Yoga Medical News Daily

Study concludes can reduce sadness after calamity

This article mentions an earlier study that showed "that a week of yoga practice was useful in stress management after a natural calamity. Due to heavy rain and a rift on the banks of the Kosi river, in the state of Bihar in north India, there were floods with loss of life and property. A week of yoga practice was given to the survivors a month after the event and the effect was assessed."

Twenty-two male volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups with one group practicing yoga for an hour daily while the control group continued with their routine activities. "Both groups' heart rate variability, breath rate, and four symptoms of emotional distress using visual analog scales, were assessed on the first and eighth day of the program. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in sadness in the yoga group (p<0.05, paired t-test, post data compared to pre) and an increase in anxiety in the control group (p<0.05, paired t-test, post data compared to pre). CONCLUSIONS: A week of yoga can reduce feelings of sadness and possibly prevent an increase in anxiety in flood survivors a month after the calamity." Abstract: PubMed. "Post traumatic stress symptoms and heart rate variability in Bihar flood survivors following yoga: a randomized controlled study," by S. Telles, N. Singh, M. Joshi, A. Balkrishna,  BMC Psychiatry  [2010 Mar 2;10(1):18] Clinical Trials Registry of India: CTRI/2009/091/000285.

Newly announced Tai chi clinical trial for osteopenia offers flexibility

Can Tai Chi be considered a weight bearing mind-body exercise that effectively addresses bone-loss issues in post-menopausal osteopenic women? This study will address that unknown. A total of 86 post-menopausal women, aged 45-70, have been recruited from primary care clinics of a large healthcare system based in Boston. 

"They have been randomized to a group-based 9-month Tai Chi program plus standard care or to standard care only. A unique aspect of this trial is its pragmatic design, which allows participants randomized to Tai Chi to choose from a pre-screened list of community-based Tai Chi programs." 

" . . .  Primary outcomes are serum markers of bone resorption (C-terminal cross linking telopeptide of type I collagen, bone formation (osteocalcin), and BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Secondary outcomes include health-related quality-of-life, exercise behavior, and psychological well-being." . . .  Results of this study will provide preliminary evidence regarding the value of Tai Chi as an intervention for decreasing fracture risk in osteopenic women. They will also inform the feasibility, value and potential limitations related to the use of pragmatic designs for the study of Tai Chi and related mind-body exercise. If the results are positive, this will help focus future, more in-depth, research on the most promising potential mechanisms of action identified by this study."  Abstract: PubMed. "Tai Chi for osteopenic women: design and rationale of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial," in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders [2010 Mar 1;11(1):40]

Yoga, drinking air, and H. pylori infection: an hypothesis

This fascinating hypothesis by P.C. Malshe, of the Antar Prakash Centre for Yoga, Uttarakhand, India, published online ahead of print publication, suggests drinking in air instead of using drugs to treat H. pylori infection. 

" . . . In place of the several drugs currently in use for treating H. pylori infection, plain simple atmospheric air swallowed or sucked into the stomach, or drunk by any of the various techniques described here and then posturally manoeuvered to the pyloric region by inverting the trunk for a few minutes on a daily basis could be used as a preventive as well as a therapeutic measure for established H. pylori infection. Air is always present in the fundus of stomach, which is the reason why H. pylori does not colonise in the fundal region."

The article, with many helpful illustrations clarifying the procedures described, mentions that "In the ancient Indian discipline of Yoga, drinking air has been advised . . . With a little effort, one can acquire the Yogic skill of drinking air. This can be performed either in sitting or standing posture. Projecting the neck a little forward and contracting the sternocleidomastoid muscle pulls the sternum a little forward. This opens the gullet and allows air to enter the esophagus. . . . " 

Abstract: PubMed.  Article by P.C. Malshe, "Drinking air and manoeuvering it to the pyloric region of the stomach for the treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection," Medical Hypotheses [forthcoming].

