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Efficacy of yoga in pregnant women with abnormal Doppler study of umbilical and uterine arteries.

To study the efficacy of yoga on the outcome of complicated pregnancy, 121 women attending antenatal clinic at Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital (GSMH) in Bangalore, India, were enrolled between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy in a prospective, matched, observational study. Sixty-eight women were in the yoga group and 53 women in the control group. Women were matched for age, gravida and Doppler velocimetry scores of umbilical and uterine arteries. Yoga practices including physical postures, breathing and meditation were practised by the yoga group, one hour daily, from the date of entry into the study until delivery. The control group walked half an hour twice a day during the study period. Compliance in both the groups was ensured. In babies the birth-weight is significantly higher (P < 0.018) in the Yoga group (2.78 +/- 0.52 kg), compared to the control group (2.55 +/- 0.52 kg). Occurrence of complications of pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term delivery) shows lower trends in yoga group.

Adolescent↗

Randomized, controlled, six-month trial of yoga in healthy seniors: effects on cognition and quality of life.

CONTEXT: There are potential benefits of mind-body techniques on cognitive function because the techniques involve an active attentional or mindfulness component, but this has not been fully explored. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of yoga on cognitive function, fatigue, mood, and quality of life in seniors. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial comparing yoga, exercise, and wait-list control groups. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-five generally healthy men and women aged 65-85 years. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to 6 months of Hatha yoga class, walking exercise class, or wait-list control. Subjects assigned to classes also were asked to practice at home. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome assessments performed at baseline and after the 6-month period included a battery of cognitive measures focused on attention and alertness, the primary outcome measures being performance on the Stroop Test and a quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) measure of alertness; SF-36 health-related quality of life; Profile of Mood States; Multi-Dimensional Fatigue Inventory; and physical measures related to the interventions. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five subjects were recruited and randomized. Seventeen subjects did not finish the 6-month intervention. There were no effects from either of the active interventions on any of the cognitive and alertness outcome measures. The yoga intervention produced improvements in physical measures (eg, 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. CONCLUSIONS: There were no relative improvements of cognitive function among healthy seniors in the yoga or exercise group compared to the wait-list control group. Those in the yoga group showed significant improvement in quality-of-life and physical measures compared to exercise and wait-list control groups.

Aged↗

The beneficial effect of yoga in diabetes.

Twenty NIDDM subjects (mild to moderate diabetics) in the age group of 30-60 years were selected from the out patient clinic of G.T.B. hospital. They were on a 40 days yoga asana regime under the supervision of a yoga expert. 13 specific Yoga asanas < or = done by Type 2 Diabetes Patients included. Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, Tadasana, Sukhasana, Padmasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Pashimottanasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana and Shavasana are beneficial for diabetes mellitus. Serum insulin, plasma fasting and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after yoga asanas. The results indicate that there was significant decrease in fasting glucose levels from basal 208.3 +/- 20.0 to 171.7 +/- 19.5 mg/dl and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels decreased from 295.3 +/- 22.0 to 269.7 +/- 19.9 mg/dl. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing interact with somatoendocrine mechanism affecting insulin kinetics was worked out. A significant decrease in waist-hip ratio and changes in insulin levels were also observed, suggesting a positive effect of yoga asanas on glucose utilisation and fat redistribution in NIDDM. Yoga asanas may be used as an adjunct with diet and drugs in the management of Type 2 diabetes.

Adult↗

Study of pulmonary and autonomic functions of asthma patients after yoga training.

