Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability and Mood States in Patients with Chronic Pain Receiving Prolonged Expiration Regulated Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Reduced vagally mediated heart rate variability (VmHRV) has been reported in patients with chronic pain. In healthy persons, breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration increases VmHRV at 12 breaths per minute. The present study aimed to determine the immediate effect of breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration on VmHRV and mood states in patients with chronic pain. Fifty patients with chronic pain aged between 20 and 67 years were prospectively randomized as two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The interventional group practiced breathing with metronome based visual cues, maintaining an inspiration to expiration ratio of 28:72 (i/e ratio, 0.38) at a breath rate of 12 breaths per minute. The average i/e ratio they attained based on strain gauge respiration recording was 0.685 (SD 0.48). The control group, which looked at the metronome without conscious breath modification had an average i/e ratio of 0.745 (SD 0.69). The VmHRV, respiration and self-reported mood states (using the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS)) were assessed. There was a significant increase in HF-HRV and RMSSD during low i/e breathing (repeated measures ANCOVA, Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc test, p < 0.05; in all cases). Self-reported mood states changed as follows: (i) following low i/e breathing positive-mood states increased while the aroused mood state decreased whereas (ii) following the control intervention the aroused mood state increased (repeated measure ANOVA, p < 0.05; in all cases). Hence breathing with prolonged expiration is possibly useful to increase VmHRV and improve self- reported mood states in patients with chronic pain.

Use of Yoga in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Patient Based Survey.

No Abstract available.

Heartfulness Cleaning and Meditation: Short-Term Effects on Attention and Affect.

Heartfulness meditation (HM) trains the practitioner's attention as they progress towards reaching a super-conscious state. The process is supported by guided "Heartfulness cleaning," which helps clear the mind. This study aimed to examine the short-term effects of HM on affect and cognition and determine whether performing Heartfulness cleaning beforehand influenced the meditation outcome. Forty-eight experienced meditators (age range: 19-71 years and a male-to-female ratio: 27:21) were randomly assigned to 3 sessions: (i) HM, (ii) Heartfulness meditation preceded by cleaning, and (iii) quiet rest as a control. Mood state and emotional well-being were assessed before and after each intervention using established scales such as the Brief Mood Introspection Scale, Global Vigor and Affect Scale, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Digit Letter Substitution Test. After engaging in both HM and Heartfulness cleaning meditation (HCM) practices, there was a noticeable increase in feelings of pleasantness (7.3%, 7.0%, respectively) and positivity (7.5%, 7.8%, respectively), accompanied by a decrease in negative affect (14.4%, 16.5%, respectively). Additionally, HM and HCM increased in the net and total scores on a substitution test designed to measure associative learning. In contrast, there were no changes observed after 30 minutes of non-meditation. In summary, the findings of this study provide support for the positive impact of Heartfulness meditation and Heartfulness cleaning meditation on emotions, as well as their ability to enhance performance in tasks involving complex attention and associative learning. It should be noted that preceding Heartfulness meditation with 5 minutes of Heartfulness cleaning did not significantly alter the overall outcome of the meditation practice.

Changes in Brain Waves During Silent Repetition of OM: A Crossover Study from India.

Previously, the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded while listening to repetition of a Sanskrit monosyllable (i.e., OM) was not significantly different from the EEG recorded during control periods. In the present study, fifteen adult volunteers from northern India (all male, average age 25.0 ± 4.9 years) were assessed using monopolar scalp EEG recordings before, during and after (i) silent repetition of a monosyllable (OM), (ii) silent repetition of 'one' and (iii) quiet rest. In (i), (ii) and (iii) breathing was not consciously modified. The participants had an average of five years' experience of focused meditation (dharana), involving awareness directed to the breath. Participants had no prior experience of silent repetition of either 'OM' or 'one'. They were Indian Hindus for whom OM has special spiritual significance, whereas 'one' does not. The sessions were on separate days in random order. The absolute and relative energy of theta waves in the EEG recorded at Pz-A2 increased significantly during repetition of OM compared to the preceding state. There were no changes during silent repetition of 'one' or during quiet rest. Increased energy in the theta band while awake reflects a state of relaxation devoid of effort. Hence, during silent repetition of OM alone there were changes suggestive of effortless relaxation.

Dual phase lag bio-heat transfer during cryosurgery of lung cancer: Comparison of three heat transfer models.

