Yoga Medical News Daily

Mindfulness-based yoga intervention improves sleep in pregnant women

This pilot study measured the effects of a mindfulness-based yoga intervention on sleep in pregnant women. Fifteen women in their second or third trimesters attended weekly mindfulness meditation and prenatal Hatha yoga classes for 7 weeks. Results showed that "women who began the intervention in the second trimester had significantly fewer awakenings, less wake time during the night, and less perceived sleep disturbance . . . . Those who began during the third trimester had poorer sleep over time in spite of the intervention . . . ." 

"Mindful yoga shows promise for women in their second trimester of pregnancy to diminish total number of awakenings at night and improve sleep efficiency and merits further exploration. Results from this pilot study provide the data to estimate sample size and design and implement powered and more controlled studies in the future."  Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20338897.  "Effects of mindful yoga on sleep in pregnant women: a pilot study," by Beddoe AE, Lee KA, Weiss SJ, Kennedy HP, Yang CP, Biological Research for Nursing [2010 Apr;11(4):363-70]

Yoga for muscle strength and bone health in postmenopausal women

It has been shown in numerous research studies that exercise prevents rapid bone loss, increases muscle strength, mobility and flexibility in postmenopausal women. This study evaluated "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 included in the study. A neuromuscular test battery and the QUALEFFO as a life quality index were used for the assessment of balance and life quality, respectively. . . .  The results showed that yoga education has a positive effect on pain, physical functions, social functions . . .  In conclusion, yoga appears to be an alternative physical activity for the rehabilitation of osteoporotic subjects."  Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20332729. "Yoga might be an alternative training for the quality of life and balance in postmenopausal osteoporosis," by Tüzün S, Aktas I, Akarirmak U, Sipahi S, Tüzün F., European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine [2010 Mar;46(1):69-72]

Individualized yoga therapy for eating disorders yields positive results

This was a pilot project assessing the effects of individualized yoga treatment on eating disorder outcomes among adolescents.  Fifty girls and 4 boys aged 11-21 years were randomized for an 8-week trial of standard care vs. individualized yoga plus standard care. 

"The Yoga group demonstrated greater decreases in eating disorder symptoms. Specifically, the EDE scores decreased over time in the Yoga group, whereas the No Yoga group showed some initial decline but then returned to baseline EDE levels at week 12. Food preoccupation was measured before and after each yoga session, and decreased significantly after all sessions. Both groups maintained current BMI levels and decreased in anxiety and depression over time."  The results of this study "suggest that individualized yoga therapy holds promise as adjunctive therapy to standard care."  Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20307823.  "Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Yoga in the Treatment of Eating Disorders," by Carei TR, Fyfe-Johnson AL, Breuner CC, Brown MA., Journal of Adolescent Health [2010 Apr;46(4):346-351]

Study examines developing mindfulness through movement

This study by researchers at the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, "examined whether mindfulness increased through participation in movement-based courses and whether changes in self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, and perceived stress mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and better sleep."

Participants included 166 college students participating in 15 week classes in Pilates, Taiji quan, or GYROKINESIS. At intervals during the semester, participants completed measures of mindfulness, self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, perceived stress, and sleep quality. 

The study demonstrated an increase in total mindfulness scores and mindfulness subscales overall. "Greater changes in mindfulness were directly related to better sleep quality at the end of the semester after adjusting for sleep disturbance at the beginning."  Researchers concluded that "Movement-based courses can increase mindfulness. Increased mindfulness accounts for changes in mood and perceived stress, which explain, in part, improved sleep quality."  Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20304755. "Developing mindfulness in college students through movement-based courses: effects on self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, stress, and sleep quality," by Caldwell K, Harrison M, Adams M, Quin RH, Greeson J., Journal of American College Health [2010 Mar-Apr;58(5):433-42]

Effectiveness of Tai chi Qigong (TCQ) program on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clients

This study focused on "the effectiveness of a 3-month Tai chi Qigong (TCQ) program in promoting the psychosocial functional health of clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Hong Kong. . . . two hundred and six COPD clients were randomly assigned into three groups, namely, TCQ group, exercise group, and control group. Subjects in the TCQ group received a TCQ program, consisting of two 60-min sessions each week for 3 months. Subjects in the exercise group were taught to practice breathing techniques combined with walking as an exercise. Subjects in the control group received their usual care. Data collections were performed at baseline, on the sixth week and on the third month." 

