSD operation strategies include first- line pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, mind – body curatives, similar as yoga, are applied in the PTSD population. This overview aimed to epitomize the effectiveness of yoga interventions on PTSD symptoms in grown-ups in a methodical review (SR) including randomized controlled trials RCTs). While yoga remedy seems promising for dwindling PTSD symptoms, unborn exploration should regularize yoga remedy duration/ frequence/ type and consider long- term efficacity to more delineate yoga remedy efficacity in PTSD cases. numerous individualities with internal health judgments, including post-traumatic stress complaint (PTSD), have incorporated a group of reciprocal and integrative health strategies known as mind and body practices in their health care authority. Test anxiety may be a contributing factor to low- performing examination scores among scholars. There can be multitudinous physiological responses in the body that lead to test anxiety. One is the body’s response to stress, which activates the brain to release hormones that stimulate central and supplemental nervous responses. Stressors during testing include the system of information delivered, previous knowledge of the subject material, emotional state, or how directly the pupil can retain knowledge.

Effect of Ten Weeks of Yoga Intervention on Vital Capacity among Pondicherry University Community College Students

Abstract: The present study was conducted on physically active men students to assess the relative effects of selected yogic practices on vital capacity. For the present study 10 men students from Pondicherry University Community College were selected. 10 weeks of yogic training was given to selected subjects. The treatment schedule was prepared for 10 weeks. The experimental treatment was given for 45 minutes a day in 5 days in a week. The vital capacity was measured both pre and post training situations of before and after 10 weeks of Pranayama training. After 10 weeks of Pranayama training Vital Capacity was significantly improved in the selected subjects. This is due to the yogic training given.

Cost-effectiveness of a mindful yoga intervention added to treatment as usual for young women with major depressive disorder versus treatment as usual only

In a randomized controlled trial in the Netherlands, we studied the (cost)effectiveness of adding a mindful yoga intervention (MYI+TAU) to treatment as usual (TAU) for young women with major depressive disorder (MDD). In this paper, we present the results of the economic analyses. Societal costs and health outcomes were prospectively assessed during 15 months for all randomized participants (n = 171). Symptoms of depression (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales; DASS) and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were used as health outcomes in the economic analyses. Mean total societal costs during the 15 months of the study were €11.966 for the MYI+TAU group and €13.818 for the TAU group, differences in mean total societal costs were not statistically significant. Health outcomes (DASS and QALY) were slightly in favour of MYI+TAU, but differences between groups were not statistically significant. Combining costs and health outcomes in cost-effectiveness analyses indicated that MYI+TAU is likely to be cost-effective compared to TAU which was confirmed by sensitivity analyses. Although there were limitations in the cost-effectiveness analysis, findings from this study suggest that MYI+TAU warrants future attention for the potential to be cost-effective compared to TAU for young women with MDD.

A PILOT STUDY OF YIN YOGA AND THE EFFECTS ON BURDEN AND SELF-COMPASSION IN CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Informal caregivers for persons with dementia face tremendous challenges in balancing their own needs and those of the care recipient. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a Yin yoga intervention on caregiver burden and self-compassion. Authors explored recruitment, retention, adherence, and satisfaction with the yoga intervention. Using the three elements of the Neff’s Model of Self-compassion, this pilot study was a quasi-experimental pre/post comparisons of caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview Scale-ZBI) and self-compassion (Neff Self-compassion Scale-SCS) in which the participants served as their own control group. A total of five participants (N=5) were recruited and completed an 8-week Yin yoga intervention via Zoom. Statistical analysis revealed non-significant results for ZBI (t (4) = .95, p= .39) and SCS (t(4) = -.23, p= .83). Wilcoxon signed rank test identified two questions on ZBI pre-and post-intervention had differences approaching significance (p= .059). Despite the non-significant results, burden was decreased in three participants and self-compassion scores were increased in four participants. The main perceived benefits were ease of survey process, feeling relaxed after intervention, and treatment fidelity. The main barriers identified were recruitment and retention of participants throughout the 8-week intervention. Overall, we found the study protocol to be feasible and acceptable. Possible modifications to the study would include extending the scope of the study nationally in efforts to recruit maximum participants. Future research is needed with larger sample sizes, randomization, control of confounding variables, and efforts to promote recruitment and retention of participants.

