Khalsa, S.B., Shorter, S.M., Cope, S., Wyshak, G., Sklar, E. (2009).
Yoga ameliorates
performance anxiety and mood disturbance in young professional musicians.
Applied psychophysiology and Biofeedback,
34, 279-289.
METHODS: Musicians were randomized to a yoga lifestyle
intervention group or to a group practicing yoga and meditation only for 2
months. Both yoga groups attended three Kripalu Yoga or meditation classes each
week. The yoga lifestyle group also experienced weekly group practice and
discussion sessions as part of their more immersive treatment. RESULTS: Both yoga groups showed a
trend towards less music performance anxiety and significantly less general
anxiety/tension, depression, and anger at end-program relative to controls.
Sahasi, G., Mohan, D.,
and Kacker, C. (1989). Effectiveness of yogic techniques in the management of
anxiety. Journal of Personality and Clinical Studies, 5, 51-55.
METHODS: Yoga practices were compared with drug (diazepam) therapy in
anxiety-neurotic outpatients. RESULTS: Data indicated a significant rate
of improvement in yoga subjects who completed the prescribed length (5 days/wk
for 3 months) of yoga practices as compared with drug therapy. At least 7% of
yoga subjects were reported to be completely asymptomatic as compared with none
of the drug therapy subjects.
Telles, S., Gaur, V. & Balkrishna, A. (2009). Effect of a yoga
practice session and a yoga theory session on state anxiety. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 109, 924-930.
METHODS: Yoga
novices were assigned to two groups, yoga practice and yoga theory, and their
state anxiety was assessed before and after a 2-hr. yoga session. RESULTS: A reduction in state anxiety
was found in the yoga practice group, as well as in the yoga theory group. Yoga
practice as well as learning about theoretical aspects of yoga reduced state
anxiety, with a greater reduction following yoga practice.
Arthritis
Evans, S., Moieni, M.,
Taub, R., Subramanian, S.K., Tsao, J.C., Sternlieb, B., & Zeltzer, L.K.
(2010). Iyengar yoga for young adults with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a
mixed-methods pilot study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 39, 904-913.
METHODS:
In this pilot study young adults with rheumatoid arthritis attended biweekly
Iyengar yoga for 6 weeks. RESULTS:
Significant improvements were reported on pain, pain disability, depression,
mental health, vitality, self-efficacy, RA symptoms and functioning.
Garfinkel, M. S.,
Schumacher, H. R. Jr, Husain, A., Levy, M., and Reshetar, R. A. (1994).
Evaluation of a yoga based regimen for treatment of osteoarthritis of the
hands. Journal of Rheumatology, 21, 2341-2343.
METHODS: Patients with OA of the hands were randomly assigned to receive
either yoga or no therapy. Yoga techniques were supervised by one instructor
once/week for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The yoga treated group improved on pain
during activity, tenderness and finger range of motion.
Kolasinski, S.L.,
Garfinkel, M., Tsai, A.G., Matz, W., Van Dyke, A. & Schumacher, H.R.
(2005). Iyengar yoga for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knees: a
pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11,
689-693.
METHODS: Participants with osteoarthritis of the knee were instructed in
Iyengar yoga postures during 90-minute classes once weekly for 8 weeks. RESULTS:
Reductions in pain, and improved physical function, were observed when
participants' status were compared to their pre-course status.
Asthma
Nagarathna, R. and
Nagendra, H. R. (1985). Yoga for bronchial asthma: A controlled study. British Medical Journal Clinical Research
Ed, 291, 1077-1079.
METHODS: Patients with asthma had training for two weeks in yoga
exercises including breathing exercises, physical postures, breath slowing
techniques, meditation, and a devotional session, and were told to practice
these exercises for 65 minutes daily. RESULTS: Greater improvement was
noted in the group who practiced yoga in the weekly number of asthma attacks,
drug treatment, and peak flow rate.
Nagendra, H. R. and
Nagarathna, R. (1986). An integrated approach of yoga therapy for bronchial
asthma: A 3-54-month prospective study. Journal of Asthma, 23, 123-137.
