Yoga Medical News Daily

Vinyasa Yoga Works as an Adjunct Treatment for Depressed Patients

Assessing the benefits of Vinyasa yoga as an adjunctive treatment for depressed patients who were not responding adequately to antidepressant medication, this study showed participants exhibiting significant decreases in depressive symptoms. 

Eleven participants were recruited for an 8-week open trial of yoga classes. Researchers "found that 10 participants completed follow-up assessments, 9 of 10 were positive about their experience, and all provided feedback about what was and was not helpful about yoga, as well as barriers to class attendance. Over the 2-month period, participants exhibited significant decreases in depression symptoms and significant increases in an aspect of mindfulness and in behavior activation. This pilot study provided support for continuing to investigate Vinyasa yoga as an adjunct treatment for depression. The next step required is a rigorous randomized clinical trial."

Abstract: PubMed.  "Open Trial of Vinyasa Yoga for Persistently Depressed Individuals: Evidence of Feasibility and Acceptability," by Uebelacker LA, Tremont G, Epstein-Lubow G, Gaudiano BA, Gillette T, Kalibatseva Z, Miller IW, Behavior Modification [2010 Apr 16 ahead of print publication]

Yoga Improves Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer

In this study focusing on the effects of yoga on quality of life (QOL), 61 women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy were randomly assigned to either a yoga or a wait-list group. The yoga group attended biweekly classes during the 6 weeks of radiotherapy. 

"Participants completed measures of QOL, fatigue, benefit finding (finding meaning in the cancer experience), intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and anxiety before radiotherapy and then again 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the end of radiotherapy. . . . "

". . . . Our results indicated that the yoga program was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in aspects of QOL."  Abstract: PubMed.  by Chandwani KD, Thornton B, Perkins GH, Arun B, Raghuram NV, Nagendra HR, Wei Q, Cohen L., "Yoga improves quality of life and benefit finding in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer," Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology [2010 Spring;8(2):43-55].

For Anxiety Disorders, Exercise and Yoga Have Shown Positive Effects

This review article delved into the use of complementary and alternative therapies, such as exercise, meditation, tai chi, qigong, and yoga, on anxiety and depression. "Several studies of exercise and yoga have demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness superior to no-activity controls and comparable with established depression and anxiety treatments (e.g., cognitive behavior therapy, sertraline, imipramine). High-energy exercise (i.e., weekly expenditure of at least 17.5 kcal per kg) and frequent aerobic exercise (i.e., at least three to five times per week) reduce symptoms of depression more than less frequent or lower-energy exercise. Mindful meditation and exercise have positive effects as adjunctive treatments for depressive disorders, although some studies show multiple methodological weaknesses." 

"For anxiety disorders, exercise and yoga have also shown positive effects, but there are far less data on the effects of exercise on anxiety than for exercise on depression. Tai chi, qigong, and meditation have not shown effectiveness as alternative treatments for depression and anxiety." Abstract: PubMed. "Exercise, yoga, and meditation for depressive and anxiety disorders," by S.A. Saeed, D.J. Antonacci, R.M. Bloch, American Family Physician [2010 Apr 15;81(8):981-6]

Study Examines Yoga's Effects on Fear of Falling and Balance

This study sought to determine whether fear of falling (FoF)  and balance improved after a 12-week yoga intervention among older adults. The intervention was a 12-weeks of yoga classes meeting twice weekly involving participants over the age of 65. "The yoga sessions included both physical postures and breathing exercises. Postures were completed in sitting and standing positions. 

"The results indicate that yoga may be a promising intervention to manage FoF and improve balance, thereby reducing fall risk for older adults. Rehabilitation therapists may wish to explore yoga as a modality for balance and falls programming; however, future research is needed to confirm the use of yoga in such programming." Abstract: PubMed. "Effect of a 12-week yoga intervention on fear of falling and balance in older adults: a pilot study," by A. A. Schmid, M. Van Puymbroeck, and D.M. Koceja, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation [2010 Apr;91(4):576-83]

Review Analyzes Current Research on Tai Chi and Balance

This research review focused on current research literature on Tai Chi (TC) and its potential effect on balance and prevention of falls in older adults. "The evidence for improving balance is somewhat conflicting because few research studies identify which balance exercises are effective." 

" . . . By reviewing the current research literature on TC focusing on balance and falls in older adults, strategies may be developed to incorporate TC to improve balance and modify the known risk factors for falling. This article also discusses potential applications and limitations of the current research."   Abstract: PubMed. "An integrative review of Tai Chi research: an alternative form of physical activity to improve balance and prevent falls in older adults," by A.C. Wooton, Orthopedic Nursing [2010 Mar-Apr;29(2):108-16; quiz 117-8].

