Yoga como terapia complementaria para el Adulto Mayor / Yoga as a complementary therapy for older adult

Introducción: El yoga es una actividad que trata de un ejercicio el cual contiene una intensidad baja a moderada, la cual no se centra exclusivamente en el entrenamiento físico, sino que también en el desarrollo de la mente y el espíritu de uno mismo. El yoga puede obtener un mayor impacto en el equilibrio y en la ganancia de fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo, además, demuestra mejora en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y flexibilidad. Metodología: El enfoque de desarrollo fue de tipo cuantitativo en donde se realizó una revisión sistemática como metodología de búsqueda de información, relacionada al yoga como una terapia complementaria y los beneficios que éste aportaba al bienestar de las personas mayores. Resultados: En cada uno de los ensayos controlados aleatorizados que fueron recabados para fines de esta revisión sistemática. Se destaca la importancia y los beneficios del yoga en la movilidad, fuerza, flexibilidad y espiritualidad de los usuarios que practican esta terapia. Discusión: Los artículos analizados pertenecen a ensayos clínicos o estudios aleatorizados, los cuales permitieron responder de manera efectiva a nuestra pregunta de investigación, la cual consiste en reconocer si el yoga es efectivo para disminuir el riesgo de dependencia funcional y eliminar hábitos que no son saludables para las personas mayores, además de mejorar la calidad de vida actual. Gracias a ello se pudo evidenciar que esta terapia en adultos mayores genera cambios positivos respecto a estado y condición física, la ejecución de esta práctica mejora la calidad de vida en un 80% Conclusión: La yoga como terapia complementaria si entrega beneficios en la calidad de vida de la población adulta mayor, dado que, que hubo una mejora tanto en la movilidad, calidad de vida y autovalencia de los adultos mayores[AU]

Introduction: Yoga is an activity that deals with a low to moderate intensity exercise, which is not exclusively focused on physical training, but also on the development of the mind and spirit itself. Yoga may have a greater impact on balance and upper body strength gains, and have shown improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. Methodology:the development approach was of a quantitative type where a systematic review was carried out as a methodology for searching for information related to yoga as a complementary therapy and the benefits that it brought to the well-being of the elderly. Results:The importance and benefits of yoga on the mobility, strength, flexibility and spirituality of users who practice this therapy are highlighted in each of the randomized controlled trials that were collected for the purposes of this systematic review. Discussion: The articles analyzed belong to clinical trials or randomized studies, which allowed us to effectively answer our research question. The activity of yoga in older adults generates positive changes regarding state and physical condition, the execution of this practice improves the quality of life by 80% Conclusion: Yoga as a complementary therapy delivers benefits in the quality of life of the adult population elderly, it can be said that there was an improvement in mobility, quality of life and self-valence of the elderly[AU]

Introdução: O Yoga é uma atividade que trata de um exercício de intensidade baixa a moderada, que não se foca exclusivamente no treino físico, mas também no desenvolvimento da mente e do espí-rito. A ioga pode ter um impacto maior no equilíbrio e nos ganhos de força da parte superior do corpo e mostrou melhorias na apti-dão cardiorrespiratória e flexibilidade. Metodologia: a abordagem de desenvolvimento foi do tipo quantitativo onde foi realizada uma revisão sistemática como metodologia de busca de informações re-lacionadas ao yoga como terapia complementar e os benefícios que trouxe para o bem-estar dos idosos. Resultados: A importância e os benefícios do yoga na mobilidade, força, flexibilidade e espiri-tualidade dos usuários que praticam esta terapia são destacados em cada um dos ensaios clínicos randomizados que foram coletados para fins desta revisão sistemática. Discussão: Os artigos analisa-dos pertencem a ensaios clínicos ou estudos randomizados, o que nos permitiu responder de forma eficaz à nossa questão de inves-tigação. A atividade de yoga em idosos gera mudanças positivas quanto ao estado e condição física, a execução desta prática mel-hora a qualidade de vida em 80% Conclusão: o yoga como terapia complementar traz benefícios na qualidade de vida da população adulta idosa, pode-se dizer que houve melhora na mobilidade, qualidade de vida e autovalência dos idosos[AU]

The Impact of Yoga on Athletes' Mental Well-Being: An Experimental Study.