METHODS: After an initial integrated yoga training program of 2 to 4
weeks, asthmatics were followed up for 3 to 54 months. RESULTS: The
regular practitioners showed the greatest improvement. Peak expiratory flow
rate values were improved after yoga, and 72, 69, and 66% of the patients
stopped or reduced parenteral, oral, and cortisone medication, respectively.
Jain, S. C., Rai, L.,
Valecha, A., Jha, U. K., Bhatnagar, S. O., and Ram, K. (1991). Effect of yoga
training on exercise tolerance in adolescents with childhood asthma. Journal
of Asthma, 28, 437-442.
METHODS: Adolescent asthma patients were admitted for yoga training. RESULTS:
Yoga training resulted in improved pulmonary function and exercise capacity. A
follow-up study spanning two years showed a good response with reduced symptom
scores and drug requirements in these subjects.
Jain, S. C. and
Talukdar, B. (1993). Evaluation of yoga therapy programme for patients of
bronchial asthma. Singapore Medical Journal, 34, 306-308.
METHODS: Yoga effects were studied in patients with asthma including
exercise capacity, pulmonary functions and blood gases. RESULTS: Yoga
resulted in increased in pulmonary functions and exercise tolerance. A one-year
follow-up study showed a reduced symptoms scores and drug requirements in these
subjects.
Khanam, A. A., Sachdeva,
U., Guleria, R., and Deepak, K. K. (1996). Study of pulmonary and autonomic
functions of asthma patients after yoga training. Indian Journal of
Physiology & Pharmacology, 40, 318-324.
METHODS: Asthma patients were given yoga training for seven days. RESULTS:
Heart rate and sympathetic reactivity was reduced following yoga.
Sathyaprabha TN. Murthy
H. Murthy BT. (2001). Efficacy of naturopathy and yoga in bronchial asthma--a
self controlled matched scientific study. Indian Journal of Physiology &
Pharmacology, 4, 80-86.
METHODS: Patients with asthma received treatment including 1. Diet
therapy 2. Nature cure treatment and 3. Yoga RESULTS: The results showed
significant improvement in clinical pulmonary measures including PEFR, VC, FVC,
FEV1, FEV/FEC %, MVV, ESR and absolute eosinophil count.
Manocha, R., Marks,
G.B., Kenchington, P., Peters, D., & Salome, C.M. (2002). Sahaja yoga in
the management of moderate to severe asthma: A randomized controlled trial. Thorax,
57, 110-115.
METHODS: Yoga and control groups attended a 2 hour session once a week
for 4 months. Asthma related quality of life (AQLQ), Profile of Mood States
(POMS), level of airway hyperesponsiveness to methacholine ( AHR ), and a diary
card based combined asthma score ( CAS ) reflecting symptoms, bronchodilator
usage, and peak expiratory flow rates were measured at the end of the treatment
period and again 2 months later. RESULTS: The AHR and the AQLQ mood
subscale improved more in the yoga group, as did the summary POMS score.
Sodhi, C., Singh, S., & Dandona, P.K.
(2009). A study of the effect of yoga training on pulmonary functions in
patients with bronchial asthma. Indian
Journal of Physiological Pharmacology, 53, 169-174.
METHODS: Patients with asthma were randomized into a yoga or a control
group. RESULTS: The yoga group
showed improvement in clinical pulmonary measures including peak expiratory
flow rate, forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity,
forced mid expiratory flow in 0.25-0.75 seconds and FEV1/FVC% ratio at 4 weeks
and 8 weeks.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Jensen PS, Kenny DT
(2004). The effects of yoga on the attention and behavior of boys with
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Journal of Attention
Disorders, 7, 205-216.
METHODS: Boys diagnosed with ADHD by specialist pediatricians and stabilized
on medication were randomly assigned to a 20-session yoga group or a control
group. RESULTS: Improvements from pre-test to post-test were found for
the yoga, but not for the control group on five subscales of the Conners'
Parents Rating Scales.
Attitudes
Malathi, A., Damodaran,
A., Shah, N., Patil, N., & Maratha, S. (2000). Effect of yogic practices on
subjective well being. Indian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 44,
202-226.