THE IMPACT OF GROUP-LED YOGA AND MINDFULNESS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH IN SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN

Abstract One in five South Asians (people from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) living in the U.S. report experiencing a mental illness, with women reporting a three-fold greater risk of distress than men. South Asian women commonly interpret mental health symptoms as physical illnesses and resist seeking medical help. Yoga is a multifaceted, effective practice promoting well-being by integrating mind and body. This study aims to determine the feasibility and impact of a 12-week (Jan-April 2023) yoga and mindfulness intervention on mental and physical health outcomes in South Asian women. Thirty community-dwelling South Asian immigrant women, age ≥45 years were recruited to complete weekly 90-minute sessions of Ashtanga yoga including meditation and mindfulness practice. We are currently reporting baseline and 6-week data of mindfulness and physical activity self-reported questionnaires as the intervention is ongoing, but 12-week data will be available for the final presentation. At baseline, participants were 53±6 years old and a majority (80%) were overweight/obese with BMI ≥25kg/m2. At 6 weeks, twenty-eight (93%) participants continued with the study and twenty-five (83%) attended ≥4 of the 6 sessions. By 6 weeks, participants’ scores improved on Five Facet Mindfulness by 17% (p&amp;lt; 0.001) and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise by 15% (p&amp;gt;0.05) from baseline. These results suggest the preliminary feasibility, retention, and potential impact of the intervention on mental health outcomes in this population. Future directions include developing a large-scale, randomized lifestyle intervention trial to delay/manage mental health outcomes in South Asian women of all ages.

PERCEPTIONS OF OLDER ADULTS ON YOGA-BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR MULTIMORBIDITY IN MYSORE, INDIA

Abstract Globally, over half of older adults suffer from ≥2 chronic diseases. In India, proven exercise interventions are limited by individual, social, environmental and policy-level factors. We aimed to qualitatively explore perceptions about yoga interventions for healthy aging in Mysore, India. In collaboration with the Community Advisory Board, we developed a qualitative assessment of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors around yoga among seniors. Between August-September 2022, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with older adults, after obtaining informed consent. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated from the local language Kannada. Data were coded manually, and emerging themes were identified. We conducted 4 FGDs of 7-8 participants each; 14 male and 13 female older adults participated, and their average age was 66.1±4.3 years; 88.9% had at least 10 years of education. Most participants expressed interest in yoga for health maintenance, specially mentioning its Indian roots, but did not prioritize it for routine practice. Yoga practice was also a means to reduce social isolation for many. Reported challenges in adopting yoga practice included inaccessibility to instructors and dependence on family members. Cultural barriers especially affected women, including ageism and gender role expectations. Women reported hesitancy to express their desire to learn yoga due to perceived negative reactions from their younger family members and their community. Promoting health promotion practices among older Indian adults is challenging primarily due to cultural norms and changing family dynamics with age. Promoting healthy behaviors among them through yoga will first involve family education and consent.