Background Athletes have a variety of obstacles that might shrink their chances of getting adequate rest, including competing and training times, travel, stress, academic responsibilities, and overtraining. Furthermore, athletes have been reported to have poor self-reports of their sleep length and quality. The study aims to assess the impact of yoga practice on sleep quality, stress, anxiety, psychological rigidity, and experience avoidance. Methods A pre- and post-test randomized design was applied for the research. Forty-four recreational athletes (age 18-45 years) were selected per the inclusion criteria from the athletes studying at Banaras Hindu University. Exclusion criteria are a likely severe psychiatric disorder, chronic illness, substance abuse, disability, endocrine or metabolic disorders, and history of using psychotropic drugs and smoking. The Yogic intervention contains the Pranayama and meditation, which was practiced for six weeks in the intervention group. Outcome variables were stress, sleep, anxiety, mindfulness, psychological rigidity, and experience avoidance. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sport Competition Anxiety Test, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) were applied to measure the outcomes. Results The majority of the participants (30 (68%)) were male, and 44 (100%) had more than two years of sports experience. Of the participants, 18 (40.90%) had a habit of 3-5 hours of internet surfing. We noticed that there was a significant mean difference from pre- to post-intervention in terms of stress, sleep, anxiety, mindfulness, psychological rigidity, and experience avoidance (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The results concluded positive effects of yoga on athletes' stress, sleep, anxiety, mindfulness, psychological rigidity, and experience avoidance in athletes. Stress alleviation and reduced anxiety are the strongest predictors of improving psychological flexibility skills in athletes' daily lives. Improving mindfulness and supporting good sleep patterns could be good indicators of improving psychological rigidity and experience avoidance.

Interplay of yoga, physical activity, and probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome management: A double-blind randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the synergistic impact of online yoga, mindfulness practices, and probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by evaluating changes in physical fitness, mental health, and gut microbiota composition. DESIGN, SETTING AND INTERVENTIONS: The six-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 31 IBS patients categorized into three groups: online yoga with probiotics (EP), online yoga with a placebo (EC), and probiotics only (P). Assessments involved physical fitness tests, subjective questionnaires (IBS-QOL, BSRS-5), and gut microbiome analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants self-collected stool samples and were given a set of questionnaires at baseline and after six weeks of intervention. Their symptoms were measured by changes in the gut microbiota, physical fitness and quality of life, and psychological well-being. RESULTS: The EP group demonstrated improved cardiovascular endurance (P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in Klebsiella bacterial strains (P < 0.05). Both the EP and EC groups exhibited significantly decreased IBS-QOL scores (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), indicating enhanced quality of life. While BSRS-5 scores decreased in both groups, the reduction was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Integrating online yoga, mindfulness practices, and probiotics demonstrated comprehensive benefits for IBS patients. This intervention improved physical fitness and mental well-being and positively influenced gut microbiota composition. The study highlights the potential of this multifaceted approach in managing IBS symptoms and enhancing overall health, emphasizing the relevance of the gut-muscle-brain axis in understanding and addressing IBS complexities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Taiwanese Registry of Institutional Review Board IRBHP210009/CH11000259.

Yoga and Mindfulness Training for Professional Baseball Players: A Narrative Study on Perspectives and Practices.

Mindfulness-related practices (e.g., yoga) appear aligned with the field of athletic performance in developing sport-related capacities such as attention regulation, volition, perception, and coping. The purpose of the present narrative study was to explore the experiences of professional baseball players who interacted with the ideas and practices of mindfulness presented in classes featuring yoga and Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC). Participants were seven Minor League Baseball players who learned mindfulness practices in off-season instructional classes and then completed semi-structured episodic interviews on how their mindfulness practices were perceived and utilized in training and competition during the baseball season. Data were analyzed using the three-dimensional space approach to examine participants' subjective accounts of experience, behavior, environmental conditions, and external events. Individual narratives were re-storied and themed. Results indicated various themes across settings, from players' experiences in the yoga/MAC classes (effect of breath regulation on coping strategies; self-awareness and the mind-body connection), on the baseball field (confidence and self-efficacy; self-regulation; resilience and positive coping strategies), and off the baseball field (everyday life and activities; stigma of mental training). Overall, participants appeared to be accepting of mindfulness integrated into their training and provided perspectives supporting the benefits of yoga/MAC classes. This study has research and practice implications in incorporating yoga and mindfulness-based practices in athletic performance among young professional athletes.

