Effects of yoga on hypothyroidism: A systematic review.

Evidence from clinical trials has shown positive effects of yoga on hypothyroidism. To date, there is no review of these studies. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for hypothyroidism. PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Science Direct databases were searched to identify relevant literature. The review included clinical studies that evaluated the effects of yoga on hypothyroidism. Studies that were not conducted inenglish, unavailable, non-experimental, or those that were reviews, case studies, case reports, not based on yoga, involved yoga as a intervention, or included a mixed population were excluded. Eleven studies (n = 516) met the eligibility criteria. Of these, four studies were RCTs, two non-RCTs and five were pretest-posttest studies. The duration of the yoga intervention varied from 1 to 6 months. Most of these studies adopted a combination of suryanamaskar, asana, pranayama and meditation. On quality assessment, one study had a low risk of bias (1 RCT), six studies had a moderate risk of bias (3 RCTs, one non-RCT and two pretest-posttest studies), and four studies had a high risk of bias (1 non-RCT and three pretest-posttest studies). The outcome measures assessed were TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid medication usage, lipid indices, BMI, heart rate variability, pulmonary measures, blood glucose, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, quality of life and sleep. The majority of the studies reported significant improvements in these outcomes following yoga intervention. This systematic review reports evidence for effects of yoga on various outcome measures in hypothyroidism, suggesting its possible role in the management of hypothyroidism. However, there is a need for adequately powered, high-quality RCT studies in the future to draw a definitive conclusion.

Effectiveness of integrated approach of yoga therapy versus usual care in management on chronic low back pain patients: A randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is associated with both psychological and functional limitation. Yoga therapy has been shown to improve both the aspects. The present study was planned to evaluate integrated approach of yoga therapy with usaul care. AIMS: This controlled randomized trial was done to evaluate the clinical and molecular changes resulting from integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) as an adjunct regimen and compared it with usual care for the management of chronic low back pain patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 29 adult patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received the usual care of treatment as per institutional protocol. The yoga group received IAYT as an adjunct to usual care. Primary outcomes were pain intensity assessed by verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) and functional ability assessed by Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI). Secondary outcomes were pain catastrophizing, quality of life, fear of movement related to CLBP, type of pain, levels of ß-endorphin and TNF-α, and salivary CGRP. All parameters were measured at baseline, 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: A Significant decrease in VNRS score at 1 and 3 months was observed in both the groups with the yoga group showing a more significant reduction in pain over time than the control group (p = 0.036). MODI improved significantly only in the yoga group at 1 and 3 months. Intergroup comparison revealed significantly better MODI over time in the yoga group (p < 0.001). DN4, PDQ, PCS, HADS (anxiety), and Euro QOL had a statistically significant improvement at 1 and 3 months in the yoga group compared with the control group. The HADS (depression) had a statistically significant reduction scores in the yoga group at 3 months compared with the control group (p = 0.012). There was a significant reduction in TNF-α values in the yoga group compared with baseline (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: IAYT therapy helped in addressing the psychological components of pain and improved quality of life patients with chronic low back pain compared with usual care.

Impact of workplace yoga on pain measures, mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life in female teachers with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain conditions such as low back pain, knee pain and cervical pain are highly prevalent among female teachers. Chronic pain significantly affects the mental health, sleep and quality of life among teachers. OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to investigate the impact of a workplace yoga intervention on musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and quality of life (QoL) among female teachers who had chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHOD: Fifty female teachers aged between 25-55 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomized to either the yoga group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 25). The yoga group received a 60-minute structured Integrated Yoga intervention (IY) four days a week for six consecutive weeks at school. The control group received no intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity, anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, self-compassion, sleep quality, and quality of life were assessed at the baseline and six weeks. RESULTS: A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in pain intensity and pain disability in the yoga group was observed after 6-week compared to baseline. Anxiety, depression, stress, sleep scores and fatigues also improved in the yoga group after six weeks. The control group showed no change. Post score comparison showed a significant difference between the groups for all the measures. CONCLUSION: Workplace yoga intervention is found to be effective in improving pain, pain disability, mental health, sleep quality among female teachers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. This study strongly recommends yoga for the prevention of work-related health issues and for the promotion of wellbeing among teachers.