The Pennes bio-heat model is based on Fourier's law of heat conduction, which assumed that a thermal signal propagate with infinite speed. This gives contradiction in physical situation. Also, the hyperbolic bio-heat model considers the micro scale response in time, but it does not explain the micro scale response in space. Therefore, to consider the thermal behaviour which is not captured by the Fourier's law and to take into account the microstructural effect in space, a dual phase lag (DPL) bio-heat conduction model would be advantageous. In this paper, a two dimensional DPL model is proposed to study the phase change heat transfer process during cryosurgery of lung cancer. The governing equations are solved numerically by enthalpy based finite difference method. The non-ideal behaviour of tissue and heat source terms, metabolism and blood perfusion are also considered. This study is made to examine the effects of phase lags in heat flux and temperature gradient on interface positions and temperature distribution during freezing process. A comparative study of DPL, parabolic and hyperbolic conduction models is thoroughly investigated. It is found that the phase lags of temperature gradient and heat flux have significant effect on interface positions and temperature distribution.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Pain and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based (MRI-Based) Structural Spine Changes in Low Back Pain Patients After Yoga Practice.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed at determining whether 12 weeks of yoga practice in patients with chronic LBP and MRI-based degenerative changes would result in differences in: (i) self-reported pain, anxiety, and spinal flexibility; and (ii) the structure of the discs or vertebrae. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-two persons with MRI-proven degenerative intervertebral discs (group mean ±S.D., 36.2±6.4 years; 30 females) were randomly assigned to yoga and control groups. However, testing was conducted on only 40 subjects, so only their data are included in this study. The assessments were: self-reported pain, state anxiety, spinal flexibility, and MRI of the lumbosacral spine, performed using a 1.5 Tesla system with a spinal surface column. The yoga group was taught light exercises, physical postures, breathing techniques, and yoga relaxation techniques for 1 hour daily for 3 months. No intervention was given to the control group except for routine medical care. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc analyses (which was Bonferroni-adjusted) was used. The Ethics Committee of Patanjali Research Foundation had approved the study which had been registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2012/11/003094). RESULTS The yoga group showed a significant reduction in self-reported pain and state anxiety in a before/after comparison at 12 weeks. A few patients in both groups showed changes in the discs and vertebrae at post-intervention assessment. CONCLUSIONS Within 12 weeks, yoga practice reduced pain and state anxiety but did not alter MRI-proven changes in the intervertebral discs and in the vertebrae.

Heart rate variability in chronic low back pain patients randomized to yoga or standard care.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain can alter the autonomic balance with increased sympathetic activity reflected in altered heart rate variability (HRV). It has been proposed that yoga can be useful to correct the autonomic imbalance in patients with chronic pain who have reduced HRV. METHODS AND DESIGNS: In the present randomized controlled trial 62 patients with chronic low back pain associated with altered alignment of intervertebral discs (aged between 20 and 45 years, 32 males) were randomized to 2 groups. One group received yoga for 3 months while the other group carried out standard medical care based on the physician's advice. The duration was the same, i.e., 3 months. The heart rate variability and rate of respiration were assessed at baseline and at the end of 3 months. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the baseline (pre) values between groups (p = 0.008) for respiration rate which was higher in the yoga group. The changes reported below are pre-post comparisons within each group. The yoga group showed a significant (p < 0.05; repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc analyses) decrease in the LF power of HRV, rate of respiration and a significant increase in the HF power of HRV and in the pNN50. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that yoga practice can shift the autonomic balance towards vagal dominance in patients with chronic low back pain associated with altered alignment of intervertebral discs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India ( CTRI/2012/11/003094 ) and can be accessed at.

Ayurvedic doshas as predictors of sleep quality.

BACKGROUND: The 3 Ayurvedic constitutional types or Doshas--vata, pitta, and kapha--are responsible for homeostasis and health. The doshas determine various functions, including sleep. According to the Ayurvedic texts, sleep is caused by increased kapha and insomnia by increased vata or pitta, which may follow physical or mental exertion, or disease. The present study was carried out to determine whether this relationship could be found using contemporary standardized questionnaires. MATERIAL/METHODS: In this cross-sectional single-group study, 995 persons participated (646 males; group average age ±S.D., 49.1±15.2 years). Participants were attending a 1-week residential yoga program in northern India. Participants were assessed for dosha scores using a Tridosha questionnaire and the quality of sleep in the preceding week was self-rated using a sleep rating questionnaire. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine if each dosha acted as a predictor of quality and quantity of sleep. Vata scores significantly predicted the time taken to fall asleep [p<0.01], and the feeling of being rested in the morning [p<0.001]; with higher vata scores being associated with a longer time to fall asleep and a lesser feeling of being rested in the morning. Kapha scores significantly predicted day-time somnolence [p<0.05] and the duration of day-time naps in minutes [p<0.05], with higher kapha scores being associated with longer day-time naps. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the doshas can influence the quality and quantity of sleep.