Yoga in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric use of yoga as an integrative medicine modality has increased in prevalence over the last several decades. In this article, we review the available evidence for yoga in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence supports that in many pediatric disorders of gut brain interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain and functional dyspepsia, yoga decreases pain intensity and frequency and increases school attendance. Yoga has been shown to improve health-related quality of life and improve stress management as an effective adjunct to standard medical therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Further studies are needed regarding optimal frequency, duration of practice and evaluation of the impact on IBD disease activity measures. Yoga may benefit pediatric gastroenterology patients with DGBIs and IBD through improving quality of life and reducing pain. Future yoga studies could investigate biomarkers and continued research will help integrate this modality into routine pediatric gastroenterology care.

The Effect of Yoga and Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Sexual Function and Sexual Self-esteem of Reproductive-age Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Sexual function is a part of sexual health which is an important aspect of the quality of life. Physical activity is one of the healthiest activities that can effectively reduce the risk of sexual disorders. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of yoga and pelvic floor muscle exercises on the sexual function and sexual self-esteem of reproductive-age women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted from September to December 2023 on 46 women of reproductive age working in the Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences and its affiliated health centers. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select the subjects; later, they were randomly divided into two intervention groups A (N=21) and B (N=25). Participants in intervention groups A and B performed pelvic floor muscle exercises at home using an educational pamphlet 3 times a week for 6 weeks, with 3 times a day repetition. In addition, women in the intervention group A participated in a yoga training program for 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the Female Sexual Function Index, and Sexual Self-Esteem Inventory for women. Questionnaires were completed by both groups before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, fisher's exact test, independent two-sample t-test, repeated measures test, and analysis of covariance in SPSS software version 16. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered. Results: The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in sexual function (P=0.21) and sexual self-esteem (P=0.22) scores before the intervention. Also, the results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function (P=0.35) and sexual self-esteem (P=0.59) scores one month after the intervention. However, the mean score of the sexual function index immediately after intervention showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention groups A (31.43±3.76) and B (29.41±2.38) (P<0.001). The mean score of the sexual self-esteem immediately after the intervention showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention groups A (181.19±19.90) and B (171.32±15.02) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Adding yoga exercises to pelvic floor muscle exercises can improve the sexual function and sexual self-esteem of women at their reproductive age. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20100524004015N1.

Yoga intervention for colorectal cancer survivors: a qualitative study exploring participants' expectations and experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors often struggle with side effects following treatment such as reduced quality of life, fatigue and psychological distress and need therefore efficient comprehensive interventions. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore CRC survivors' expectations before the yoga intervention as well as their unique experiences beyond those reported with standard questionnaires. METHODS: Interpretative phenomenological approach was used in this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after a 10-week yoga program (90 min once a week, Hatha Yoga) with CRC survivors enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Thematic analysis was used to uncover themes present in participants' accounts. RESULTS: Nine patients participated in the interviews, mean interview duration was 27.49 min (SD = 7.71) before and 38.41 min (SD = 15.93) after the intervention. Our analysis identified following themes: (1) representations and expectations from the yoga intervention; (2) course structure and implementation; (3) perceptions and effects of the intervention; (4) differences between the study yoga intervention and other physical activities. The superordinate theme regarding effects of intervention included aspects of intervention at multiple levels such as emotional, physical, behavioral and spiritual. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study provides valuable insight regarding CRC survivors' expectations and experiences following a 10-week yoga intervention. While expectations varied from skepticism to specific symptom improvement, the majority of participants had a positive, open attitude towards yoga. Consistent with participants' experiences, yoga may represent a promising intervention for CRC survivors if the groups' specific concerns are taken into account.

Neurobiological and anti-aging benefits of yoga: A comprehensive review of recent advances in non-pharmacological therapy.

Aging is an unavoidable process marked by numerous physiological and psychological changes that profoundly impact overall health and quality of life. As the global population ages, there is a growing interest in non-pharmacological therapies that can mitigate the adverse effects of aging and promote longevity. This narrative review explores the broad spectrum of non-pharmacological mechanisms offering anti-aging benefits, with a special emphasis on holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, and lifestyle interventions. These therapies influence critical biological processes, including reducing oxidative stress, modulating chronic inflammation, enhancing immune function, and preserving telomere length-key markers of cellular aging. Additionally, these practices contribute to improved cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal strength, and mental well-being, fostering a comprehensive approach to healthy aging. Yoga, for instance, combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to enhance physical flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Meditation practices are shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, further supporting healthy aging. Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and regular physical activity, complement these therapies by promoting overall vitality and reducing the risk of age-related diseases. This review underscores the potential of integrating these non-pharmacological strategies into daily routines to enhance resilience against aging, improve quality of life, and extend healthspan. Furthermore, it highlights the need for continued research to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which these therapies exert their anti-aging effects and to develop evidence-based guidelines for their implementation.