Exercise and dietary interventions for hypertension in young adults

This study conducted by researchers at the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India, focused on dietary and exercise interventions that are effective in bringing down the blood pressure in young adults. 

They measured  the efficacy of physical exercise, reduction in salt intake, and yoga among young (20-25) pre-hypertensives and hypertensives and compared those relative efficacies. The participants in the study were randomized into one control and three interventional groups. A total of 113 subjects divided into four groups participated in the eight-week intervention: "control (I), physical exercise (II) - brisk walking for 50-60 minutes, four days/week, salt intake reduction (III) - to at least half of their previous intake, and practice of yoga (IV) - for 30-45 minutes/day on at least five days/week."

All three of the intervention groups showed a significant reduction in blood pressure. There was no significant change in the control group.  Physical exercise was most effective; salt intake reduction and yoga were also effective. 

The study concluded that "Physical exercise, salt intake reduction, and yoga are effective non-pharmacological interventions in significantly reducing BP among young hypertensives and pre-hypertensives. These can therefore be positively recommended for hypertensives. There is also a case to deploy these interventions in the general population." 

Abstract: PubMed.  Article by Saptharishi L, Soudarssanane M, Thiruselvakumar D, Navasakthi D, Mathanraj S, Karthigeyan M, Sahai A., "Community-based Randomized Controlled Trial of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Prevention and Control of Hypertension among Young Adults," Indian Journal of Community Medicine [2009 Oct;34(4):329-34]

New study again confirms yoga's ability to reduce anxiety

As this study points out yoga practiced over varying durations has been shown to reduce anxiety. The investigation "involved 300 naive-to-yoga persons of both sexes who were attending a yoga therapy center in north India for stress relief as day visitors. . . .  They were divided into two groups, yoga practice and yoga theory, and their state anxiety was assessed before and after a 2-hr. yoga session."

"A significant reduction in scores on state anxiety was found in the yoga practice group (14.7% decrease), as well as in the yoga theory group (3.4% decrease). The difference in scores following the sessions was statistically significant. Hence, yoga practice as well as learning about theoretical aspects of yoga appear to reduce state anxiety, with a greater reduction following yoga practice."  Abstract: PubMed.  Article by S. Telles, V. Gaur, and A. Balkrishna, "Effect of a yoga practice session and a yoga theory session on state anxiety," Perceptual and Motor Skills [2009 Dec;109(3):924-30]

Complementary and alternative therapy information on leading cancer center websites

More and more medical information is now offered online. And it is online sources that patients often visit first to obtain information, even before they discuss details with their physicians. 

This study focused on how information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and supportive care is presented on major cancer center websites. Simulating the perspective of an information-seeking patient or family member, the researchers did a systematic analysis of the websites of 41 National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer centers. Two researchers independently evaluated websites, recorded CAM information, and rated quality of the websites. 

"The most common CAM approaches mentioned were: acupuncture (59%), meditation/nutrition/spiritual support/yoga (56% for each), massage therapy (54%), and music therapy (51%). Twenty-three (23; 56%) presented information on support groups, 19 (46%) on patient seminars, 18 (44%) on survivorship effort, and 17 (41%) on symptom management clinics. Twenty-nine (29) (71%) of these websites had a telephone number available, 22 (54%) mentioned at least one ongoing research opportunity, and 19 (46%) provided links to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. Median rating of the quality of websites was 50 of 100, with only 7 (17%) of centers receiving a composite score 80 (excellent) or better."

" . . .  While a growing number of leading cancer centers provide information about CAM and supportive oncology information for patients via their websites, the quality and ease of navigation of these sites remain highly variable. Effective development and redesign of many of the websites is needed to better inform and empower patients and families seeking CAM and supportive care information."  Abstract: PubMed.  "Complementary and alternative medicine and supportive care at leading cancer centers: a systematic analysis of websites," Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [2010 Feb;16(2):183-6]

Yoga for quality of life and balance in postmenopausal osteoporosis

There are several reasons to practice yoga, if you are postmenopausal and have osteopenia or osteoporosis: yoga has been shown to maintain and even build bone mineral density. 