IS EDUCATION ENOUGH? SEATED YOGA AND FALLS PREVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Falls impact 25% of older adults 65+ annually (Bergen et al., 2016) with 1 in 5 falls resulting in trauma (CDC, 2020). Standing yoga can reduce falls by 48% (Hamrick et al., 2017), but some older adults cannot participate in these poses/inversions due to pain, lack of balance, and endurance. Seated yoga can reduce pain, fear of falling, mobility, and balance ( Yao &amp; Tseng, 2019). Ong et al. (2021) found that falls education improves intention to engage in prevention. Although CDC (2022) suggests multi-modal interventions , no known research compares a combination of falls prevention education and seated yoga intervention with an education-only control group. This controlled study compared fifteen older adults living in HUD housing who received both an 8-week “Get Fit While You Sit” seated yoga (LVSY, 2021) and falls prevention education to those who only received falls prevention education. Physical testing (Timed Up and Go (TUG), chair stand test, 4-point balance test) and attitude/participation measures were measured in both groups. Wilcoxon signed rank and Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare pre-to-post and between groups. Results suggest that the multi-modal intervention (combined education and chair yoga) resulted in improvements in TUG and chair stand test but other measures (e.g. self-efficacy for falls) did not change over time. The education-alone group did not improve over time. Between groups, a sig. difference was found in TUG and Chair stand. More research is needed but older adults in LTC settings may benefit from combining seated yoga with prevention education.

EFFECT OF YOGA BASED INTERVENTION ON ACADEMIC ANXIETY AMONG ADOLESCENT IN RELATION TO GENDER AND TYPE OF FAMILY

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of yogic intervention on academic anxiety among adolescents in relation to gender and type of family. For this study, 80 students with ages ranging from 13 to 18 years were selected. They consisted of 40 boys and 40 girls, as well as 40 adolescents who belonged to joined a family and 40 who belonged to a nuclear family. All of them were from Navjeevan Higher Secondary School in Baroda, Gujarat. A pre- and post-singal group study was conducted. The Academic Anxiety Scale( Atieq UI Rehman and M. Abid Siddiqui) was administered to assess the level of academic anxiety. The total number of 44 items on this scale In this study, random sampling was used. Signed informed consent was obtained from all the participants before starting the study. A three-month yoga programme included 55-minute yoga sessions five days a week. The obtained data were analysed using a paired t-test. A significant difference was found in the level of academic anxiety when the pre-data was compared with the post-data. Results revealed that yogic intervention is important to reduce academic anxiety. We conclude that yoga practice enhances students mental health and promotes holistic wellness based on our findings. We recommend further research in this field.

The Effect of a Combined Mindfulness and Yoga Intervention on Soldier Mental Health in Basic Combat Training: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Depression, anxiety, and sleep problems are prevalent in high-stress occupations including military service. While effective therapies are available, scalable preventive mental health care interventions are needed. This study examined the impact of a combined mindfulness and yoga intervention on the mental health of soldiers in Basic Combat Training (BCT). Methods. U.S. Army soldiers ( N = 1,896 ) were randomized by platoon to an intervention or training-as-usual condition. Soldiers in the intervention condition completed Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), engaged in daily 15 min mindfulness practice, and participated in 30 minutes of hatha yoga 6 days per week. Surveys were administered at baseline (T1, prior to training), week 4 of BCT (T2), week 6 (T3), and week 9 (T4). Results. A significant time-by-condition interaction predicting positive screens for depression found that screens decreased at a faster rate from T1 to T4 in the intervention condition (-12.6%) compared to training-as-usual (-7.2%) ( b = − 0.18 , SE = 0.07 , p = 0.028 ). While positive anxiety screens decreased over time across conditions, the time-by-condition interaction found no significant differences in the rate of these decreases by condition ( b = 0.09 , SE = 0.09 , p = 0.273 ). A significant time-by-condition interaction predicting positive screens for sleep problems found that sleep problems decreased in the intervention condition (-1.4%) but increased in training-as-usual (2.0%) ( b = − 0.68 , SE = 0.16 , p = 0.027 ). Conclusion. The mindfulness and yoga intervention was associated with a greater reduction in positive screens for depression and sleep problems among soldiers during high-stress training. Limitations include reliance on self-report and the inability to disaggregate the effects of mindfulness versus yoga. Mindfulness and yoga may enable personnel in high-stress occupations to sustain their mental health even in the context of significant psychological demands. This trial is registered with NCT05550610.