Immediate effect of a meditation technique on blood glucose, state anxiety and relaxation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major burden on global health and economy. Various Yogic techniques are found to be beneficial in the management of T2DM. Mind Sound Resonance Technique (MSRT) is one of the yoga-based meditation techniques observed to be effective in clinical settings. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with T2DM were randomized to either MSRT or supine rest (SR) sessions on two separate days separated by a washout period of one day. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and immediately after the sessions. State anxiety and subjective feeling of relaxation were assessed using Spielberg's state anxiety inventory (STAI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) respectively. RESULTS: There were significant differences between MSRT and SR groups in fasting blood glucose (p=0.019), STAI scores (p<0.001) and subjective relaxation (p<0.001). Within group analyses revealed significant reductions (p<0.001) in fasting blood glucose and STAI scores, along with an increase in subjective relaxation following the practice of MSRT, whereas, non-significant changes were found following the SR session. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of MSRT was found to reduce blood glucose levels and state anxiety along with enhanced relaxation when compared to SR.

Long-Term Effects of Hatha Yoga on Heart Rate Variability In Healthy Practitioners: Potential Benefits For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.

Hatha yoga is commonly practiced in Western countries and is claimed to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare time-domain and frequency-domain metrics of heart rate variability (HRV) in Hatha yoga practitioners and healthy controls. This cross-sectional study, which was conducted at a regional university and community wellness center, included convenience sampling of 19 Hatha yoga practitioners and 8 healthy controls. Using a lead II ECG system, 10 minutes of electrocardiogram (ECG) recording was collected for each participant. Artifact-free, 5-minute signals were used to derive time-domain and frequency-domain measures of HRV. The mean duration of Hatha yoga practice among practitioners was 11.47 ± 8 years. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Compared with the control group, the yoga group had significantly greater mean high frequency (HF) power (859.2 ± 1342.1 vs 175.5 ± 121.1; P = .04) and mean HF normalized units (nu) (57.0 ± 16.6 vs 36.7 ± 13.4; P = .02) and a significantly lower low frequency (LF)/HF ratio (1.1 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 1.1; P = .01). No significant intergroup differences were observed for LF power, LF nu, or any time-domain measures of HRV. These results lack generalizability due to small sample size and lack of blinded assessment of outcome measures. Hatha yoga practitioners showed parasympathetic predominance compared with healthy controls. Analyzing frequency-domain HRV metrics enables detecting changes in cardiac autonomic function earlier than by analysis of time-domain metrics. Parasympathetic predominance demonstrated in the yoga group suggests Hatha yoga practitioners may be at lower risk for stress-related comorbidities.

Tele-yoga in the management of ankylosing spondylitis amidst COVID pandemic: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) signficantly affect day to day activities contributing to signficant disability. Patients with AS often report to have psychological problems and poor quality of life (QoL). This study investigates the effect of a three-month tele-yogic intervention on disease activity, functional index, inflammatory markers, quality of life and mental health measures in patients with AS. METHODS: One hundred and twenty AS patients were assigned to either the yoga intervention group (YG) or the control group (CG). The YG (n = 57) received a 60-min structured yoga module online for 3 months in addition to standard medical care. The CG participants (n = 52) received only standard care during the same period. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis-Quality of Life (ASQOL) and psychological and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at baseline and after three months. RESULTS: YG showed significant improvement in BASDAI (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.0004), and depression (p = 0.001) at three months compared to baseline. The CG showed no significant change in similar outcome measures. At three months, the intervention resulted in a significant improvement in BASDI (-0.79; 95% CI (-1.3, to -0.29); p = 0.0021), BASFI (-0.86, 95% CI (-1.59, to -0.14); p = 0.0193), anxiety (-0.42, 95% CI (-0.84 to -0.01), p = 0.0468), and AS-QoL (-3.37; 95% CI (-5.21 to 1.53); p = 0.0004) compared to the CG. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that yoga helps improve pain, functional index, and mental health in patients with AS. Tele-yoga intervention is feasible and effective in treating AS.

Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases and Its Associated Factors Among Urban Elderly of Six Indian States.