In addition, as researchers from Istanbul University, Turkey, point out in this study, yoga also offers "a positive effect on balance, posture, flexibility, and life quality resulting from its effects on balance, stretching, relaxation and strengthening."

The aim of their study was "to evaluate the effect of yoga exercises in postmenopausal osteoporotic women on balance and life quality and to compare the results with a classic osteoporosis exercise program."  Twenty-six postmenopausal osteoporotic women over 55 years of age were studied with results showing the positive effects of yoga on balance, pain, and general health. Abstact: PubMed. Article by Tüzün S, Aktas I, Akarirmak U, Sipahi S, Tüzün F, European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine [2010 Feb 18 - Epub ahead of print]

A 12-week Pilates program increases abdominal endurance, flexibility and more

 A forthcoming study by J.A. Kloubec to be published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research describes a 12-week study to determine the effects of a Pilates exercise program on abdominal endurance, hamstring flexibility, upper-body muscular endurance, posture, and balance. Fifty healthy male and female volunteers were divided into a control and a Pilates group. Participants were asked to have "no prior substantive Pilates experience."

Meeting for one hour, twice a week, the Pilates group participated in a basic mat routine consisting of approximately 25 separate exercises focusing on muscular endurance and flexibility of the abdomen, low back, and hips.

At the end of 12 weeks, the Pilates group showed, as compared to the control group, "statistically significant increases in abdominal endurance, hamstring flexibility, and upper-body muscular endurance. Participants did not demonstrate improvements in either posture or balance when compared with the control group." The study clearly demonstrated that "individuals can improve their muscular endurance and flexibility using relatively low-intensity Pilates exercises that do not require equipment or a high degree of skill and are easy to master and use within a personal fitness routine."  

The study suggests that more studies similar to this one might provide a better understanding of ways to improve overall athletic performance, as well as benefit those suffering from low back pain and spinal structural problems. Abstract for "Pilates for Improvement of Muscle Endurance, Flexibility, Balance, and Posture" at: PubMed.  Photo by khatawat. 

Yoga breathing exercises improve pulmonary function in bronchial asthma patients

The role of yoga breathing exercises, as an adjunct treatment for bronchial asthma is well recognized. In this study120 asthma patients were randomized into a yoga training group and a control group.  

Pulmonary function tests were performed on all the patients at the beginning of the study, after 4 weeks and then after 8 weeks. The subjects in the yoga group showed statistically significant improvements as compared to the non-yoga group. 

The research results suggest that "yoga breathing exercises used adjunctively with standard pharmacological treatment significantly improves pulmonary functions in patients with bronchial asthma."  Abstract: PubMed. Article: "A study of the effect of yoga training on pulmonary functions in patients with bronchial asthma," by Sodhi C, Singh S, Dandona PK., Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology [2009 Apr-Jun;53(2):169-74]

Study finds Tai Chi practitioners have better stability and overall body awareness

Conducted by researchers in the Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden, this study investigated stability limits, single-leg jumping, and body awareness in older Tai Chi practitioners. Set at the University-based rehabilitation center, participants included 24 Tai Chi practitioners and 20 healthy control subjects.

"Measures included the following: (1) subjects' intentional weight shifting to 8 different spatial positions within their base of support using the limits of stability test, (2) the ability to leave the floor in single-leg jumping and to maintain balance on landing using force platform measurements, and (3) body awareness and movement behaviors using the Body Awareness Scale-Health (BAS-H)."  

The findings showed that Tai Chi practitioners had a significantly better ability to lean further without losing stability and better directional control. They were also better able to jump off the floor; better able to maintain a longer single-leg stance after landing; and had better overall body awareness. Abstract: PubMed. Article by Gyllensten AL, Hui-Chan CW, Tsang WW,"Stability Limits, Single-Leg Jump, and Body Awareness in Older Tai Chi Practitioners," Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation [2010 Feb;91(2):215-220]   Photo by Diana bella.