Cerebral hemodynamic changes after yoga intervention in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus – A randomized control trial

Cerebral hemodynamic changes after yoga intervention in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus – A randomized control trial

Effectiveness of Massage Therapy and Gentle Yoga with Prenatal Depression

Depression is a psychological health problem that is often seen throughout the world, It hinders the functioning, creativity, happiness, and satisfaction of individuals, reduces their quality of life, and causes disruption of activities in doing their work. Depression is prevalent during pregnancy and affects women 10% to 49%. Women who are depressed are more likely to give birth prematurely and neonatal conditions are more likely to have low birth weight or low birth weight or low birth weight of &lt;2500 grams) The purpose of the study is to find out how effective massage therapy and gentle yoga are against prenatal depression in, Mataram City in 2023. This study was conducted by conducting massage therapy and gentle yoga prenatal gentle yoga where the movement can reduce the level of depression, especially among pregnant women at high-risk ages. The research method carried out using Quasi Experiment with pretest posttest nonequivalent one-group design is research whose conclusions are obtained by comparing data before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant difference before and after massage therapy and gentle yoga interventions against depression in pregnant women, with a p-value of 0.000&lt;0.005. Conclusion: There was a difference in average scores before and after gentle yoga and massage therapy interventions for prenatal depression.

Potentials of Yoga for Mental Health of School Students: An Integrative Review

Abstract: Background- The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a report on the mental health survey of students in Classes 6 to 12. As per the findings, 29 percent of students lack concentration, while 43 percent have mood swings. The survey also found that 81 percent of students suffer from anxiety caused by studies, exams, and results. It affects the overall quality of life and is associated with anxiety, stress, and other psychological factors. Objective- The purpose of the study was to conduct a review of the evidence base underpinning the effect of yoga on children’s mental health. Method- A review was conducted using the keywords’ yoga OR mindfulness AND school AND children OR child OR youth OR adolescent OR mental health’ and all the probable terms in national and international data repositories such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google scholar, web of science. The search was limited to studies in the English language. Result- The evidence for yoga therapies in children is encouraging, although studies include methodological flaws such as small sample sizes and sparse information on interventions. Conclusion- This review has examined whether school-based yoga effectively promotes mental health in school-aged children. This review has highlighted the positive effects of school-based yoga interventions on children’s mental health.

Effects of Yogic Breathing Techniques on Respiratory Function and Breathing Patterns at High Altitude

Background: Practices involving resistive breathing have been shown to enhance endurance and performance in competitive athletes. However, there is still little research on how pranayama or yogic breathing techniques (YBP) might help professional athletes improve their respiratory endurance and performance. Aim: The objective of the current research was to assess how yoga breathing practices affected competitive athletes’ respiratory function. Methodology: A total of 60 (30 male and 30 female) athletes were included and were divided into two groups; control and experimental. 30 individuals were randomly assigned in both the groups. The experimental group received daily instruction in yogic breathing techniques for one hour for six months. The control group received the same daily schedule (normal exercise). Various anthropometric measurements and spirometry measurements such as FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and the FEV1/FVC ratio both before and after yoga intervention in both the groups were measured. Result: The result showed significant increase in FVC level in control (3.51L) and experimental group (3.64L) P&lt;0.05). A significant increase in FEV1 (3.43L) and PEF (534.18L/s) levels were also observed post-test of experimental groups (P&lt;0.05), whereas the increase was non-significant in control group (P&gt;0.05). Non-significant results were also observed in FEV1/FVC ratio in both control and experimental group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: At high altitudes, yoga practices may beneficial for athletes in bringing about favorable psychological changes among low landers athletes.