Effectiveness of Yoga in the Workplace

This study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, examined the effectiveness of yoga in enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress among university employees at a British university. The researchers "recruited 48 employees and randomized them into either a yoga or a wait-list control group. The yoga group was offered six weeks of Dru Yoga, comprising one 60-minute class per week. These classes were offered by a certified Dru Yoga instructor at lunchtime from January-March 2008." 

The results of the study showed that "even a short program of yoga is effective for enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace. We suggest that employers should consider offering yoga classes to their employees."  Abstract: PubMed.  "The effectiveness of yoga for the improvement of well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace," by N. Hartfiel, J. Havenhand, SB Khalsa, G. Clarke, A. Krayer, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health [2010 Apr 6]

Influence of sports climbing and yoga on patients with multiple sclerosis

The objectives of this study centered on the effects of sports climbing and yoga on spasticity, cognitive impairment, mood change and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Both sports climbing and yoga are aerobic activities involving stretching.

Twenty subjects ranging in age from 26 to 50 with relapsing-remitting or progressive multiple sclerosis participated in the randomized study. Spasticity, cognitive function, mood and fatigue before and after both programs, that lasted 10 weeks, were evaluated.

The researchers concluded that yoga and sports climbing might improve some of the multiple sclerosis symptoms and should be considered in the future as possible complementary treatments. Abstract PubMed.  "Influence of sports climbing and yoga on spasticity, cognitive function, mood and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis," by O. Velikonja, K. Curić, A. Ožura, S.S. Jazbec, Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery [2010 Apr 4]

Clinical trial focuses on Iyengar yoga for young people with rheumatoid arthritis

This clinical trial is currently recruiting participants at the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program Research Offices, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90064. "The purpose of the study is to compare a standardized 6 week Iyengar Yoga program (IYP) for adolescents and young adults with rheumatoid arthritis to a standard care wait-list condition. In addition to effects on function and pain, this study will explore intervention effects on disease activity, immune response, HRQOL, functionality, and mood. Results will shed light on the feasibility and potential efficacy of a novel intervention (Iyengar yoga) for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms."  

The intervention will include Iyengar Yoga classes twice a week for six weeks. Inclusion criteria for the trial: people with rheumatoid arthritis between the ages of 16-35. For additional details about inclusion as a well as exclusion criteria for participating in the study as well as the scope of the study see:  ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01096823.

Trial underway in Seattle to assess yoga's effectiveness on chronic low back pain

This trial will investigate whether yoga is effective for treating chronic low back pain compared with self care and exercise and will explore the mechanisms responsible for any observed benefits. "A total of 210 participants with low back pain lasting at least 3 months will be recruited from primary care clinics of a large healthcare system based in Seattle. They will be randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive 12 weekly yoga classes, 12 weekly conventional therapeutic exercise classes of comparable physical exertion, or a self-care book. . .  Information will be collected on specific physical, psychological, and physiological factors to allow exploration of possible mechanisms of action through which yoga could relieve back pain and dysfunction. The effectiveness of yoga will be assessed using analysis of covariance (using general estimating equations - GEE) within an intention-to-treat context. If yoga is found effective, further analyses will explore whether yoga's benefits are attributable to physical, psychological and/or physiological factors."

". . . This study will provide the clearest evidence to date about the value of yoga as a therapeutic option for treating chronic back pain, and if the results are positive, will help focus future, more in-depth, research on the most promising potential mechanisms of action identified by this study." ClinicalTrials.gov ID number of NCT00447668. Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20356395. "Comparison of yoga versus stretching for chronic low back pain: protocol for the Yoga Exercise Self-care (YES) trial," by Karen J Sherman, Daniel C Cherkin, Andrea J Cook, Rene J Hawkes, Richard A Deyo, Robert Wellman and Partap S Khalsa, Trails Journal [2010 Mar 31;11(1):36]

New yoga controlled trial funded by Arthritis Research Campaign planned

A systematic review of three small randomised controlled trials of yoga for low back pain revealed the positive effects of yoga. "To build on these studies a larger trial, with longer term follow-up, and a number of different yoga teachers delivering the intervention is required. This study protocol describes the details of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Yoga for chronic Low Back Pain, which is funded by Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) and is being conducted by the University of York. 262 patients will be recruited from GP practices in 5 centres in England."

"Patients will be randomised to receive usual care or 12 weekly classes of yoga. A yoga programme will be devised that can be delivered by yoga teachers of the two main national yoga organisations in the UK (British Wheel of Yoga and Iyengar Yoga Association (UK). Trial registration: Current controlled trials registry ISRCTN81079604 (date registered 30/03/2007)." Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20347837.  H. Cox, et al, "A pragmatic multi-centred randomised controlled trial of yoga for chronic low back pain: trial protocol," Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice [2010 May;16(2):76-80]