"The concept of yoga is helpful for the treatment of Bronchial Asthma", has created a great interest in the medical research field. In order to investigate whether autonomic functions and pulmonary functions are improved in asthma patients after short term yoga training, a study was conducted with nine diagnosed bronchial asthma patients. Yoga training was given for seven days in a camp in Adhyatma Sadhna Kendra, New Delhi. The autonomic function tests to measure the parasympathetic reactivity (Deep Breathing test, Valsalva Manouever), Sympathetic reactivity (Hand Grip test, Cold Pressure test), and pulmonary function tests FVC, FEV1, PEFR, PIF, BHT and CE were recorded before and after yoga training. The resting heart rate after yoga training (P < 0.05) was significantly decreased (89.55 +/- 18.46/min to 76.22 +/- 16.44/min). The sympathetic reactivity was reduced following yoga training as indicated by significant (P < 0.01) reduction in DBP after HGT. There was no change in parasympathetic reactivity. The FVC, FEV1, PEFR did not show any significant change. The PIF (P < 0.01), BHT (P < 0.01) and CE (P < 0.01) showed significant improvement. The results closely indicated the reduction in sympathetic reactivity and improvement in the pulmonary ventilation by way of relaxation of voluntary inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The "comprehensive yogic life style change programme for patients of Bronchial Asthma" have shown significant benefit even within a short period.

Adolescent↗

A combination of focusing and defocusing through yoga reduces optical illusion more than focusing alone.

The degree of optical illusion was assessed using standard Muller-Lyer lines in two groups (yoga and control) of thirty subjects each. All subjects were between eighteen and forty two years of age. The difference between the reading at which the lines were actually equal and the reading at which the subject felt them to be equal, was noted as the degree of illusion ("di"). Each subject was assessed at the beginning and end of a month. During the month the yoga group received training in yoga, while the control group carried on with their usual routine. At the end of the month the yoga group showed a significant (two factor ANOVA, Tukey test, P < .001) decrease in the "di" (86%), whereas the control group showed no change. The improvement following yoga could be attributed to the combination of focusing and defocusing involved in yoga practice, as these factors are known to influence the "di". Previous results which mentioned a 79% decrease in "di" with focusing alone, provided a comparison.

Adolescent↗

Yoga for rehabilitation: an overview.

The use of yoga for rehabilitation has diverse applications. Yoga practice benefited mentally handicapped subjects by improving their mental ability, also the motor co-ordination and social skills. Physically handicapped subjects had a restoration of some degree of functional ability after practicing yoga. Visually impaired children children showed a significant decrease in their abnormal anxiety levels when they practiced yoga for three weeks, while a program of physical activity had no such effect. Socially disadvantaged adults (prisoners in a jail) and children in a remand home showed significant improvement in sleep, appetite and general well being, as well as a decrease in physiological arousal. The practice of meditation was reported to decrease the degree of substance (marijuana) abuse, by strengthening the mental resolve and decreasing the anxiety. Another important area is the application of yoga (and indeed, lifestyle change), in the rehabilitation of patients with coronary artery disease. Finally, the possible role of yoga in improving the mental state and general well being of HIV positive persons and patients with AIDS, is being explored.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The management of chronic tinnitus--comparison of a cognitive-behavioural group training with yoga.

Two non-medical treatment strategies for chronic idiopathic tinnitus were evaluated in a randomized control group design. A cognitive-behavioural tinnitus coping training (TCT) was developed and compared to yoga and a self-monitoring control condition. Forty-three chronic tinnitus patients, were assessed at baseline, directly after therapy, and at 3 months follow-up. For evaluation, differential psychoacoustic variables were registered, a tinnitus diary as well as the Tinnitus Questionnaire and different measures of general well-being were used. Statistical analyses showed effects favouring the TCT treatment in comparison to the control and yoga treatment. The TCT-treated patients reported more satisfaction with the training than the yoga group. Participants in the self-monitoring control group were treated either by TCT or yoga after a waiting period. The outcome in this group was even better than in the experimental groups while yoga again showed rather poor effects.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Yoga for depression: the research evidence.