EFFICACY OF ANTENATAL YOGA FOR IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY OF LIFE – A PILOT STUDY

Pregnancy is a unique phase in the life of a woman. This exciting and vulnerable time initiates many changes at a physical, psychological, and emotional level. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of integrated yogic practices on the quality of life among pregnant women. For this pilot study, we enrolled 20 pregnant women who were between 9 and 25 weeks at gestation. Single group pre-post design was used. An integrated yoga module specially developed for antenatal conditions was administered over a 12-week integrated yoga module to the participants. Quality of Life Scale was used as a tool of assessment. Data was collected at base and at the end of 12 weeks after the protocol was administered. Paired sample T-test was applied using SPSS software to analyze this data. Statistical analysis of the data collected, demonstrated that value of t test was 3.177 which was significant at 0.01 level The findings showed that yoga intervention was efficacious in improving the Quality of Life. No adverse effects of yoga were observed among those who practiced yoga during pregnancy. The results demonstrate that antenatal yoga may be an effective intervention to enhance quality of life. More rigorous studies over a longer duration with larger sample sizes would be required to establish a definitive connection between yoga intervention and quality of life among antenatal cohort.

Effect of Yogic Practice on Stress and Resting Heart Rate Among Stressed Middle-Aged Men Police Personnel in Kerala Police Academy Thrissur

This research paper investigates the impact of yogic practice on stress levels and resting heart rates among middle-aged male police personnel experiencing high levels of stress at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur. The study addresses the pressing issue of stress management in a high-stress profession and explores the potential benefits of incorporating yoga as a complementary intervention. A sample of thirty stressed middle-aged male police personnel was recruited, and a structured yogic program was implemented over a period of 12 weeks. Stress levels were assessed using validated psychological measures, and resting heart rates were recorded before and after the intervention. The findings reveal a significant reduction in stress levels and a notable decrease in resting heart rates among the participants following the yogic practice. The results suggest that yogic practices can serve as an effective means of stress reduction and cardiovascular health improvement for stressed middle-aged male police personnel. This research highlights the potential of integrating yoga as a holistic approach to enhance the well-being and resilience of individuals working in high-pressure occupations, such as law enforcement. Further studies and long-term assessments are recommended to consolidate these findings and explore the broader applicability of yogic interventions in stress management programs.

A Longitudinal Two-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol to Evaluate the Efficacy of Yoga on Progression of Disease in Early Parkinson’s Disease

Background Numerous studies have shown that yoga can aid patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in managing their motor function, functional mobility, balance, anxiety, and overall quality of life. However, most of the reported research either needed more power or evaluated the results during or after the intervention. Due to the long-standing nature of PD, there are still few longitudinal studies investigating the potential of yoga to decrease the progression of the disease. Purpose We study whether sustained adjunct yoga intervention slows PD progression. Methods Over 18 months, this study will investigate the long-term benefits of yoga-based intervention in Parkinson’s patients. The concept of “intention-to-treat (ITT)” will be employed. From the outpatient clinic of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in India, 160 patients with PD will be chosen. They will then be randomly assigned to either the interventional or control groups (1:1). The adjunct intervention group will participate in 21 daily contact yoga sessions (60 min) at the University Medical Center, followed by continued tele-supervised home practice and at-home self-practice. The effectiveness of the adjunct intervention will be evaluated at four different time points (baseline, 3-, 9-, 12-, and 18-month post-randomization). The primary endpoint will be the difference in the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part III score at baseline and after 18 months of intervention. Secondary outcomes will include subscores of MDS-UPDRS I, II, and IV, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ)-39 scores, treatment adherence, the PDQ-39, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, and the Scales for Outcomes in PD-Sleep Scale (SCOPA-S). The primary outcome will be analyzed using mixed-effect models for repeated measures, adjusted for covariates as fixed effects. Results The protocol was conceptualized in October 2021 and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of SVYASA. Recruitment began in February 2022 and is underway with patient enrollment. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first controlled study to examine the long-term effects of yoga as an adjuvant therapy on the progression of PD. Key message This would be the first long-term trial to assess the potential of an adjunct yoga intervention to modulate disease progression in early Parkinson’s patients.