Effects of yoga and add on Ayurvedic Kati Basti therapy for patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) signficantly affects quality of life and productivity, leading to limitations in mobility, activity, and potential work absenteesim. Yoga and Ayurveda have shown promising evidence in reducing pain, improve function, and enhancing well-being for individuals with CLBP, as demonstrated by numerous studies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a 1-week residential integrative approach to yoga therapy. (IAYT) alone versus when combined with Ayurveda therapy (Kati Basti) in patients with CLBP. METHODS: Forty patients were recruited from E-section of a holistic health center in South India for randomization and split into a Yoga and Ayurveda (n=20) and a Yoga-only (n=20) group. Yoga and Ayurveda group received a 1-week residential program combining Yoga and Ayurveda (therapy including Kati Basti with Ksheerbala Taila), while the Yoga-only group received only yoga therapy. Assessments at baseline, 1-week, and three months were measure pain intensity, disability, and depression. RESULTS: Both Yoga and Ayurveda group, and Yoga-only group showed significant reductions in pain and improvements in disability and depression at 1-week and three months. Quality of life also improved, specifically in physical, social, environmental, and psychological health. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of pain, disability, and depression. CONCLUSION: Both interventions demonstrated comparable results in pain reduction and disability improvement, as well as alleviating depression symptoms. Only Yoga and Ayurveda group exhibited improvement in physical health. Further research should explore long-term effects and compare different yoga interventions.

Yoga and Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Onsite in an Opioid Treatment Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of integrated treatment for chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). Yoga and physical therapy (PT) may improve pain and physical function of people living with (PLW) chronic low back pain (CLBP) and may also reduce opioid craving and use, but PLW with OUD face barriers to accessing these interventions. We hypothesize that compared to treatment as usual (TAU), providing yoga and PT onsite at opioid treatment programs (OTPs) will be effective at improving pain, opioid use, and quality of life among people with CLBP and OUD, and will be cost-effective. METHODS: In this hybrid type-1 effectiveness-implementation study, we will randomly assign 345 PLW CLBP and OUD from OTPs in the Bronx, NY, to 12 weeks of onsite yoga, onsite PT, or TAU. Primary outcomes are pain intensity, opioid use, and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include physical function and overall well-being. DISCUSSION: This trial tests an innovative, patient-centered approach to combined management for pain and OUD in real-world settings. We rigorously examine the efficacy of yoga and PT onsite at OTPs as nonpharmacologic, cost-effective treatments among people with CLBP and OUD who face barriers to integrated care.

Short Mindfulness Meditations During Breaks and After Work in Everyday Nursing Care: A Simple Strategy for Promoting Daily Recovery, Mood, and Attention?

BACKGROUND: Nurses experience high job demands, which makes recovery particularly necessary to maintain well-being and performance. However, these demands also make recovery challenging. Short mindfulness meditations could potentially help alleviate this paradox. METHODS: Two ecological momentary intervention studies were conducted among geriatric nurses (Study 1: break study) and hospital nurses (Study 2: after-work study) to investigate whether short audio-guided mindfulness meditations are beneficial for recovery during breaks and psychological detachment after work. Furthermore, break recovery and after-work detachment were examined as mediators of the associations between mindfulness meditations and after-break/after-sleep mood and attention after respective recovery periods. Multilevel path models were based on a sample of 38 nurses and 208 after-break surveys in the break study and 26 nurses and 192 after-sleep surveys in the after-work study. RESULTS: Compared to breaks spent as usual, breaks that incorporated short mindfulness meditations were associated with higher break recovery, which mediated the positive associations between mindful breaks and after-break calmness, valence, and energetic arousal. Only with certain constraints did mindfulness meditations predict a lower rate of attention failures. In the after-work study, short mindfulness meditations were positively related to psychological detachment, which mediated the positive associations between the intervention and after-sleep valence and calmness. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Both pilot studies showed that short mindfulness meditations aid in recovery among nurses. However, to fully utilize the advantages of recovery-promoting breaks, structural changes are necessary to ensure that breaks of an appropriate duration are consistently implemented.