BACKGROUND: Yoga-based interventions may prove to be an attractive option for the treatment of depression. The aim of this study is to systematically review the research evidence on the effectiveness of yoga for this indication. METHODS: Searches of the major biomedical databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClNAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were conducted. Specialist complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the IndMED databases were also searched and efforts made to identify unpublished and ongoing research. Searches were conducted between January and June 2004. Relevant research was categorised by study type and appraised. Clinical commentaries were obtained for studies reporting clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Five randomised controlled trials were located, each of which utilised different forms of yoga interventions and in which the severity of the condition ranged from mild to severe. All trials reported positive findings but methodological details such as method of randomisation, compliance and attrition rates were missing. No adverse effects were reported with the exception of fatigue and breathlessness in participants in one study. LIMITATIONS: No language restrictions were imposed on the searches conducted but no searches of databases in languages other than English were included. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the initial indications are of potentially beneficial effects of yoga interventions on depressive disorders. Variation in interventions, severity and reporting of trial methodology suggests that the findings must be interpreted with caution. Several of the interventions may not be feasible in those with reduced or impaired mobility. Nevertheless, further investigation of yoga as a therapeutic intervention is warranted.

Depressive Disorder↗

Training to yoga respiration selectively increases respiratory sensation in healthy man.

Because yoga practitioners think they are benefiting from their breath training we hypothesized that yoga respiration training (YRT) could modify the respiratory sensation. Yoga respiration (YR) ("ujjai") consisted of very slow, deep breaths (2-3 min(-1)) with sustained breath-hold after each inspiration and expiration. At inclusion in the study and after a 2-month YRT program, we determined in healthy subjects their eupneic ventilatory pattern and their capacity to discriminate external inspiratory resistive loads (respiratory sensation), digital tactile mechanical pressures (somesthetic sensation) and sound-pressure stimulations (auditory sensation). Data were compared to a gender-, age-, and weight-matched control group of healthy subjects who did not undergo the YRT program but were explored at the same epochs. After the 2-month YRT program, the respiratory sensation increased. Thus, both the exponent of the Steven's power law (Psi=kPhin) and the slope of the linear-linear plot between Psi and mouth pressure (Pm) were significantly higher, and the intercept with ordinate axis of the Psi versus Pm relationship was lower. After YRT, the peak Pm developed against inspiratory loads was significantly lower, reducing the load-induced activation of respiratory afferents. YRT induced long-lasting modifications of the ventilatory pattern with a significant lengthening of expiratory duration and a modest tidal volume increase. No significant changes in somesthetic and auditory sensations were noted. In the control group, the respiratory sensation was not modified during a 15-min period of yoga respiration, despite the peak Pm changes in response to added loads were then significantly reduced. These data suggest that training to yoga respiration selectively increases the respiratory sensation, perhaps through its persistent conditioning of the breathing pattern.

Adult↗

Psychophysiologic effects of Hatha Yoga on musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary function: a literature review.

Yoga has become increasingly popular in Western cultures as a means of exercise and fitness training; however, it is still depicted as trendy as evidenced by an April 2001 Time magazine cover story on "The Power of Yoga." There is a need to have yoga better recognized by the health care community as a complement to conventional medical care. Over the last 10 years, a growing number of research studies have shown that the practice of Hatha Yoga can improve strength and flexibility, and may help control such physiological variables as blood pressure, respiration and heart rate, and metabolic rate to improve overall exercise capacity. This review presents a summary of medically substantiated information about the health benefits of yoga for healthy people and for people compromised by musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disease.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Pattern of breathing and ventilatory response to CO2 in subjects practicing hatha-yoga.

WE studied eight Belgian subjects well advanced in the practice of hatha-yoga and compared them with eight sex-, age-, and height-matched control subjects. Practice of yoga (range 4-12 yr) involves control of posture and manipulation of breathing, including slow near-vital capacity maneuvers accompanied by apnea at end inspiration and end expiration. Average values for the yoga and the control group (in parentheses) are as follows: ventilation (VE) 5.53 1 X min-1 (7.07); tidal volume (VT), 1.03 liters (0.56); rate of breathing, 5.5 min-1 (13.4); end-tidal PCO2, 39.0 Torr (35.3). All differences are significant (P less than 0.05). Ventilatory response to CO2 (rebreathing technique) was significantly lower in the yoga group (P less than 0.01). The regression relating VE to VT during rebreathing of CO2 was VE = 8.1 (VT - 0.23) for the yoga group and VE = 15.8 (VT - 0.16) for the control group (P less than 0.005). We attribute these changes to chronic manipulation of respiration.

