Effect of Yoga on Markers of Bone Turnover in Osteopenic Women

This pilot study by Judith Balk, Melissa Gluck, Lisa Bernardo, and Janet Catov, all of the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is described in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy (2009: 19;1: 63-68), "Seven participants completed a 12-week series of one hour per week Yoga classes, in addition to home Yoga practice. We analyzed the correlation between time spent on Yoga and time spent on other weight-bearing exercise and change in bone turnover markers. The amount of Yoga practice was significantly correlated with BAP levels (r = 0.68, p = 0.09). A weaker, non-significant correlation was found between the amount of Yoga practice and uNTX levels (r = -.54, p = .21). Compared to Yoga, other physical activities were less correlated with BAP and uNTX levels. Yoga may have beneficial effects on bone turnover in osteopenic postmenopausal women." Abstract.