Aims The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence, impact of health determinants on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and multimorbidity among urban elderly in India. Methods This is a cross-sectional study involving a total of 1,671 (870 male and 801 female) respondents aged 60-80 years. Multistage sampling was used for the recruitment of the participants. A total of 12 sample areas from 12 cities of six southern states of south India were selected. Through survey form, information regarding demographic characteristics, health-influencing lifestyle factors, and history of nine NCDs was collected. Results The mean age of participants was 68.5 ± 6.01 years.. The prevalence of hypertension was 40.4%, followed by diabetes (31.2%), arthritis (22.1%), sensory impairment (10.1%), heart diseases (7.8%), and dyslipidemia (7.0%). 74.1% of participants had at least one morbidity, and 40.0% of people had multimorbidity. Being overweight is the highest risk health determinant for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, and joint pain. Obese people have 64% more risk of hypertension than people with normal BMI. People with disturbed sleep have increased risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, and joint pain by more than 80% compared to people with proper sleep. Among the modifiable health determinants of obesity, disturbed sleep, constipation, and physical activity up to 30 minutes were positively associated with multimorbidity. Those in the age group of 70 to 80 years have a high risk for NCDs and multimorbidity compared to those in the age group of 60 to 70 years. Conclusions A healthy lifestyle is necessary to reduce the burden of NCDs among the elderly. Developing holistic health policies seems an urgent need.

A narrative review on yoga: a potential intervention for augmenting immunomodulation and mental health in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a significant mortality rate of 3-5%. The principal causes of multiorgan failure and death are cytokine release syndrome and immune dysfunction. Stress, anxiety, and depression has been aggravated by the pandemic and its resultant restrictions in day-to-day life which may contribute to immune dysregulation. Thus, immunity strengthening and the prevention of cytokine release syndrome are important for preventing and minimizing mortality in COVID-19 patients. However, despite a few specific remedies that now exist for the SARS-CoV-2virus, the principal modes of prevention include vaccination, masking, and holistic healing methods, such as yoga. Currently, extensive research is being conducted to better understand the neuroendocrinoimmunological mechanisms by which yoga alleviates stress and inflammation. This review article explores the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating potentials of yoga, along with its role in reducing risk for immune dysfunction and impaired mental health. METHODS: We conducted this narrative review from published literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE databases. Screening was performed for titles and abstracts by two independent review authors; potentially eligible citations were retrieved for full-text review. References of included articles and articles of major non-indexed peer reviewed journals were searched for relevance by two independent review authors. A third review author checked the excluded records. All disagreements were resolved through discussion amongst review authors or through adjudication by a fourth review author. Abstracts, editorials, conference proceedings and clinical trial registrations were excluded. OBSERVATIONS: Yoga is a nonpharmacological, cost-effective, and safe intervention associated with several health benefits. Originating in ancient India, this vast discipline consists of postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation (dhyana/dharana), and relaxation. Studies have demonstrated yoga's ability to bolster innate immunity and to inhibit cytokine release syndrome. As an intervention, yoga has been shown to improve mental health, as it alleviates anxiety, depression, and stress and enhances mindfulness, self-control, and self-regulation. Yoga has been correlated with numerous cardioprotective effects, which also may play a role in COVID-19 by preventing lung and cardiac injury. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This review paves the path for further research on yoga as a potential intervention for enhancing innate immunity and mental health and thus its role in prevention and adjunctive treatment in COVID-19.

A Comprehensive Review of Yoga Research in 2020.

