Yoga Practice Research Articles

Participants With Acquired Brain Injury Realized They "Could Still Do Things" After a Yoga Intervention: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Occupational therapy practitioners use yoga in practice to achieve holistic care, and the American Occupational Therapy Association has provided guidance on the use of yoga in occupational therapy. For people with acquired brain injury (ABI), however, it is unknown whether yoga affects occupational performance. To explore the perceived impact of an adapted yoga intervention on occupational performance using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (4th ed.; OTPF-4) for participants with ABI. Qualitative descriptive study using virtual, semistructured interviews. An inductive, holistic, open-coding process, followed by a deductive process to map open codes to the OTPF-4. Nine individuals with ABI were recruited from a yoga intervention study. The theme generated from the data-"Yoga participants with ABI realized that they could still do quite a bit"-was supported by two major categories from the OTPF-4: Occupations and Performance Skills. Participants described improvements in their functional performance (i.e., motor skills, process skills) and how these factors were synergistically connected to their occupational performance (i.e., self-care, leisure). This study provides novel insight into how functional performance improved so participants could "still do things," such as engaging in occupations. When participants described improved performance skills, they simultaneously described re-engagement with their meaningful occupations. Participants also perceived an improvement in their mind-body connection, which should be further explored in future studies. This study generated original findings about participants' perceptions of an adapted yoga intervention as they relate to the OTPF-4. Plain-Language Summary: This study reports individuals' perceptions of their re-engagement with occupations and changes in occupational performance skills after participating in an adaptive yoga intervention. We highlight the distinct contribution that adaptive yoga-an intervention modality that can be used by occupational therapy practitioners-may have, using the OTPF-4 to connect the participants' perceptions about their improvements in occupational performance.

Emotion regulation and heart rate variability may identify the optimal posttraumatic stress disorder treatment: analyses from a randomized controlled trial.

High variability in response and retention rates for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment highlights the need to identify "personalized" or "precision" medicine factors that can inform optimal intervention selection before an individual commences treatment. In secondary analyses from a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, behavioral and physiological emotion regulation were examined as non-specific predictors (that identify which individuals are more likely to respond to treatment, regardless of treatment type) and treatment moderators (that identify which treatment works best for whom) of PTSD outcome. There were 85 US Veterans with clinically significant PTSD symptoms randomized to 6 weeks of either cognitive processing therapy (CPT; n = 44) or a breathing-based yoga practice (Sudarshan kriya yoga; SKY; n = 41). Baseline self-reported emotion regulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale) and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed prior to treatment, and self-reported PTSD symptoms were assessed at baseline, end-of-treatment, 1-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. Greater baseline deficit in self-reported emotional awareness (similar to alexithymia) predicted better overall PTSD improvement in both the short- and long-term, following either CPT or SKY. High self-reported levels of emotional response non-acceptance were associated with better PTSD treatment response with CPT than with SKY. However, all significant HRV indices were stronger moderators than all self-reported emotion regulation scales, both in the short- and long-term. Veterans with lower baseline HRV had better PTSD treatment response with SKY, whereas Veterans with higher or average-to-high baseline HRV had better PTSD treatment response with CPT. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine both self-reported emotion regulation and HRV, within the same study, as both non-specific predictors and moderators of PTSD treatment outcome. Veterans with poorer autonomic regulation prior to treatment had better PTSD outcome with a yoga-based intervention, whereas those with better autonomic regulation did better with a trauma-focused psychological therapy. Findings show potential for the use of HRV in clinical practice to personalize PTSD treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02366403.

Mind-Stuff and Withdrawal of the Senses: Toward an Interpretation of Pratyahara in Contemporary Postural Yoga.

Yoga has become a popular health and wellbeing practice that draws on ancient philosophy. Pratyahara is a core tenet of yoga practice and is often translated to mean withdrawal of the senses. Withdrawing from the senses plays a key role in aiding yoga practitioners to find spiritual enlightenment by transcending the worldly. Withdrawing from the material world, however, does not neatly fit within the parameters of the contemporary postural yoga industry. This paper looks at the conceptual origins of pratyahara through stances relevant to health research. The author weaves biomedical, esthetic, and neoliberal onto-epistemological stances through health discourse to discuss how postural yoga both resists and replicates power imbalances. In so doing the author emphasizes the paradoxical nature of pratyahara as it is reflected in socio-political tensions of the yoga industry. To conclude, the author suggests that pratyahara itself can be useful in resolving this tension as yoga fulfills a philosophical prerogative for social change.