METHODS: Healthy volunteers who participated in yoga over a period of 4
months were assessed on the Subjective Well Being Inventory. RESULTS: A
significant improvement in 9 of the 11 factors of the SWBI was observed at the
end of 4 months in these participants.
Back Pain
Saper, R.B., Sherman, K.J., Cullum-Dugan, D., Davis, R.B., Phillips, R.S., & Culpepper, L. (2009). Yoga for chronic
low back pain in a predominantly minority population: A pilot randomized
controlled trial. Alternative Therapies
in Health and Medicine, 15, 18-27.
METHODS: Adults with moderate-to-severe chronic low
back pain participated in weekly hatha yoga classes for 12 weeks and were
compared to a waitlist control group. RESULTS:
At 12 weeks the yoga group participants reported less analgesic use, less
opiate use, and greater overall improvement.
Balance
Schmid, A.A., Van, Puymbroeck, M., & Koceja, D.M. (2010). Effect of a
12-week yoga intervention on fear of falling and balance in older adults: a
pilot study. Archives of
Physical medicine and Rehabilitation, 91, 576-583.
METHODS: Older adults who had a fear of falling participated in a biweekly
12-week yoga intervention. RESULTS: Fear of falling decreased, balance
increased and lower-body flexibility increased.
Cancer
Chandwani, K.D., Thornton, B., Perkins, G.H., Arun, B., Raghuram, N.V., Nagendra, H.R., Wei, Q., & Cohen, L. (2010). Yoga improves
quality of life and benefit finding in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast
cancer.Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 8, 43-55.
METHODS: Women with breast cancer were randomly
assigned to either yoga or a wait-list group. Yoga classes were taught biweekly
during the 6 weeks of radiotherapy. RESULTS:
The yoga group had better general health perception and physical functioning scores.
Culos-Reed, S., Carlson,
L., Daroux, L. & Hately-Aldous, S. (2006). A pilot study of yoga for breast
cancer survivors: Physical and psychological benefits. Psychooncology, 15, 891-897.
METHODS: breast cancer survivors were assigned to a yoga
or a control group. RESULTS: The
intervention and control group differed at post-intervention (i.e. global
quality of life, emotional function, and diarrhea) and physical fitness
variables.
Carson, J.W., Carson,
K.M., Porter, L.S., Keefe, F.J., Shaw, H. & Miller, J.M. (2007). Yoga for
women with metastatic breast cancer: Results from a pilot study. Journal of Pain Symptom Management, 33,
331-341.
METHODS: breast cancer survivors were assigned to a yoga
or control group. RESULTS: Yoga
practice women experienced significantly lower levels of pain and fatigue, and
higher levels of invigoration, acceptance, and relaxation.
Speed-Andrews, A.E.,
Stevinson, C., Belanger, L.J., Mirus, J.J & Courneya, K.S. (2010). Pilot
Evaluation of an Iyengar Yoga Program for Breast Cancer Survivors.Cancer Nursing. [Epub ahead of print]
METHODS:
Breast cancer survivors participated in Iyengar yoga classes for 12-weeks. RESULTS: Several indicators of quality
of life improved including mental health, vitality and bodily pain.
Cohen, L., Warneke, C., Fouladi, R.T., Rodriguez, M.A. &
Chaoul-Reich, A. (2004) Psychological adjustment and sleep quality in a
randomized trial of the effects of a Tibetan yoga intervention in patients with
lymphoma. Cancer, 100,
2253-2260.
METHODS: Patients with lymphoma were assigned to a yoga group or to a
wait-list control group. Patients in the yoga group participated in 7 weekly
yoga sessions, and patients in the wait-list control group were free to
participate in the yoga program after the 3-month follow-up assessment. RESULTS:
Patients in the yoga group reported significantly lower sleep disturbance
scores.
Ulger, O., & Yağli, N.V. (2010). Effects of yoga on
the quality of life in cancer patients. Complementary Therapies
in Clinical Practice, 16, 60-63.