Objectives: Accumulated evidence garnered in the last few decades has highlighted the role of yoga in health and disease. The overwhelming mortality and morbidity mediated by noncommunicable epidemics such as heart disease and cancer have fostered a search for mechanisms to attenuate them. Despite overwhelming success in acute care, the efficacy of modern medicines has been limited on this front. Yoga is one of the integrative therapies that has come to light as having a substantial role in preventing and mitigating such disorders. It thus seems trite to analyze and discuss the research advancements in yoga for 2020. The present review attempts to distill recent research highlights from voluminous literature generated in 2020. Methods: This review was conducted on the articles published or assigned to an issue in 2020. The authors searched the PubMed database for clinical studies published in the English language, using yoga (including meditation) as the intervention, and having an adequate description of the intervention. Then, they extracted data from each study into a standardized Google sheet. Results: A total of 1149 citations were retrieved in the initial search. Of these, 46 studies met eligibility criteria and were finally included. The studies were predominantly on mental health and neuropsychology, addressing various issues such as anxiety, postural balance, migraine, academic performance, and childhood neglect. Anxiety, stress, and depression were other common denominators. Eight studies were on cardiorespiratory systems, including exercise capacity, cardiac rehabilitation, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. Three studies were on diabetes, evaluating the effect of yoga. Five studies focused on cognition, health status, and autonomic regulation and few others included cancers, infertility, ulcerative colitis, urinary incontinence, restless leg syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, and metabolic syndrome. Finally, most studies were on noncommunicable diseases with one exception, human immunodeficiency virus; two randomized controlled trials were dedicated to it. Conclusions: Yoga has been studied under a wide variety of clinicopathological conditions in the year 2020. This landscape review intends to provide an idea of the role of yoga in various clinical conditions and its future therapeutic implications.

Efficacy of Integrated Yoga and Ayurveda Rasayana on cognitive functions in elderly with mild cognitive impairment: Non-randomized three-arm clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient sciences which emphasize on the cure of disease and the proportion of health. Both sciences are also known to reduce the aging process and are helpful in aging-related disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of Yoga and Ayurveda Rasayana combined intervention on cognition among the elderly with mild cognitive impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two elderly persons (average age 63.3 ± 6.44 years) received Ayurveda Rasayana (AR) (n = 23) or Integrated Yoga (IY) (n = 25) or combined (IY plus AR) intervention (n = 24) for eight weeks. AR treatment consisted of Brahmi ghrita, and IY consisted of asana, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Executive function, verbal fluency, attention, processing speed, short-term and working memory, and learning and verbal memory were assessed at the baseline and after eight weeks. RESULTS: Within-group analysis shows that there was a significant time main effect (p < 0.05) in all cognitive measures in the three groups (IY, AR, and IY plus AR) except Digit backward test. Bonferroni post hoc test shows a significant difference in pre to post in all variables. In the between-group analysis, there was a substantial group difference for Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test- hits, F (2,69) = 4.376 (P < 0.016), Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Average, F (2,69) = 4.727 (0.012), Digit backward test, F (2,69) = 5.766 (0.005) after eight weeks of intervention. CONCLUSION: Both Ayurveda Rasayana and Integrated Yoga intervention were found effective in improving cognitive abilities among the elderly with MCI. Combined Ayurveda Rasayana and Yoga intervention significantly improved learning, attention, processing speed, and working memory compared to individual response among elderly persons with MCI.

A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of yoga as an adjuvant therapy for patients with Ankylosing spondylitis amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Amidst the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care system has seen a new paradigm shift towards e-health or telehealth services. In the advent of catering to the geometrically increasing health care needs of the patients suffering from various chronic health conditions when in social isolation, the need for such shifts is paramount. Patients with Ankylosing spondylitis using immunosuppressants with variable degrees of disabilities are at higher risk from this isolated status. This study aims to assess the efficacy of e-Yoga as a treatment option for these patients. Methods: The proposed study is a single-center, parallel-group prospective randomized, open-blinded end-point trial. Patients aged between 30 and 50 years will be recruited from the members of Antardhwani: A society of ankylosing spondylitis based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Yoga experts will administer a scientifically developed and validated Yoga module via e-Yoga modalities. A total of 135 patients will be recruited and randomly allocated to Yoga and control groups. Data will be recorded at baseline and three months on disease activity, degree of functional limitations in patients, quality of life, inflammatory biomarkers, depression, and anxiety using Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), AS Quality of Life index (ASQOL), C reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Physical health questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), respectively. Discussion: The study will report the efficacy of e-Yoga in catering to the physical and mental insufficiencies of inpatients with Ankylosing spondylitis amidst COVID-19 pandemic. The study is prospectively registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/08/027215).