Practice and proficiency of Isha Yoga for better mental health outcomes: insights from a COVID-19 survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unparalleled suffering on a global scale, affecting both physical and mental well-being. In such challenging times, it becomes crucial to identify interventions that can alleviate negative mental health outcomes, such as stress, while promoting positive mental health outcomes, like well-being. We report the effectiveness of a mind-body practise, Isha Yoga, in promoting well-being. We conducted an online survey, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Yoga practitioners (n = 1,352) from the Isha Yoga tradition in Karnataka, India. We evaluated stress and well-being attributes using conventional psychometric questionnaires. Subsequently, we requested the Isha Yoga practitioners to share another survey with their friends and family members, assessing similar outcomes. From the respondents of this shared survey (n = 221), we identified individuals who currently did not engage in any form of Yoga or meditation, constituting the non-Yoga control group (n = 110). To enhance the reliability and validity of our study and minimize the limitations commonly associated with online surveys, we adhered to the CHERRIES guidelines for reporting survey studies. Isha Yoga practitioners had significantly lower levels of stress (p < 0.001, gHedges = 0.94) and mental distress (p < 0.001, gHedges = 0.75) while reporting significantly higher levels of well-being (p < 0.001, gHedges = 0.78) and affective balance (p < 0.001, gHedges = 0.80) compared to the control group. Furthermore, expertise-related improvements were observed in these outcomes, and a dose-response relationship was found between regularity of Isha Yoga practice and outcome changes. A minimum 3-4 days of weekly practice showed significant differences with the control group. In addition, we investigated the effect of Isha Yoga on stress and well-being among the healthcare workers (HCWs) in our sample and observed better mental health outcomes. These findings collectively underscore the benefits of Mind and Body practices like Isha Yoga on various aspects of mental health and well-being, emphasizing its potential as an effective and holistic approach for promoting a healthy lifestyle among diverse populations, including healthcare workers, even in difficult circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yoga as an adjunct therapy in elderly patients of chronic constipation

Background: Constipation being very prevalent and common complaint in elderly people, an effective measure is needed to get the relief along with drugs for constipation used by clinicians. Our aim was to search out the potential applicability and effectiveness of yoga. Methods: 30 elderly patients visiting medicine OPD for chronic constipation were included in study. Yoga group (15) was offered selected yogic practices in addition to drugs and control group drugs only. Patients kept record of drug intake on paper for 2 months of study. Data was obtained by using CAS score and frequency of drug intake. Data were analysed using t test. Results: Baseline CAS scores for the yoga and control groups were 11.92±1.59 and 12.07±1.68 respectively. Post yoga CAS score for the yoga and control groups were 3.50±1.40 and 4.14±1.5 respectively. Frequency of drug intake in yoga and control groups in first month of yoga was 17.57±2.31 and 19.14±2.38 respectively. In 4th month of yoga practice frequency of drug intake in yoga and control groups was 11.07±2.16 and 18.35±2.56, which was highly significant. Conclusions: Selected yoga practices can be used as an adjuvant therapy to treat chronic constipation in case of elderly. They can be effective in decreasing drug requirement in patients of chronic constipation. Yoga practices should be advised for patients of chronic constipation.

Longitudinal Investigation into the Specific Psychological Benefits of Yogic Interventions for Performance Enhancement in Vijayanagar Sri Krishna Devaraya University Ballari’s Kho-Kho Athletes

Abstract: This longitudinal study explores the psychological benefits of yogic interventions on performance enhancement among Kho-Kho athletes at Vijayanagar Sri Krishna Devaraya University Ballari. The research focuses on the impact of sustained yogic practices on the psychological well-being and athletic performance of these athletes over an extended period. The study employs a rigorous methodology, Including pre- and post-intervention assessments, to measure psychological variables such as stress levels, concentration, and emotional resilience. Participants engage in a structured yogic program tailored to their specific needs, incorporating various yogic techniques such as asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Preliminary findings indicate a significant positive correlation between consistent yogic interventions and improvements in psychological aspects, contributing to enhanced performance on the Kho-Kho field. Participants report reduced stress, heightened concentration, and increased emotional stability, suggesting the potential of yogic practices as a holistic approach to athletic development. As the study progresses, a comprehensive understanding of the sustained impact of yogic interventions on these athletes emerges, providing valuable insights for sports science and coaching methodologies