METHODS: The effects of aerobic exercise on elderly persons
were determined. Baroreflex sensitivity was quantified by high frequency
(reflecting parasympathetic activity) and mid-frequency (reflecting sympathetic
activity). RESULTS: Heart rate
decreased following yoga but not aerobic training. VO2 max increased by 11%
following yoga and by 24% following aerobic training. No significant change in
alpha MF or alpha HF occurred after aerobic training.
METHODS: HIV adults were assigned to 20 weeks of yoga or
standard care treatment. RESULTS: Systolic and
diastolic blood pressure decreased more in the yoga group than in the standard
of care group.
METHODS: Yoga effects were evaluated on coronary
atherosclerotic disease. In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, men
with coronary artery disease were randomized to control and yoga groups and
were followed for one year. RESULTS: At one year, the yoga group had fewer anginal episodes per week,
improved exercise capacity and decreased body weight. Serum total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels also decreased as compared with the
control group. Revascularization procedures (coronary angioplasty or bypass
surgery) were less frequently required in the yoga group. Coronary angiography
repeated at one year showed that significantly more lesions regressed (20%
versus 2%) and less lesions progressed (5% versus 37%) in the yoga group.
METHODS: Two yoga practices, one combining "calming and
stimulating" measures and the other, a "calming" technique, were
compared. The oxygen consumption, breath rate, and breath volume of male
volunteers were assessed before and after sessions. RESULTS: The magnitude of
change on all 3 measures was greater after the calming and stimulating session:
(1) Oxygen consumption decreased 32% compared with 10%; (2) breath rate
decreased 18% versus 15%; and (3) breath volume increased 29% versus 16%.
METHODS: Patients with mild to moderate hypertension
attended yoga sessions daily for one hour for three months. RESULTS: Results showed decreased blood
pressure blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides and improved subjective
well-being and quality of life.
METHODS: Cardiovascular responses to exercise were
determined by the Harvard step test where subjects were asked to step up and
down the platform at a rate of 30/min for a total duration of 5 min or until
fatigue. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure response to exercise were measured
in the supine position before exercise and for several minutes after the
exercise. RESULTS: Exercise
increased HR and blood systolic pressure and a decreased diastolic pressure.
After two months of yoga exercise-induced changes in these parameters were
reduced.
METHODS: This study determined whether yoga reduced heart
rate and whether the reduction would be more after 30 days of yoga training.
Yoga and control groups were assessed on Day 1 and on Day 30. During the intervening
30 days, the yoga group received training in yoga techniques. At each
assessment the baseline heart rate was recorded for one minute. This was
followed by a six-minute period during which participants were asked to attempt
to voluntarily reduce their heart rate, using any strategy. RESULTS: Both the baseline heart rate and
the lowest heart rate achieved voluntarily during the six-minute period were
lower in the yoga group on Day 30 compared to Day 1 by a group average of 10.7
beats per minute (i.e., bpm) and 6.8 bpm, respectively.
METHODS: One group of school children received yoga 1 hour
per week for 12 weeks and the other group did not. RESULTS: The yoga group
had enhanced wellbeing and improved strength, flexibility and balance.
METHODS: Children who received 10 days of yoga training and
children who did not receive yoga training were assessed on Day 1 and Day 10
for visual perceptual sensitivity through Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency
(CFF) and degree of illusion. RESULTS: Following 10 days of yoga training, the yoga group showed a significant
increase in CFF and a decrease in degree of illusion.
METHODS: This study examined changes in brain waves and blood
levels of serum cortisol during yoga exercise. RESULTS: Alpha waves increased suggesting increased
attentiveness and serum cortisol decreased. These two measures were negatively
correlated.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to determine the
effects of yoga training on the intensity of delayed onset muscle soreness.
Yoga-trained and non-yoga-trained women were administered a bench-stepping
exercise. Muscle soreness was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale. Groups were
also compared on body awareness, flexibility using the sit-and-reach as well as
perceived and exertion. RESULTS: Muscle soreness decreased and flexibility increased using the
sit-and-reach-test after yoga.