Proceedings of the 2022 "Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)" symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic.

Lifestyle interventions are strategies used to self-manage medical conditions, such as epilepsy, and often complement traditional pharmacologic and surgical therapies. The need for integrating evidence-based lifestyle interventions into mainstream medicine for the treatment of epilepsy is evident given that despite the availability of a multitude of treatments with medications and surgical techniques, a significant proportion of patients have refractory seizures, and even those who are seizure-free report significant adverse effects with current treatments. Although the evidence base for complementary medicine is less robust than it is for traditional forms of medicine, the evidence to date suggests that several forms of complementary medicine including yoga, mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise and memory rehabilitation, and music therapy may have important roles as adjuncts in the treatment armamentarium for epilepsy. These topics were discussed by a diverse group of medical providers and scientists at the "Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)" symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: There are many people with epilepsy who continue to have seizures even though they are being treated with medication or brain surgery. Even after seizures stop, some may experience medication side effects. There is research to suggest that certain lifestyle changes, such as yoga, mindfulness, exercise, music therapy, and adjustments to diet, could help people with epilepsy, when used along with routine treatment. Experts discussed the latest research at the "Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)" symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic.

Efficacy of tryushnadya churna in metabolic syndrome with obesity - A randomized double blind controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) with obesity has significant mortality and morbidity. Integrative Ayurveda management is explored for it's possible effect. AIM: To evaluate the effect of Tryushnadi churna in the management of Metabolic syndrome with obesity. METHODS: Study is a Randomized, Controlled, double blind, parallel group comparative clinical trial. 48 participants meeting the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment panel 3 diagnostic criteria were recruited in the study. They were divided in two 2 groups. Placebo group were administered with Placebo 1 gm twice a day, Ayurveda diet and yoga. Tryushnadi Group were intervened with Tryushnadi churna 1 gm twice a day, Ayurveda diet and yoga. Interventions were for 90 days. Assessments criteria included Weight, BMI,Waist circumference (WC), Waist hip ratio, Skin fold thickness (SFT), Body fat, blood pressure, WHO-QOL BREF scale, Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI)- Severity, Global improvement and Efficacy index, Fasting blood sugar (FBS) were assessed on every 30th day. Other blood parameters like Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), Triglycerides, High density lipoproteins (HDL), Low density lipoproteins (LDL), Total cholesterol (TC) were evaluated at pre and post study. RESULTS: Between groups comparison showed, Tryushnadi group had significant improvements in BMI, Weight, WHOQOL-Bref and had large effect size. Both the groups showed improvement in WC, body fat, SFT, CGI severity, CGI efficacy index and improvement in quality of life in within group assessment. CONCLUSION: Study showed that Tryushnadi churna was effective in management of MetS with Obesity. Integrated management of Ayurveda medicine, Ayurveda diet and yoga had beneficial effect.

Closing the Gaps: An Integrative Review of Yoga's Benefits for Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes during surgery for breast cancer with lymph node involvement is burdened by a complication: lymphedema. Approximately half of women undergoing axillary dissection suffer from it, with a notable impact in terms of perceived discomfort, presented quality of life, and alteration of body image. There is also no shortage of problems in the patient's social and professional life. METHODS: The present review aims to select Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) present in the literature regarding the effects of yoga as an alternative therapy in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. A search of four databases was undertaken: Cochrane, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The searches were conducted on 19 May 2024, and updated to 30 June 2024 without date limits. RCTs without language limitations, in any context, and with any yoga variant were considered. RESULTS: The postulated search strings highlighted a total of 69 potentially eligible studies. The study selection system consisted of two levels of screening, (1) abstract selection and (2) full-text selection, for a total of three studies included in the review. The three RCTs included involved mixed treatment sessions in an outpatient setting with a yoga teacher and at home using a DVD. In the various studies, the outcome measures concerned quality of life, ROM, spinal mobility, limb volume, and tissue induration. CONCLUSIONS: According to the analysis of the data obtained, yoga as an alternative therapy could be useful if combined with the usual care routine in women with lymphedema related to sensory cancer, in terms of improving physical, professional, and emotional quality of life and reducing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and insomnia. Furthermore, yoga could bring about a reduction in tissue induration of the limb, greater spinal mobility evaluated in terms of improvement of the pelvic and kyphotic angle, and greater strength in shoulder abduction.