Surya Namaskar, Benefits in the Context of Physiological Perspective

Introduction: With the recent rise in awareness in increased understanding of the importance of physical activity in promoting overall health, greater emphasis has been placed on improving physical fitness to enhance quality of life. Asian Indians have been practicing Surya Namaskar, a part of Hatha Yoga, for hundreds of years. It is frequently employed in place of a typical workout regimen. It entails a series of asanas that are performed 12 times per cycle. Although Surya Namaskar was neither considered an asana nor a part of classical Yoga, it is now regarded as a component of current yogic practices. Before starting daily tasks, performing Surya Namaskar energizes the practitioner and gives them a fully charged day. The knowledge of energy cost and physiological responses of practicing Surya Namaskar is important and forms the basis for the recommendation of regular practice as part of any training. Based on available research, we emphasize the significance of Surya Namaskar in this review by stressing its impacts on the physiological components of the body. Methods: Different Ayurveda classics, modern classics, research papers, and journals were referred to fulfill this part. Results: With the help of research references, the evaluation outlines the practice’s physical advantages in terms of improving joint mobility, extending muscle power, and promoting vitality.

Effect of Yoga Practice on Pulmonary Function in Healthy Young Adults with Intellectual Disability

Purpose: individuals with intellectual disability (ID) often experience challenges related to low levels of physical fitness, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate the pulmonary function of children with ID and explore the effect of yoga practices on pulmonary function among the participants with ID. Material &amp; Methods: the study was an assessor-blinded, randomised, controlled study. Participants clinically diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID) were randomly assigned to either yoga intervention or no intervention for a duration of 6 months. Pulmonary function test was assessed at baseline and after 6 months of intervention using a Helios 401 device. Results: in this study, a total of 56 adult participants of both sexes with intellectual disabilities (ID) were initially enrolled (n=56). Following the intervention, the final sample size was 48 participants. Notably, the participants in the yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in pulmonary function parameters when compared to the control group. These findings suggest a positive impact of the yoga intervention on pulmonary function, highlighting its potential as a beneficial therapeutic approach for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The observed improvements underscore the significance of incorporating yoga into interventions aimed at enhancing respiratory well-being in this population. Conclusion: in conclusion, this randomized controlled study offers valuable insights into the effects of various types of yoga practice on the pulmonary function of healthy young adults with intellectual disabilities. The positive outcomes observed underscore the potential of yoga as an effective intervention for enhancing pulmonary function in individuals with intellectual disabilities. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of yoga into interventions aimed at promoting respiratory well-being in this population. Further research and exploration of specific yoga practices may provide additional tailored approaches for optimizing the respiratory health of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Determining the impact of 12 weeks intervention of hatha yoga practices on range of motion of trunk lateral flexion and thoracolumbar spine trunk rotation in college men

Purpose: yoga has many uses in rehabilitation in addition to its health benefits for managing and preventing disease (rehabilitare, from the Latin, means to restore). Rehabilitation comes in a variety of forms, including social, psychological, and physical. As a way of life, yoga has assisted people with physical ailments in regaining their health. Hatha yoga practices are an effective means to improve the flexibility in college students. The Purpose of this investigation was to study benefits of hatha yoga practices on range of motion of trunk lateral flexion and thoracolumbar spine trunk rotation in college men. Material &amp; Methods: thirty untrained college students were randomly assigned to Hatha Yoga Practice group (HYP) (n=15) (Age: 19.1±0.9, Height: 171.7±2.5, Weight: 63.9±2.4) and control group (CG) (n=15) (Age: 19.1±0.8, Height: 171.2±2.6, Weight: 63.9±1.8) and their ranged from 18 to 23 years. The HYP group performed their respective training, three times per week for twelve weeks. Prior to and after the training, TLF, and TSTR were evaluated using standardized tests. The dependent ‘t’ ratio was used to analyze pre- and post-intervention data. Results: the results showed that the HYP group significantly (p=0.00) improved in TLF and TSTR compared to the control group. Conclusion: the twelve weeks of Hatha yoga training produced better improvement over TLF and TSTR in college men.

PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY OF DEHA PRAKRITI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AMLAPITTA AND ITS MANAGEMENTS BY PATHYA APATHYA

A polluted environment, an irregular routine, and a harmful and improper diet, such as excessive consumption of rich food, cold drinks, tea, coffee, excessive drug consumption, diwaswapna, Ratrijagran, and the pleasure of lust, have significantly reduced the physical and mental abilities of persons. As a result, different diseases are present in the body and mind. In the current era, Amlapitta is a severe health problem affecting people worldwide. Ayurveda is the complete medical system comprising physical, mental and spiritual health prevention and preservation of health. And Aahar is one of the essential pillars of Ayurveda for preventing and managing the disease. In the present scenario, many changes have occurred in the traditional lifestyle of a person, and changes have also come in the diet of a person. This results in more digestive disorders like Grahaniroga, Udarroga, Arsha, Atisara, Pandu, Chhardi and Amlapitta. When such a person eats unfavourable and antagonistic food, his pitta becomes Vidagdha; that Vidagdha pitta is called Amlapitta. Amlapitta is a common functional disease of Annavaha srotas. Materialistic lifestyle provokes people to run behind a busy, stressful life with the most minor concern towards proper food habits. According to Kashyap, Virudhaahar, Adhyasana, Amabhojna, Ajeernabhojana, Guru, Snigdha bhojana, Atiruksha anna and Vegadharana, and Divaswapna etc. causes Agnimandhya that leads Amlapitta. According to Madhavakara, increased pitta is an aggravating factor responsible for Amlapitta diseases. When people consume a proper diet according to Prakriti and do not get attracted toward food, do good exercise and adequate sleep and rest, and practice Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation, the disease of a restrained and gentle person gets cured.

Assessment of the Effect of yoga practice and Control of hypertension Among KSRP 10th Battalion Gangibhavi, Shiggoan

The present study aimed to find out the impact of Yogic practices and Control of hypertension. The sample consists of 36, police staff in Experimental group, and 36 police staff in control group, randomly selected from police staff, Superintendent office, Shiggoan. The study was conducted for a period of 45 Days. The parameters used for the present study are Hypertension (BP), Sistolic BP, Diostolic BP, and Lipidprofils. These tests were done before and after the yoga therapy. For the present study, a student’t’test is used to assess the effect of Yoga on Hypertension. It is hypothesised that the practice of Yoga helps to enhance the Police staff’s capacity to reduce Hypertension problem. Showed significant improvement among experimental group when compared to control group. In experimental group individuals with average BMI of 26.92 kg/m2± 2.91kg/m2 before yoga and individuals shows average BMI of 26.21 kg/m2 ± 2.86 kg/m2 after yoga. Individuals with average BMI of 25.40 kg/m2± 2.85 kg/m2 before and individuals shows average BMI of 25.75 kg/m2 ± 2.93 kg/m2 after period of control group. Lipid Profiles, as p &lt;0.05 the result is significant in Experimental group &amp; non significant in Control group Keywords: Yoga Therapy, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Lipid Profiles. Paired ‘t’ test, ANOVA Test.

The effect of long-term, regular yoga on the pain and quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled, single-blinded trial

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been known to have emotional, physical, and behavioral effects in reproductive age. To evaluate the effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) on pain and quality of life in women, who perform regular yoga exercises in the long term. 30 women with PMS and 30 control (31.17 ± 5.28 years old) participated in this randomized controlled, single blinded study. The demographics of the PMS and control groups were similar (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found in a depressive mood, anxiety, fatigue, pain, depressive thoughts, sleeping habits subscales, and total scores of the PMSS, WHOQOL-BREF scale, and VAS scores between yoga and control groups (p < 0.05). It is determined that long-term and regular yoga practice for women with PMS will improve their, PMS symptoms, quality of life, and pain level.

The effect of yoga practice on pain intensity, menstruation symptoms and quality of life of nursing students with primary dysmenorrhea.

The researchers aimed to determine the effects of yoga on pain severity, menstrual symptoms and quality of life of undergraduate nursing students with primary dysmenorrhea. The 60 female students were divided into intervention (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30) by block randomization. In the study, data were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale for Pain, the Menstruation Symptom Scale and the Short Form-36 Health Survey Scale. The 12-week intervention program, which included all components of Hatha yoga, was carried out twice a week for a total of 24 sessions of 60 min. The control group did not receive any intervention. The severity of menstrual pain and symptoms decreased in yoga group compared to control group, and there were significant improvements in quality of life (p < 0.001). The researchers shows that regular Hatha yoga may be a possible nonpharmacological treatment for primary dysmenorrhea in young women in this study.