Designing, validation, and feasibility of a yoga module for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes significant disability and reduced quality of life. Scientific studies on yoga have revealed its various health benefits in chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases. However, whether yoga is feasible for AS patients or not is not studied. Further, no validated yoga module is available for AS patients. OBJECTIVE(S): This study intended to develop a yoga module for AS patients and investigated its feasibility of use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was completed in three stages. In Stage I, six yoga experts prepared a list of 64 yoga practices based on the classical and contemporary yogic literature review. Of these practices, 41 were included in the designed yoga module. In Stage II, 41 experts with a minimum of five years of experience in yoga therapy were invited for yoga module validation. The usefulness of the practices was rated by experts on a 3-point scale (1: not at all useful, 2: moderately useful, and 3: very much useful). The Lawshe content validity ratio (CVR) method was used for the content validity of the yoga module. Practices with a CVR score of > 0.3 were retained in the final yoga module. In Stage III, a certified yoga instructor administered the validated yoga module to 19 AS patients (average age: 35.5 ± 10.7 years) thrice weekly for a month. Feasibility was assessed on the basis of the attrition rate, retention rate, attendance of the participants, and the subjective response on practical sessions using a structured checklist. RESULTS: Of the 41 practices in the module, 31 had a CVR score of > 0.3 and were included in the final yoga module. Of the 25 participants, 19 (76%) completed the study while six dropped out (24%). Nineteen patients reported greater improvement in pain and flexibility. They found yoga relaxing and easy to practice. Most participants (65%) were able to practice a minimum of 30 min/day. CONCLUSION: The present study offers a validated yoga module consisting of 31 practices for AS patients. The results of the pilot suggested that the module is feasible, acceptable, and easy to practice for AS patients. We recommend that AS patients should practice this yoga module for a minimum of 30 min every day under the supervision of a yoga expert.

Effects of yoga on stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and the quality of life among employees of diamond industry: A new approach in employee wellness.

BACKGROUND: Diamond industry employees often experience musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and stress, contributing to a low quality of life (QoL). Yoga is an ancient discipline of mind-body practice Yoga has numerous health benefits. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy of workplace yoga in improving stress, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and QoL among employees of the diamond industry. METHODS: One-hundred sixty-six employees of the diamond industry between the ages of 20 and 60 participated in the study. Participants were assigned to either yoga (n = 84) or waitlist (n = 82) groups. The yoga group received one hour of yoga, four days a week for three consecutive months. Participants in the waitlist group followed their daily routines. Musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, stress, and QoL were assessed at baseline and after three months. RESULTS: One-hundred fifty-five employees completed the study. The yoga group showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in pain, perceived stress, fatigue, and QoL domains after three months compared to baseline. The waitlist group showed no significant improvement in any of the measures. In the post scores comparison between the groups revealed a significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Workplace yoga found to be a useful, cost-effective and feasible intervention in improving stress, musculoskeletal pain, fatigues and quality of life among employees of the diamond industry. Yoga may be implemented in the workplace as a wellness program at the workplace.

Effect of yoga on depression in hypothyroidism: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypothyroidism among Indian women is 15.8%. Depression is frequently reported in hypothyroidism. Yoga is an effective intervention for depression. However, the influence of yoga on depression in patients with hypothyroidism has not been studied. AIM: The present study investigated the effect of a 3-month integrated yoga intervention (3-IY) on depression, lipid indices, and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (sTSH) levels among female patients having hypothyroidism, and mild-to-moderate depression. METHOD: The present single-arm pre-post design study was conducted in thirty-eight women (average age 34.2 ± 4.7 years). Participants received a 3-IY comprising asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques for 60 min daily (5 days a week). Depression, sTSH, lipid profile indices, Body Mass Index (BMI), fatigue, anxiety, and stress were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Thyroid medication was kept constant during the study period. Data were analysed using R Studio software. RESULT: A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in depression (58%), sTSH (37%), BMI (6%), fatigue (64%), anxiety (57%), lipid profile indices (HLD increased significanty), and stress (55%) levels was observed after 3 months, compared with the corresponding baseline levels. CONCLUSION: The 3-IY is useful for reducing depression, dyslipidemia, and sTSH in women with hypothyroidism and depression. Further studies with a larger sample size and a robust research design using objective variables must be conducted to strengthen the study findings.