METHODS: The immediate effects of relaxation therapy (RT)
were assessed in hospitalized children and adolescents with diagnoses of
adjustment disorder and depression. These effects were assessed using a within
subjects pre-test/post-test design and by comparison with a control group
of depressed and adjustment disorder
patients who watched a 1-h relaxing videotape. The 1-h RT class consisted of
yoga exercise, a brief massage and progressive muscle relaxation. RESULTS: Decreases were noted in both
self-reported anxiety and in anxious behavior and fidgeting as well as
increases in positive affect in the RT group. In addition, adjustment disorder
patients and a third of the depressed patients showed decreases in cortisol
levels following RT. Thus, both diagnostic groups appeared to benefit from the
RT class.
METHODS: The effectiveness of yoga was examined as a
therapeutic technique to alleviate depression. Female university students
diagnosed with severe depression were assigned to yoga or control groups. RESULTS: Yoga alleviated depression.
METHODS: Depressed
individuals participated in Vinyasa yoga classes. RESULTS: By the end of the
study the participants had fewer depression symptoms and increased mindfulness.
METHODS: Young adults with mild levels of depression were
randomly assigned to a yoga or a wait-list control group. Subjects in the yoga
group attended two 1-hour Iyengar yoga classes each week for 5 consecutive
weeks. The classes emphasized yoga postures thought to alleviate depression,
particularly back bends, standing poses, and inversions. RESULTS: Subjects in the yoga group had
decreased depression and trait anxiety.
METHODS: Yoga practitioners completed a 60-minute yoga
session and comparison subjects completed a 60-minute reading session. RESULTS: A 27% increase in GABA levels occurred
in the yoga after the yoga session.
METHODS: Changes in blood glucose and glucose tolerance by
oral glucose tolerance test were investigated after 40 days of yoga in non-insulin-dependent
diabetics. RESULTS: A reduction in
hyperglycemia and a decrease in oral hypoglycemic drugs required for
maintenance of normoglycemia occurred by the end of the study.
METHODS: Diabetic adults participated in a 40-day yoga camp.
RESULTS: At
the end of the study, there was a reduction of body mass index and anxiety and
increased in well-being.
METHODS: Type 2 diabetic subjects were studied to assess the
effect of 40 days of Yoga asanas on nerve conduction velocity. The Yoga
exercises were performed for 30-40 minutes every day for 40 days. RESULTS: Right hand and left hand median
nerve conduction velocity increased. Control group nerve function parameters
deteriorated over the period of study.
METHODS: Children with eating disorders were randomized to
an 8-week trial of standard care vs. individualized yoga plus standard care.
The No Yoga group was offered yoga after study completion as an incentive to
maintain participation. RESULTS: The Yoga group demonstrated greater decreases in
eating disorder symptoms. Food preoccupation decreased after each session. Both
groups maintained current BMI levels and decreased in anxiety and depression
over time.
METHODS: Muscle relaxation was quantified following Yoga. RESULTS: The EMG suggested data revealed a
decreased in muscle activity to 58% of the basal level in both sexes.
METHODS: Yoga was assessed in patients with epilepsy. RESULTS: There was a decline in the average
number of attacks per month compared to the baseline frequency among the
patients treated with yoga.
METHODS: male high school students were assigned to a yoga
group and control group. RESULTS: A significant improvement in ideal body weight, body density,
cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic power occurred following yoga.
METHODS: Six months of yoga was assessed in seniors. RESULTS: The yoga intervention produced improvements in physical
measures (e.g., timed 1-legged standing, forward flexibility) as well as a
number of quality-of-life measures related to sense of well-being and energy
and fatigue compared to controls.
METHODS: Ss wit headaches were randomly assigned to 4 months
of yoga therapy and control groups. RESULTS: Reduction occurred in headache activity, medication
intake, symptoms, stress perception and coping behavior for the yoga group.
METHODS: Hypertensive patients were assigned at random
either to six weeks of yoga methods with biofeedback or to general relaxation. RESULTS: Both groups
showed a reduction in blood-pressure, although the decrease was significantly
greater for the yoga group. The control group was then trained in yoga
relaxation and their blood-pressure fell to that of the other group (now used
as controls).