A comparative controlled trial comparing the effects of yoga and walking for overweight and obese adults.

BACKGROUND: Walking and yoga have been independently evaluated for weight control; however, there are very few studies comparing the 2 with randomization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study compared the effects of 90 minutes/day for 15 days of supervised yoga or supervised walking on: (i) related biochemistry, (ii) anthropometric variables, (iii) body composition, (iv) postural stability, and (v) bilateral hand grip strength in overweight and obese persons. Sixty-eight participants, of whom 5 were overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and 63 were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2; group mean age ±S.D., 36.4±11.2 years; 35 females), were randomized as 2 groups - (i) a yoga group and (ii) a walking group - given the same diet. RESULTS: All differences were pre-post changes within each group. Both groups showed a significant (p<0.05; repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc analyses) decrease in: BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, lean mass, body water, and total cholesterol. The yoga group increased serum leptin (p<0.01) and decreased LDL cholesterol (p<0.05). The walking group decreased serum adiponectin (p<0.05) and triglycerides (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both yoga and walking improved anthropometric variables and serum lipid profile in overweight and obese persons. The possible implications are discussed.

An explorative study of metabolic responses to mental stress and yoga practices in yoga practitioners, non-yoga practitioners and individuals with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Stress places a metabolic burden on homeostasis and is linked to heightened sympathetic activity, increased energy expenditure and pathology. The yogic state is a hypometabolic state that corresponds with mind-body coherence and reduced stress. This study aimed to investigate metabolic responses to stress and different yoga practices in regular yoga practitioners (YP), non-yoga practitioners (NY) and metabolic syndrome patients (MS). METHODS: YP (n = 16), NY (n = 15) and MS (n = 15) subjects underwent an experimental protocol that comprised of different 5-minute interventions including mental arithmetic stress test (MAST), alternate nostril breathing (ANB), Kapabhati breathing (KB) and meditation (Med) interspersed with 5 minutes of quiet resting (neutral condition (NC)). During the intervention periods continuous body weight adjusted oxygen consumption (VO2ml/min/kg) was measured using open circuit indirect calorimetry with a canopy hood. RESULTS: This is the first study to report oxygen consumption (OC) in yoga practitioners during and after MAST and the first to report both within and between different populations. The results were analysed with SPSS 16 using 3X9 mixed factorial ANOVAs. The single between-subject factor was group (YP, NY and MS), the single within-subject factor was made up of the nine intervention phases (NC1, MAST, NC2, ANB, NC3, KB, NC4, Med, NC5). The results demonstrated that the regular YP group had significantly less OC and greater variability in their OC across all phases compared to the MS group (p = .003) and NY group (p = .01). All groups significantly raised their OC during the mental arithmetic stress, however the MS group had a significantly blunted post-stress recovery whereas the YP group rapidly recovered back to baseline levels with post stress recovery being greater than either the NY group or MS group. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga practitioners have greater metabolic variability compared to non-yoga practitioners and metabolic syndrome patients with reduced oxygen requirements during resting conditions and more rapid post-stress recovery. OC in metabolic syndrome patients displays significantly blunted post-stress recovery demonstrating reduced metabolic resilience. Our results support the findings of previous randomised trials that suggest regular yoga practice may mitigate against the effects of metabolic syndrome. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: ACTRN12614001075673; Date of Registration: 07/10/2014.

Immediate changes in muscle strength and motor speed following yoga breathing.

The present study was conducted to assess the immediate effect of high-frequency yoga breathing on muscle strength and motor speed. Bilateral handgrip strength, leg and back strength, finger tapping and arm tapping speed were assessed in fifty male participants (group mean age ± SD, 26.9 ± 6.2 years) before and after (a) high frequency yoga breathing for 15 minutes and (b) breath awareness for the same duration. Sessions (a) and (b) were on two different days but at the same time of the day. The schedule was alternated for different participants. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in right hand grip strength after high frequency yoga breathing. Both finger and arm tapping improved after both practices. The results suggest a role for high frequency yoga breathing in improving the hand grip strength as an immediate effect.