Management of acute calculus cholecystitis with integrated Ayurveda and Yoga intervention: A case report.

Acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) is a frequently reported medical condition in general practice. Approximately 20% of patients with gallbladder stones experience ACC in their lifetime. Ayurveda and Yoga are ancient traditional systems of medicine used for treatment of diseases and improving and maintaining health. There has been an increased use of Ayurveda and Yoga in the management of several health conditions in India and worldwide. The present case study is of 34 years female patient who had ACC. Post diagnosis of ACC patient was advised to undergo cholecystectomy; however, she approached alternative therapies with c/o vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and abdominal bloating with deranged liver functions. Ayurveda and Yoga intervention protocol was designed. Ayurveda treatment consisted of mild purgation (mruduvirechana) with trivrittalehyam for consecutive seven days, followed by oral administration of Tab Liv 52, Bhunimbadi Kadha twice daily, and Amalaki Rasayana in the morning for 45 days. Patients received 8 teleyoga sessions over a period of 45 days. A therapeutic diet was advised during treatment period. After two months patient reported complete recovery in symptoms, and all laboratory investigations reached to normal range. This case study suggests the positive role of Ayurveda and yoga intervention in the management of ACC. This case report warrants future clinical studies on integrative medicine in ACC.

Impact of Yoga on Mental Health and Sleep Quality Among Mothers of Children With Intellectual Disability.

OBJECTIVES: Caring for a child with Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD) is a tremendously stressful task for any mother, leading to poor mental health and compromised quality of life. Anxiety, depression, stress, and poor sleep quality are frequently observed in mothers with Intellectual Disability Disorder child. This study assessed the impact of a 1-month yoga intervention on anxiety, depression, stress and sleep quality in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: We selected 53 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities between the age of 30 and 50 years (mean age, 40.2 ± 7.1 years). Of these mothers, 28 received 1.5 hours of integrated yoga practice consisting of physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques and meditation every other day for 1 month. The remaining 25 mothers, who served as the control group, participated in a group discussion session twice a week for 1 month. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All mothers were assessed for anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), stress with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline and at 1 month. RESULTS: Significant improvements in anxiety (-24.8%; P < .001), depression (-15.9%; P < .001), sleep quality (-25.1%; P < .05) and stress (-11.4%; P < .001) were observed after 1 month compared with baseline in the yoga group. In a similar fashion, a significant decrease in anxiety (-12.3%; P < .001), depression (-8.6%; P < .001) and sleep quality (-5.6%; P < .001) was seen in the control group as well. The between-group comparison of post-intervention scores revealed a significantly better improvement in anxiety (P <.001), depression (P < .001), perceived stress (P < .001) and sleep quality (P = .012) in the yoga group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that yoga can be used as an effective intervention to improve psychopathology and sleep quality in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. We recommend future randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and of longer duration to study the long-term effects of yoga.

Impact of Yoga on cognition and mental health among elderly: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline and psychological health problems are the most frequently observed and under-treated issues among the elderly. Many studies have assessed the efficacy of Yoga on cognitive and mental health parameters among the elderly. However, up to date, there is no systematic review done to evaluate the role of Yoga-based interventions on cognition and mental health in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: This review evaluates the beneficial effect of Yoga in improving cognitive and mental health in the elderly. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive search has performed on Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO electronic database from their inception to January 2019. The literature search was constructed around search term for "mental health", "cognition", "yoga" and "elderly". Out of 3388 records, we were considered only Randomized control trials (RCTs) with Yoga-based interventions on the older people for this review. Risk of bias was assessed using Delphi list and PEDro criteria. RESULTS: After filtering out irrelevant studies, in our search, we come across 13 RCTs, and they included in this systematic review. Of 13 RCTs, four studies assessed only cognitive parameters and five studies assessed only psychological parameters, and four studies evaluated both. Study quality was fair to moderate of included RCTs on the Delphi list and PEDro criteria. Maximum studied variables in cognition were executive functions, memory, attention, and language while in mental health depression, anxiety, stress, and mood. Yoga-based interventions have some beneficial effects on attention, executive functions among cognitive variables, and depression among mental health parameters among the elderly. CONCLUSION: The present review indicates that Yoga-based interventions have some positive evidence in improving attention, executive functions and memory of cognition, while depression in mental health compared to active control among the elderly. However, methodological limitations and small number of studies preclude confirming the potential benefits of Yoga-based interventions on cognition and mental health among the elderly. Further, this review strongly recommends more randomized control trials with standard study methodology, use of validated modules of Yoga intervention, and long term follow up to have definite conclusions.