Correlation between serum cortisol levels and practice of yoga and meditation in medical students

Introduction and Aim: Recent year’s yoga has gained a very good response in today’s world as one of the natural methods to reduce stress. Yoga acts as an adjuvant to many kinds of treatment for various stress-related disorders. To meet the modern lifestyle full of tension, stress and challenges and to gain all round personality development yoga is mandatory. With this background current study was carried out, to estimate and compare the serum cortisol levels and heart rate variability and also to evaluate the relationship between serum cortisol levels, heart rate variability before and after yoga and meditation practice for six weeks in study group and control group in first year medical students. Material and Methods: Informed consent was obtained before the start of the study. The current study was a quasi-experimental study with 80 subjects, 40 medical students as cases which is an interventional group and 40 students as a control group. For a period of six weeks, yoga and meditation practice was given to an interventional group by a yoga master daily for one hour. Results: After practicing yoga regularly and promptly, cases showed decrease in serum cortisol levels and improvement in HRV parameters, frequency domain values like RMSSD increased and among time domain values HF increased and LF, LF/HF ratio decreased. There was no change observed in serum cortisol levels and HRV parameters of the control group. We observed statistically significant negative correlation between serum cortisol levels and HRV parameters in the interventional group after yoga practice. Conclusion: Hence, incorporation of yoga and meditation as part of our lifestyle in medical students will help them to cope up with day-to-day stress during their study period.

Application of Yoga in Adolescent/Teens to increase Resilience &amp; Improve Emotional Well-Being with Emphasis on Yogic Principles - A Study

Aim: Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adulthood and this tender age between the ages of 12 - 19 years is usually riddled with uncertainties and difficulties as the children are faced with peer pressures, social media, career choices and parents' expectations. According to UNICEF and other research publications, ensuring emotional well-being and resilience in adolescents' formative years can foster a better transition from childhood to adulthood. This is the time when our youth is most prone to emotional imbalances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2020, 50% of the youth will be under-served. World bodies like the United Nations estimates that at-least 1 billion school going children have been affected globally by the closure of schools due to the Covid pandemic. The mental health and wellbeing of at least 332 million children are at risk, warns UNICEF. So there is an urgent need to take appropriate steps so that adolescents can attain normal, healthy growth and become productive and positive contributors to society. Yoga is proposed to offer methods for regulation and resilience through the integrated practices of yama and niyama (ethical intentional principals) asana ( physical exercise), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. This study aims to introduce and establish the seeds of Yoga in young minds, and how the practice of simple Yoga techniques can help manage stress, maintain emotional well-being and resilience. Methodology: The approach incorporates methods on how to engage children and gradually introduce the Yogic practices and convince them to use Yoga to manage stress, emotional well-being and build resilience to maintain a healthy body and mind. The methodology inculcates our age-old wisdom from classical texts like Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Yoga Vasishta and Bhagavad Gita, and combined with contemporary techniques to suit the current generation of youngsters. Classical texts were thoroughly investigated for references to yogic principles apt for today's modern world and these are verified on a group of young children using Hypothesis testing and statistical analysis. Conclusion: Youth is a valuable asset for any country. The consequences of not addressing the emotional well-being and mental health of adolescence extends into adulthood, thereby impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults. Scientific research studies all over the world have revealed that following yogic practices can play an important role to manage stress, emotional well-being and thereby improve resilience. The methodology used showed positive results with a group of 50+ children to introduce yoga and help maintain lower stress and emotional wellbeing, and boost immunity and build resilience. Highly resilient people are flexible, adapt to new circumstances quickly and thrive in constant change. Keywords: Emotional Well-Being, Resilience, Yoga, Teens, Adolescence

The impact of yoga practice on cortisol levels in breast cancer patients—a comprehensive review

The impact of yoga practice on cortisol levels in breast cancer patients—a comprehensive review

Human Development Model Based on Yogic Wisdom for Well-being and Self-actualization: A Conceptual Framework