The Effect of Yoga Practice on Labor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Labor pain management is a critical aspect of midwifery care and an essential purpose of childbirth-related care. There is a need for comprehensive results on relevant non-therapeutic methods of reducing labor pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga practice on labor pain. Material and Methods: We performed a systematic literature search from SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct for relevant studies from January 1, 1990 to June 2, 2022. We selected published quasi-randomized and randomized controlled trial studies that evaluated the effect of yoga practice on labor pain. Quality research was applied. We pooled the Standardized Mean Dfference (SMD) of labor pain in pregnant women with and without yoga practice during pregnancy using a random-effects model at 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Results: Nine studies including 660 women were included in the meta-analysis. Pregnant women in the yoga practice group experienced statistically significantly low labor pain at the beginning of the active phase compared to the control group (SMD: -1.10, 95% CI: -1.61, -0.58, p < 0.001; I2 = 89%). Yoga interventions also reduced the intensity of labor pain in active (SMD: -1.32, 95% CI: -2.03, -0.60, p < 0.001; I2 = 92%) and transition (SMD: -1.93, 95% CI: -2.87, -0.99, p < 0.001; I2 = 92%) phases compared to the control group, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that yoga practice during pregnancy reduces the intensity of labor pain in different labor phases. However, these findings should be considered cautiously due to the substantial heterogeneity between studies.

The effect of laughter yoga and music intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress in the Rafsanjan-Iran aged: a randomized clinical trial study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of laughter yoga and music intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress in aged individuals referred to Rafsanjan health centers. METHOD: In this 3-arm randomized clinical trial, 91 depressed aged participants aged 60-75 years, referred to Rafsanjan health centers, were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The study followed a parallel group design with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The laughter yoga intervention was conducted twice a week for eight weeks, and music intervention consisted of 30-min sessions twice a week for eight weeks. The control group received no intervention ('No treatment' concurrent control). Assessments for depressive symptoms (primary outcome), anxiety, and stress were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and one month after the intervention. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were analyzed in three groups included the laughter yoga intervention (n = 31), music intervention (n = 25), or control group (n = 28). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001) from pre-test to post-test and one-month follow-ups. The greatest impact of the intervention programs on stress was observed immediately after the intervention, but stress increased one month after the intervention programs (p = 0.125). CONCLUSION: Both laughter yoga and music interventions proved effective in improving depression, anxiety, and stress in aged individuals. However, laughter yoga intervention demonstrated a superior effect and better acceptance among elders.

Changes in mindfulness facets across yoga, CBT and stress education in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

Improving mindfulness is an important treatment target for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, less is known about how different treatments impact specific aspects of mindfulness. In a clinical trial (Simon et al., 2021), 226 individuals with GAD were randomized to 12 weeks of Kundalini Yoga (KY), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or stress education (SE). To examine whether specific facets of mindfulness, as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) change more than others across treatment and between treatments, we ran a multi-variate multilevel growth curve model (MMLM). Results indicated that while the Non-judge, Act with Awareness, and Non-react facets increased significantly during treatment, the Observe and Describe facets did not. Improvement in the Acting with Awareness facet during treatment was significantly greater for KY than CBT. These findings reveal the need to better understand how behavioral treatments can influence specific components of mindfulness for those with anxiety.

A Systematic Review of Yoga as a Supportive Treatment for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been one of the leading causes of neuropsychiatric disorders among children, which is why it is extremely essential to have a clear understanding of the disease and the new and upcoming treatment options available. Yoga has been one of the most recently explored and newer techniques that have been employed in the treatment of this disorder. It has become extremely crucial to understand the importance of using supportive treatments in the management of ADHD owing to the innumerable side effects caused by stimulant medication and the growing demands of parental concern about starting their children on stimulant medication at a very young age. Through this review, we would like to shed light on how yoga helps improve the lives of children with ADHD and how it can be used as a supplementary therapy for children with ADHD. After thoroughly screening various articles on this topic, we selected a total of seven articles for this study to highlight the effect that yoga has had on the improvement of ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, we also highlight the impact of such interventions in a family-based environment and how they help improve the immediate environment of a child with this disorder, thereby facilitating the development of a conducive environment for growth. We also highlight how these interventions help control various miscellaneous symptoms among children, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, as these concomitant symptoms are often associated with ADHD. This review article helps explore how yoga has proved to be a very holistic approach to the management of children with ADHD.