Adult↗

Yoga for patients and carers in a palliative day care setting.

This study suggests that yoga can be of benefit to patients (and carers) in palliative care settings. Complementary therapies have been employed in our day care unit for several years--aromatherapy, reflexology and massage--and have grown in popularity, enabling relaxation and a feeling of well-being. For patients striving to remain physically fit and, in consultation with our physiotherapist, we felt there may be a role for a gentle form of yoga. A study of the literature yielded information on yoga and cancer but little evidence of its use in palliative care. Having identified a form of yoga that could be adapted for those with physical frailties-- Dru yoga--a 12-week pilot project was introduced into the day care unit. This proved to be highly successful and has now been incorporated as part of our therapeutic service.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

An integrated approach of yoga therapy for bronchial asthma: a 3-54-month prospective study.

After an initial integrated yoga training program of 2 to 4 weeks, 570 bronchial asthmatics were followed up for 3 to 54 months. The training consisted of yoga practices--yogasanas, Pranayama, meditation, and kriyas--and theory of yoga. Results show highly significant improvement in most of the specific parameters. The regular practitioners showed the greatest improvement. Peak expiratory flow rate (PFR) values showed significant movement of patients toward normalcy after yoga, and 72, 69, and 66% of the patients have stopped or reduced parenteral, oral, and cortisone medication, respectively. These results establish the long-term efficacy of the integrated approach of yoga therapy in the management of bronchial asthma.

Adolescent↗

Progressive increase in critical flicker fusion frequency following yoga training.

The critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) is the frequency at which a flickering stimulus is perceived to be steady, with higher values suggesting greater perceptual accuracy. The CFF was measured in two age-matched groups of healthy male volunteers whose ages ranged from 25 to 39 years, with 18 subjects in each group. After baseline assessments one group (yoga group) received yoga training, while the other group (control group) carried on with their routine activities. Yoga practices included asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, meditation, devotional sessions and lectures on the theory of yoga. After 10 days neither group showed a change in CFF. However, at 20 and at 30 days the yoga group showed significant increases in CFF by 11.1% and 14.9%, respectively (two factor ANOVA, Tukey multiple comparison test). The control group showed no change at the day 20 and day 30 followup.

Adult↗

Hatha yoga: improved vital capacity of college students.

CONTEXT: The vital capacity of the lungs is a critical component of good health. Vital capacity is an important concern for those with asthma, heart conditions, and lung ailments; those who smoke; and those who have no known lung problems. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of yoga postures and breathing exercises on vital capacity. DESIGN: Using the Spiropet spirometer, researchers measured vital capacity. Vital capacity determinants were taken near the beginning and end of two 17-week semesters. No control group was used. SETTING: Midwestern university yoga classes taken for college credit. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 287 college students, 89 men and 198 women. INTERVENTION: Subjects were taught yoga poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation in two 50-minute class meetings for 15 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vital capacity over time for smokers, asthmatics, and those with no known lung disease. RESULTS: The study showed a statistically significant (P < .001) improvement in vital capacity across all categories over time. CONCLUSIONS: It is not known whether these findings were the result of yoga poses, breathing techniques, relaxation, or other aspects of exercise in the subjects' life. The subjects' adherence to attending class was 99.96%. The large number of 287 subjects is considered to be a valid number for a study of this type. These findings are consistent with other research studies reporting the positive effect of yoga on the vital capacity of the lungs.

Adolescent↗

Effect of Yoga asanas on nerve conduction in type 2 diabetes.