Ancient Indian philosophies consider self-realization as a fundamental concept and aim of human life, which appears theoretically similar to the self-actualization concept of the West. This article compares and contrasts the self-actualization concept with the views of ancient Indian wisdom to create a model. Both ideas strive for a more elevated Self, unleashing our potential or the realization/actualization of the true Self. From the Indian Vedanta philosophy emerged the Panchakosha theory of personality, which provides a structural framework for human states of consciousness leading to higher development and transcendental identity. According to the scriptures, any form of stress is due to an underdeveloped state of consciousness at these levels or due to disconnection from the true Self; once an individual comes in contact with the ‘true Self’, the problems of life are eliminated. Yoga is a systematic process and way of human development, and applying the principles of Yoga philosophy in life will help in transcending one from the lower Self to the higher Self, awakening human potential, and becoming self-actualized. Yogis, who practice Yoga, could be responsible for a positive shift towards sustainable communities or transformative environments through enhanced mindfulness, self-actualization, and social capital demonstrated by enhanced moral values, trust, engagement, and acceptance. This theoretical model from classical Indian thought has the potential to provide the needed guidelines to create more self-actualized people. The dimension of well-being and prescriptions on how to reach this state of highest well-being is the essence of Indian philosophy.

The Effect of Yoga Therapy on Premenstrual Syndrome in Adolescent Girls at SMP Swasta Muhammadiyah 1 Medan

A teenage daughter often suffers from painful menstrual moments (premenstruation syndrome). The prevalence of premenstruation syndrome in Central Java is 56%. Although painful, it is not dangerous; however, it can bother activity daily. Possible non-pharmacological therapy used to overcome premenstrual syndrome is yoga practice. A study introduction found that 24 out of 30 female students suffer painful periods. Research purposes This is to know the influence of yoga practice on the level of painful menstruation in students of Muhammadiyah 1 Medan Private Middle School. Types of research This is a quantitative study with a pseudo-design experiment. Consecutive sampling was used to collect data from 20 respondents with the use of a painful numeric scale. As for the analysis using the Wilcoxon test, the scoring scale for painful numeric before and after yoga practice shows a scale of 5.15 and 3.00. A bivariate test shows the p-value is 0.000. There is an influence of yoga practice on the level of painful menstruation in students of Muhammadiyah 1 Medan Private Middle School.

Raising the Buddha’s Hand

Deity yoga is a practice found in Tibetan Buddhism involving visualizations that have the normative goal of “becoming one” with a supernatural being. During the practice, practitioners report experiencing that their own body transforms into the body of the deity. This paper offers a potential cognitive explanation of how such an experience is possible. Applying findings from cognitive science on the phenomenon of illusory ownership, we argue that the practice of deity yoga has the necessary means to cause an experience analogous to the famous “rubber hand illusion” in which one misattributes their ownership to a fake hand. In this paper, we 1) introduce deity yoga practice and its key aspects; 2) discuss illusory ownership and its explanation embedded in a predictive processing framework; 3) argue that visualization in deity yoga may induce the experience of illusory ownership; and 4) conclude with a short discussion of the hypothesis’ limitations and of ways to test our hypothesis. Overall, the paper suggests how the practice of visualization in deity yoga may lead to an experience of a transfer of identity onto an imagined supernatural agent.

Association between yoga and related contextual factors with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among children and youth aged 5 to 17 years across five Indian states.

Physical inactivity is one of the four key preventable risk factors, along with unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, underlying most noncommunicable diseases. Promoting physical activity is particularly important among children and youth, whose active living behaviours often track into adulthood. Incorporating yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, can be a culturally-appropriate strategy to promote physical activity in India. However, there is little evidence on whether yoga practice is associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accumulation. Thus, this study aims to understand how yoga practice is associated with MVPA among children and youth in India. Data for this study were obtained during the coronavirus disease lockdown in 2021. Online surveys capturing MVPA, yoga practice, contextual factors, and sociodemographic characteristics, were completed by 5 to 17-year-old children and youth in partnership with 41 schools across 28 urban and rural locations in five states. Linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between yoga practice and MVPA. After controlling for age, gender, and location, yoga practice was significantly associated with MVPA among children and youth (β = 0.634, p < 0.000). These findings highlight the value of culturally-appropriate activities such as yoga, to promote physical activity among children and youth. Yoga practice might have a particularly positive impact on physical activity among children and youth across the world, owing to its growing global prevalence.