Volitionally Regulated Breathing with Prolonged Expiration Influences Food Craving and Impulsivity.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, an intervention involving volitional slow breathing reduced trait food craving with protective effects on cardiac vagal activity (CVA). Breathing with a low inspiration-to-expiration (i/e) ratio also increases CVA. High CVA was separately associated with low unregulated eating and lesser impulsivity. Hence, the present study assessed breathing with a low i/e for effects on state food craving, hunger and satiety, state impulsivity, and heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy obese persons. METHODS: Forty obese persons were randomized to two groups. The intervention group (mean age ± SD, 41.15 ± 12.63, M:F, 10:10) practiced metronome-regulated breathing with low i/e at 12 breaths per minute (expiration 72% of total breath duration) and attained expiration 55.8% of total breath duration, while the active control group (mean age ± SD, 44.45 ± 11.06, M:F, 13:07) sat motionless and directed their gaze and awareness to the stationary metronome without modifying their breath consciously. The HRV was recorded before, during, and after breathing intervention (or control) (standard limb lead I, acquisition at 2,000 Hz, with an LF filter = 0.5 Hz and HF filter = 50 Hz). Time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters were obtained with Kubios software. State food craving, and hunger and satiety were recorded before and after the intervention/control. RESULTS: The intervention group decreased total state food craving scores and the sub-domains (i.e., desire to eat, positive reinforcement, lack of control and hunger), increased current satisfaction with food, decreased total state impulsivity (repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.05 in all cases), increased HF-HRV and RMSSD (linear mixed model analyses with age and gender as fixed factors; p < 0.05 in all cases) during the intervention compared to the preceding baseline. The intervention group also showed an increase in positive mood and a decrease in aroused and negative mood states. CONCLUSION: Changes in state food craving and impulsivity could be related to an increase in HRV or to changes in subjective relaxation and positive mood or to both.

Traditional Nostril Yoga Breathing Practices and Oxygen Consumption: A Randomized, Cross-over Study.

Background: Traditional yoga texts describe "cross nostril breathing," with inhalation and exhalation through different nostrils. Previous research reported no clear differences in oxygen consumption during uninostril breathing (i.e., inhalation and exhalation through the same nostril), hence not supporting right and left uninostril breathing as activating or relaxing, respectively, with no research on oxygen consumed in "cross nostril breathing." Methods: Oxygen consumed during "cross nostril breathing" was measured in healthy participants (n = 47, males, 26.3 ± 6.4 years). Five sessions (viz., right nostril inspiration yoga breathing [RNIYB], left nostril inspiration yoga breathing [LNIYB], alternate nostril yoga breathing [ANYB], breath awareness (BAW), and quiet rest (QR) were conducted on separate days in random order. Sessions were 33 min in duration with pre, during, and post states. Results: Volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and carbon dioxide eliminated (VCO2) increased during RNIYB (9.60% in VO2 and 23.52% in VCO2), LNIYB (9.42% in VO2 and 21.20% in VCO2) and ANYB (10.25% in VO2 and 22.72% in VCO2) with no significant change in BAW and QR. Diastolic blood pressure decreased during BAW and QR and after all five sessions (P < 0.05; in all cases). All comparisons were with the respective preceding state. Conclusion: During the three yoga breathing practices, the volume of oxygen consumed increased irrespective of the nostril breathed through, possibly associated with (i) conscious regulation of the breath; (ii) attention directed to the breath, and (iii) "respiration-locked cortical activation." Restriction of the study to males reduces the generalizability of the findings.

Cerebral Hemodynamics and Vagally Mediated HRV Associated with High- and Low-frequency Yoga Breathing: An Exploratory, Randomized, Crossover Study.

Background: Volitionally modifying respiration leads to changes in middle cerebral arterial (MCA) blood flow. The effect of changes in breath rate on MCA blood flow has not been reported. Aims and Objectives: To determine the effect of slow (bumblebee yoga breathing) and fast (high frequency yoga breathing) yoga breathing techniques on MCA blood flow and vagally mediated heart rate variability. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 27.3 ± 4.2 years) were assessed on 2 separate days practicing either high frequency yoga breathing (HFYB, breath frequency 54.2/min) or slow frequency bumblebee yoga breathing (BBYB, breath frequency 3.8/min) in random order to determine the effects of changes in breath frequency on MCA hemodynamics. Assessments included transcranial Doppler sonography, vagally mediated heart rate variability (VmHRV), and respiration. Results: Both HFYB and BBYB (i) reduced MCA flow velocities, i.e., peak systolic, end diastolic, and mean flow velocities, and (ii) increased MCA pulsatility indices. There was an increase in VmHRV during BBYB based on increased power in high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF). LF reflects VmHRV for slow breath frequencies. In BBYB the average breath rate was 3.8 breaths/min. In contrast, VmHRV decreased during HFYB (based on reduced HF power; repeated measures analysis of variance, P < 0.05, all cases). Conclusion: Hence, irrespective of the differences in breath frequency, both HFYB and BBYB appear to reduce MCA flow velocities and increase the resistance to blood flow bilaterally, although the VmHRV changed in opposite directions. MCA velocity and pulsatility changes are speculated to be associated with low global neural activity during yoga breathing.