METHODS: Hypertensive patients were assessed on systolic and
diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and body weight. The subjects were
randomly assigned to three groups: a yoga group, a group who received medical
treatment by the physician and a control group. Yoga was offered in the morning
and in the evening for 1 hr/session for 11-weeks. RESULTS: Pre-post tests revealed that yoga
was effective.
METHODS: Novices and experts were exposed to yoga, movement
control, and passive-video control during three separate visits. RESULTS: The yoga session
boosted participants' positive affect compared with the control conditions, and
their serum interleukin levels were higher as was their C-reactive protein
levels.
METHODS: A simple daily yoga treatment was evaluated in a
chronic insomnia population consisting of sleep-onset and/or sleep-maintenance
insomnia and primary or secondary insomnia. Participants maintained sleep-wake
diaries during a pretreatment 2-week baseline and a subsequent 8-week
intervention, in which they practiced the treatment on their own following a
single in-person training session with subsequent brief in-person and telephone
follow-ups. RESULTS: Improvements were
noted in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, total wake time, sleep onset
latency, wake time after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and sleep quality
measures based on sleep-wake diary entries.
METHODS: Residents in a home for the aged were randomly allocated
to three groups i.e., Yoga (physical postures, relaxation techniques,
voluntarily regulated breathing and lectures on yoga philosophy), Ayurveda (an
herbal preparation), and Wait-list control (no intervention). RESULTS: After six months the Yoga group
showed a significant decrease in the time taken to fall asleep, an increase in
the total number of hours slept and in the feeling of being rested in the
morning based on a rating scale.
METHODS:
To assess Yoga effects on stress in the workplace, employees were randomized to
either yoga or a wait-list control group. The yoga group was offered six weeks
of a 60-minute Yoga class per week. RESULTS:
The yoga group reported enhanced feelings of clear-mindedness, composure,
elation, energy, and confidence. In addition, the yoga group reported increased
life purpose, satisfaction, and feelings of greater self-confidence during
stressful situations.
METHODS: Adults with chronic low back pain were given
12-week sessions of yoga or conventional therapeutic exercise classes or a
self-care book. RESULTS: Back-related
function in the yoga group was superior to the book and exercise groups at 12
and 26 weeks.
METHODS: Subjects with chronic low back pain were randomly
assigned to an Iyengar yoga or an educational control group. Both programs were
16 weeks long. RESULTS: Decreased pain
intensity (64%), functional disability (77%) and pain medication usage (88%)
was noted in the yoga group at the post and 3-month follow-up assessments.
METHODS: Spirometric parameters were assessed in randomly selected
healthy male, athletes, yogis and sedentary workers. RESULTS: The highest mean
FEV1 and PEFR were observed in the yogis, and both the yogis and athletes had
significantly better FEV1 as compared to sedentary workers.
METHODS: Patients with migraine headaches were randomly
assigned to yoga or self-care groups for 3 months. Primary outcomes were
headache frequency (headache diary), severity of headaches, and pain. Secondary
outcomes were anxiety and depression medication score. RESULTS: Headache intensity, frequency, pain
rating, anxiety and depression scores and symptomatic medication use were
significantly lower in the yoga group.
METHODS: The participants were randomly assigned to an
8-week yoga group or a wait-list control. RESULTS: The yoga group experienced a greater increase in
mindfulness including; Attention to the present moment and Accepting and open
attitudes toward experience.
METHODS: Women with binge eating disorder and a BMI>25,
participated in a 12-week yoga program. RESULTS: The yoga group self-reported reductions in binge
eating and increases in physical activity, and BMI, hips and waist measurements
decreased.
METHODS: Obese individuals practiced yoga for 5 hours every
day and had a low fat, high fiber, vegetarian diet. RESULTS: Following the
6-day program, participants showed a decrease in BMI, waist and hip
circumference, fat-free mass, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein
cholesterol, fasting serum leptin levels and an increase in postural stability
and hand grip strength.