Partitioning of radiological, stress and biochemical changes in pre-diabetic women subjected to Diabetic Yoga Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Yoga is an ancient system of wellness with Asana and Pranayama as its most popular and propagated modules for management of lifestyle disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to characterise the liver abnormalities, biochemical changes, and stress levels after Yoga intervention in prediabetic females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 37 females were randomly divided into Yoga practising and non-practising control groups. The Yoga practising group performed Diabetic Yoga Protocol (DYP) for 3 months. Parameters including size of liver, fatty infiltration, and grade of severity were measured using ultrasonography along with biochemical parameters and stress levels at baseline and after Yoga practice. RESULTS: The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose levels were found significantly reduced in prediabetic (p = 0.015) women after practising DYP, although cholesterol levels increased in menopausal women. No escalation of fatty liver was noted among women practising DYP. CONCLUSION: DYP reduced the HbA1c and stress levels and therefore, could be a cost-effective tool for preventing prediabetes to diabetes progression.

Impact of yoga on psychopathologies and quality of life in persons with HIV: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often exhibit poor physical and mental health, which contributes to a reduced Quality of Life (QoL). Yoga is a form of alternative therapy that has positive influences on general health and QoL. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of yoga on i) anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being and ii) QoL among individuals with an HIV positive status. METHODOLOGY: Sixty individuals with HIV-positive (aged 30-50 years) from rehabilitation centres across Bangalore were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention group (n = 30; 11 men) or the wait-listed control group (n = 30; 10 men). Participants in the yoga group underwent 8 weeks of intense yoga practice performed an hour a day for 5 days a week. The yoga practice consisted of physical postures, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, and meditation. Participants in the wait-listed control group followed their normal routine. Anxiety, fatigue, depression, and QoL were assessed twice for all subjects in each group - once at the start of the study to establish a baseline and once more at the end of the 2-month study period to assess any changes. Data analysis was performed on the assessments using SPSS software version 10. RESULTS: Between group analysis demonstrated that a significantly different reduction in anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and fatigue (p < 0.001) was observed in the yoga group compared to the control group, as well as significant improvements in well-being (p < 0.001) and all domains of QoL (p < 0.001) in the yoga group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that yoga intervention appears to improve the psychological health and QoL of individuals who are HIV-positive. Therefore, based on these findings, yoga may be recommended as a complementary therapy to enhance conventional HIV care.

Immediate effect of mind sound resonance technique (MSRT - a yoga-based relaxation technique) on blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety in individuals with hypertension: a pilot study.

Background Mind sound resonance technique (MSRT) is a yoga-based relaxation technique. Previous studies on MSRT demonstrated its potential health-benefiting effects in both clinical and nonclinical population. Present study intended to assess the acute effect of MSRT intervention on blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and state anxiety in patients with essential hypertension (HTN). Methods Thirty participants (13 females) with HTN, within the age range 30-60 years (with mean±SD: 57.23±11.3 years), who visited SVYASA University campus to attend 1-week residential yoga program for HTN treatment, were considered for this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants received a 4-day MSRT orientation sessions prior to the study. Each participant underwent 30-min session of both MSRT and supine rest (SR) on 2 successive days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rate, and state anxiety were measured before and immediately after both MSRT and SR sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was applied to assess within-subjects changes. Results After MSRT session, significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, and state anxiety was observed compared to baseline. Similarly, after SR session, significant changes were found in HR and state anxiety. No significant change was seen in SBP and DBP following SR compared to SR session; MSRT session showed significantly better improvement in SBP, DBP, HR, and state anxiety. Conclusion Present study demonstrated the usefulness of single session of MSRT in reducing blood pressure, HR, and state anxiety among individuals with HTN as compared to SR. These findings encourage the further studies with larger sample size and long-term intervention with a robust research design.