Twenty Type 2 diabetic subjects between the age group of 30-60 years were studied to see the effect of 40 days of Yoga asanas on the nerve conduction velocity. The duration of diabetes ranged from 0-10 years. Subject suffering from cardiac, renal and proliferative retinal complications were excluded from the study Yoga asanas included Suryanamskar. Tadasan, Konasan, Padmasan Pranayam, Paschimottansan Ardhmatsyendrasan, Shavasan, Pavanmukthasan, Sarpasan and Shavasan. Subjects were called to the cardio-respiratory laboratory in the morning time and were given training by the Yoga expert. The Yoga exercises were performed for 30-40 minutes every day for 40 days in the above sequence. The subjects were prescribed certain medicines and diet. The basal blood glucose, nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve was measured and repeated after 40 days of Yogic regime. Another group of 20 Type 2 diabetes subjects of comparable age and severity, called the control group, were kept on prescribed medication and light physical exercises like walking. Their basal & post 40 days parameters were recorded for comparison. Right hand and left hand median nerve conduction velocity increased from 52.81 +/- 1.1 m/sec to 53.87 +/- 1.1 m/sec and 52.46 +/- 1.0 to 54.75 +/- 1/1 m/sec respectively. Control group nerve function parameters deteriorated over the period of study, indicating that diabetes is a slowly progressive disease involving the nerves. Yoga asanas have a beneficial effect on glycaemic control and improve nerve function in mild to moderate Type 2 diabetes with sub-clinical neuropathy.

Adult↗

Study of yoga asanas in assessment of pulmonary function in NIDDM patients.

Certain yoga asanas if practiced regularly are known to have beneficial effects on human body. These yoga practices might be interacting with various, somato-neuro-endocrine mechanisms to have therapeutic effects. The present study done in twenty four NIDDM patients of 30 to 60 year old, provides metabolic and clinical evidence of improvement in glycaemic control and pulmonary functions. These middle-aged subjects were type II diabetics on antihyperglycaemic and dietary regimen. Their baseline fasting and postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated Hb were monitored along with pulmonary function studies. The expert gave these patients training in yoga asanas and were pursed 30-40 min/day for 40 days under guidance. These asanas consisted of 13 well known postures, done in a sequence. After 40 days of yoga asanas regimen, the parameters were repeated. The results indicate that there was significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels (basal 190.08 +/- 90.8 in mg/dl to 141.5 +/- 79.8 in mg/dl). The postprandial blood glucose levels also decreased (276.54 +/- 101.0 in mg/dl to 201.75 +/- 104.1 in mg/dl), glycosylated hemoglobin showed a decrease (9.03 +/- 1.4% to 7.83 +/- 2.6%). The FEV1, FVC, PEFR, MVV increased significantly (1.81 +/- 0.4 lt to 2.08 +/- 0.4 lt, 2.20 +/- 0.6 lt to 2.37 +/- 0.5 lt, 3.30 +/- 1.0 lt/s to 4.43 +/- 1.4 lt/s and 64.59 +/- 25.7 lt min to 76.28 +/- 28.1 lt/min respectively). FEV1/FVC% improved (85 +/- 0.2% to 89 +/- 0.1%). These findings suggest that better glycaemic control and pulmonary functions can be obtained in NIDDM cases with yoga asanas and pranayama. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing, interact with somato-neuro-endocrine mechanism affecting metabolic and pulmonary functions remains to be worked out.

Adult↗

A yoga-based exercise program for people with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This was a preliminary investigation of the effects of a yoga-based exercise program on people with chronic (greater than 9 months) poststroke hemiparesis. Many people who have had a stroke report an impaired health status because of a reduced level of activity. Proponents of yoga contend that it offers a gentle alternative exercise program that can be easily adapted for people who have had a stroke. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Four subjects with chronic poststroke hemiparesis participated in this single-case study. The primary outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Movement Battery (TMB). A secondary outcome measure was the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The baseline testing phase varied for each subject and ranged from 4 to 7 weeks. The 8-week intervention phase consisted of 1.5-hour yoga sessions, 2 times per week, in the subject's home. The primary outcome data were collected each week, and the secondary outcome data were collected before the baseline testing phase and before and after the intervention phase. RESULTS: Subjects 1, 2, and 4 had improved TMB scores, and subjects 3 and 4 had improved BBS scores. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results suggest that yoga may be beneficial to people who have had a stroke. Further investigation is warranted to further examine the effects of yoga in this population.

Aged↗