METHODS: Resting in a supine position was compared with
yoga plus resting. RESULTS: Oxygen consumption decreased by 19 percent below baseline
values after CM. The combination of yoga postures with supine rest reduced the
oxygen consumption more than resting supine alone did.
METHODS: Postmenopausal osteoporotic women were assigned to
a yoga exercise or a classic osteoporosis exercise program. RESULTS: Yoga had a
positive effect on pain, physical functions and social functions.
METHODS: Pancreatitis patients were randomized to two
groups. Patients in the yoga group received biweekly yoga sessions for 12
weeks. RESULTS: Improvements
were seen in quality of life, symptoms of stress, mood changes, alcohol
dependence and appetite after the 12 week period apart from the general feeling
of well-being and desire to continue with the yoga group program.
METHODS: The Yoga Group added a weekly yoga class to their
regular exercise program while the Control Group received a yoga class at a
later time. At the end of eight weeks, exercise logs were collected and post
tests were conducted. RESULTS: The yoga group had
(1) more positive mood change (2) more immediate positive affect from yoga than
from cardiovascular or resistance training activities, (3) more compliance with
yoga than with cardiovascular or resistance training activities, (4) comparable
perceived exertion ratings for 'moderate' Hatha Yoga and routine aerobic
exercise, (5) an 8% gain in spinal and hamstring flexibility, and (6) decreased
vulnerability to stress.
METHODS: Pregnant women in their second or third trimesters
attended weekly mindfulness meditation and prenatal Hatha yoga classes for 7
weeks. RESULTS:
Women who began the intervention in the second trimester had significantly
fewer awakenings (based on wrist activity monitors), less wake time during the
night, and less perceived sleep disturbance post intervention than at baseline.
METHODS: Pregnant women
were divided into experimental and control groups. The yoga program involved
six, 1-hour sessions at prescribed weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The yoga group had higher levels of maternal comfort
during labor and 2h post-labor, and experienced less labor pain than the
control group. The yoga group also had a shorter duration of the first stage of
labor as well as the total time of labor.
METHODS: Yoga practices, including physical
postures, breathing and meditation were practiced by the yoga group one hour
daily, from the date of entry into the study until delivery. The control group
walked 30 minutes twice a day during the study period. RESULTS: The number of babies with birth
weight > or = 2500 grams was significantly higher in the yoga group. Preterm
labor was significantly shorter in the yoga group. Complications such as
isolated intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy-induced hypertension
were also less frequent in the yoga group.
METHODS: Volunteers undergoing a ten week yoga course were
assessed by ventilatory function tests. RESULTS: The observations recorded at the end of ten weeks
of the course showed improved ventilatory functions in the form of lowered
respiratory rate, increased forced vital capacity, FEV1, maximum breathing
capacity and breath holding time.
METHODS: Cardio-ventilatory responses were studied in
horizontal supine, chair-sitting and yoga seated postures. RESULTS: Sitting in the yoga posture was characterized
by greater ventilation, larger tidal volume, higher oxygen consumption, greater
CO2 elimination, higher heart rate frequency, greater oxygen pulse compared
with other two postures.
METHODS: Diabetic patients trained in yoga asanas 30-40
min/day for 40 days. RESULTS: There was a
significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and postprandial blood
glucose levels and improved pulmonary function.
METHODS: Participants were assigned to yoga exercises or a control
group. RESULTS: The yoga group
showed improved running performance.
METHODS: Female subjects who perceived themselves as
emotionally distressed attended two-weekly 90-min Iyengar yoga classes. RESULTS: Compared to the
wait-list women, those who participated in the yoga-training demonstrated
significant improvements in perceived stress, State and Trait Anxiety,
well-being, vigor, fatigue and depression. Physical well-being also increased,
and those subjects suffering from headache or back pain reported marked pain
relief. Salivary cortisol decreased significantly after participation in a yoga
class.
METHODS: Weight gain was monitored in normal weight and
overweight individuals who practiced yoga. RESULTS:
Yoga practice for four or more years
was associated with a 3-lb lower weight gain among normal weight participants
and an 19-lb lower weight gain among overweight participants.