Muscle strength and body composition in obese adults following nine months of yoga or nutrition advice: A comparative controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle strength is impaired in obese persons due to low physical activity, obesity-related modifications in muscle morphology and as a consequence of calorie regulation (where applicable). Previously decreased BMI and increased hand grip strength was reported following a short duration yoga intervention in obese adults. METHODS: The present comparative controlled study was conducted on two hundred and ninety seven obese adults (BMI ≥25 Kg/M2) aged between 20 and 59 years, to determine the effects of nine months of yoga or nutrition advice on muscle strength and body composition. Participants were assessed for bilateral hand grip strength, leg and back strength, and body composition at baseline, after 3 months, 6 months and 9 months of yoga or nutrition advice. BMI-adjusted bilateral hand grip strength and leg and back strength were calculated. RESULTS: In the linear mixed model analyses, there was a significant interaction effect of Time X Groups for (i) right hand grip strength (F3,668.465 = 9.297, p < 0.001), (ii) left hand grip strength (F3,673.408 = 14.469, p < 0.001), (iii) BMI-adjusted right hand grip strength (F3,650.542 = 9.954, p < 0.001) and (iv) BMI-adjusted left hand grip strength (F3,655.518 = 13.853, p < 0.001). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc analyses (padj < 0.05; in all cases) showed a significant increase in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the yoga group while a decrease in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the nutrition advice group. CONCLUSION: Yoga practice appears to protect and increase upper limb muscle strength in obese adults.

Blood pressure and Purdue pegboard scores in individuals with hypertension after alternate nostril breathing, breath awareness, and no intervention.

BACKGROUND: Previously alternate nostril yoga breathing (anuloma-viloma pranayama) was shown to reduce the blood pressure (BP) in people with hypertension. An elevated BP has been associated with poor performance in certain tasks requiring attention and co-ordination. The Purdue pegboard task assesses manual dexterity and eye-hand co-ordination. MATERIAL/METHODS: In the present study there were ninety participants with essential hypertension. Their ages ranged from 20 to 59 years (group average age ±S.D., 49.7±9.5 years; sixty males). Participants were randomized as three groups, with thirty participants in each group. One group practiced alternate nostril yoga breathing for 10 minutes, the second group practiced breath awareness for the same duration and the third group was given a control intervention (i.e., reading a magazine with neutral content). Assessments were taken before and after the interventions for participants of the three groups. Assessments included the blood pressure and performance in the Purdue pegboard task. Data were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc analyses were Bonferroni adjusted. RESULTS: Following alternate nostril breathing (ANYB) there was a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001 and p<0.05), and an improvement in Purdue pegboard task scores for both hands (p<0.05), and for the right hand (p<.001). Breath awareness (the control session) also showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). The right hand scores improved in the group reading a magazine (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the immediate effect of ANYB is to reduce the BP while improving the performing in a task requiring attention, bimanual dexterity and visuo-motor co-ordination.

Reaction time following yoga bellows-type breathing and breath awareness.

The reaction time (RT) was assessed in two groups of healthy males, yoga group (M age = 29.0 yr.) and non-yoga or control group (M age = 29.0 yr.), with 35 participants each. The yoga group had an average experience of 6 months, while the control group was yoga-naïve. The yoga group was assessed in two sessions, (i) bhastrika pranayama or bellows breathing and (ii) breath awareness, while the control group had a single control session. The two experimental sessions, one with each type of breathing, and the control session consisted of pre- (5 min.), during (18 min.), and post-session epochs (5 min.). Assessments were made in the pre- and post-session epochs using a Multi-Operational Apparatus for Reaction Time. Following 18 min. of bhastrika pranayama there was a statistically significant reduction in number of anticipatory responses compared to before the practice. This suggests that the immediate effect of bhastrika pranayama is to inhibit unnecessary responding to stimuli.

P300 Following Four Voluntarily Regulated Yoga Breathing Practices and Breath Awareness.

Attention was influenced by yoga breathing in previously published research. Each yoga breathing practice uniquely modifies specific breath characteristics. Differences in the study designs, assessment methods and interventions resulted in difficulty in comparing effects between yoga breathing practices. This study aimed (i) to compare four yoga breathing practices on attention using an auditory oddball task and (ii) to determine cardiac autonomic activity associated with attention using heart rate variability. P300 event related potential was recorded simultaneously with heart rate variability before and after 18-minute periods each of (i) high frequency yoga breathing (with increased breath frequency), (ii) bellows yoga breathing (with increased depth of respiration), (iii) alternate nostril yoga breathing (with alternate nostril patency), (iv) bumblebee yoga breathing (with prolonged exhale), (v) breath awareness (with attention to the breath) and (vi) quiet seated rest as control in 38 yoga experienced males (average age ± SD; 24.08 ± 4.01 years). The six sessions were on separate, randomly allocated days. The P300 peak amplitude recorded at Pz was significantly increased after four yoga breathing practices (Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc tests, repeated measures ANOVA). No significant changes were noted in heart rate variability following yoga breathing or control sessions. These findings suggest that the four yoga breathing practices increase the attentional neural resources engaged for this auditory oddball task, irrespective of the characteristic of breath uniquely regulated in the four yoga breathing practices.

Patients' Choices for Yoga Therapy: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional, Convenience-Sampling Survey from India.

In conventional healthcare, patients' preferences for their treatment are determined, though this practice has not been reported for yoga therapy. The present convenience sampling exploratory survey attempted to determine whether those seeking yoga therapy would report preferences for the way yoga therapy is implemented, the therapist's knowledge, and related aspects of yoga therapy. Responses from 426 people attending a yoga therapy institution in India were analyzed. Based on the chi-square test (p < 0.05) and Cramer's V (> 0.10), most people wished to receive yoga therapy in a group of others with a similar disease (42.25%), in a yoga institution (83.57%), and as in-person sessions (48.83%). Patients preferred yoga therapists to know about the principles of yoga (40.38%), to be well-informed generally (61.97%), and to be able to give suggestions for emotional well-being. For the majority of participants (59.4%), the reason for selecting yoga therapy was "a belief in yoga as therapy" (rather than as an add-on therapy or as a last resort). Patients' expectations of yoga therapy were positive, namely a cure of disease (79.34%) and improvement after 1 year (95.8%). Most patients (91.6%) wanted their conventional medicine practitioner to know that they were receiving yoga therapy. Although limited by the study design, survey design, and participant details available, overall results suggest that patients (1) reported specific preferences (for the implementation of yoga therapy and for yoga therapists' knowledge), (2) had expectations of yoga therapy, and (3) most often were interested in their conventional care physicians being informed about the yoga therapy they received.

Yoga Practice and Choices of Foods, Physical Activity, and Leisure: A Convenience Sampling Survey from India.

Background: Previous surveys from countries other than India reported positive health behaviors in yoga practitioners. The present study aimed to determine with respect to yoga practitioners in India: (i) percentages of yoga practitioners who consumed specific foods, had additional physical activity and leisure activity, (ii) the association between these choices and their yoga practice, and (iii) the association of yoga with adding or avoiding specific foods and with meal timings in a day. Materials and Methods: This convenience hybrid-mode sampling survey was conducted on 551 yoga-experienced persons. Results: (1) Yoga practitioner respondents ate fruits and vegetables regularly (62.1%), did not consume animal source products (69.2%), alcohol (98.0%), or tobacco (98.4%), had a regular physical activity other than yoga (77.5%) and leisure activities (92.2%). (2) More than 150 min/week of yoga practice and experience of yoga exceeding 60 months was (a) significantly associated with (i) regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, (ii) lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, animal source foods, tobacco, and alcohol (P < 0.05, Chi-square test) and (b) not associated with physical activity or leisure activities (P > 0.05, Chi-square test). (3) Yoga practitioners excluded sugar-sweetened beverages, animal-source foods and fast foods from their diet, whereas they added fruits, vegetables, and plant-based juices to their diet, with earlier first and last meals for the day. Conclusion: In India, yoga practitioner respondents' choices for foods, physical activity, and leisure conform to accepted positive health behaviors. The exclusion of animal-source foods emphasizes the need for well-planned and fortified diets among vegan yoga practitioners.