The TCQ group showed greater improvements in the symptom and activity domains; however, there were no differences detected in perceived social support among the three groups. "Tai chi Qigong promoted health outcomes with respect to clients' perception of their respiratory symptoms. Moreover, TCQ decreased disturbances to their physical activities."  Abstract: PubMed PMID: 20229333. "Effectiveness of a Tai chi Qigong program in promoting health-related quality of life and perceived social support in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clients," by Chan AW, Lee A, Suen LK, Tam WW., Quality of Life Research [2010 Mar 15]

Study shows Pilates improves quality of life in healthy elderly females

This study evaluated the effect of Pilates on 52 healthy elderly females. The 27 members of the Pilates group participated in Pilates exercises twice weekly for eight weeks. Descriptive statistics were compiled using the Shapiro-Wilk test. 

Results showed "significant post-test differences in the Pilates group in the following areas balance (Delta%=4.35%, p=0.0001) and General Index of GDLAM (Delta%=-13.35%, p=0.0001); the Wilcoxon test demonstrated significant post-test differences in the quality of life Index (Delta%=1.26%, p=0.0411). CONCLUSION: The Pilates method can offer significant improvement in personal autonomy, static balance and quality of life." Abstract: PubMed. "Pilates method in personal autonomy, static balance and quality of life of elderly females," by Siqueira Rodrigues BG, Ali Cader S, Bento Torres NV, Oliveira EM, Martin Dantas EH, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies [2010 Apr;14(2):195-202]

Yoga as a component for improving hand use in those with multiple sclerosis

This Improving Hand Use in Multiple Sclerosis clinical trial sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society "will compare two different kinds of physical therapy to improve use of the hands in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). One treatment will be Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy), the other will be a set of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments (yoga, relaxation exercises, aquatherapy, massage). The study will determine which of the two forms of treatment is more successful for improving hand use. Volunteers between the ages of 21 to 80 years who have been diagnosed with non-relapsing multiple sclerosis (primary progressive MS, secondary progressive MS) and have reduced use of one of the hands because of MS are needed for the study.  For additional details on the length and treatments to be used during this to be conducted in Birmingham, Alabama, see:  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01081275.

Yoga improves sleep quality among assisted-living residents

Published in the Journal of Nursing Research, this study investigated "the effects of a 6-month yoga exercise program in improving sleep quality and decreasing depression in transitional frail elders living in assisted living facilities." Using a quasi-experimental pretest-and-posttest design, 69 elderly assisted living facilities residents were divided randomly into a yoga exercise group and a control group based on residence location. Fifty five participants completed the study. For the intervention three small groups were created with each practice group led by pretrained certified yoga instructors three times per week for seventy minutes per session for twenty-four weeks. 

The study revealed that after "six months of performing yoga exercises, participants' overall sleep quality had significantly improved, whereas depression, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction had decreased significantly."  The researchers "recommended that yoga exercise be incorporated as an activity program in assisted living facilities or in other long-term care facilities to improve sleep quality and decrease depression in institutionalized elders."  Abstract PubMed PMID: 20220611: "Effects of yoga on sleep quality and depression in elders in assisted living facilities," by Chen KM, Chen MH, Lin MH, Fan JT, Lin HS, Li CH, Journal of Nursing Research : JNR [2010 Mar;18(1):53-61]

Tai chi and rheumatoid arthritis

This study focused on the way Tai Chi group exercise impacted on disease activity, physical function, health status and experience in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Fifteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited from a rheumatology department into a single group study and instructed in Tai Chi exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks. 

"Assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 weeks follow-up were performed with a wide range of measures, including disease activity, self-reported health status, physical performance tests (Walking in Figure of Eight, Timed-Stands Test, and Shoulder Movement Impairment Scale). Qualitative data were obtained from a focus group interview conducted after completed intervention with taping and verbatim transcription. Review of the transcripts identified themes important to patients practicing Tai Chi."

"Within the group, Tai Chi practice lead to improved lower-limb muscle function at the end of intervention and at 12 weeks follow-up. Qualitative analyses showed that patients experienced improved physical condition, confidence in moving, balance and less pain during exercise and in daily life. Other experience included stress reduction, increased body awareness, confidence in moving and indicated that Tai Chi was a feasible exercise modality in RA. CONCLUSIONS: Improved muscle function in lower limbs was also reflected when patient experiences with Tai Chi were studied in depth in this explorative study. The combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods shows that Tai Chi has beneficial effects on health not related to disease activity and standardised health status assessment, and may contribute to an understanding of how Tai Chi exerts its effects." Abstract: PubMed. " Exploring Tai Chi in rheumatoid arthritis: a quantitative and qualitative study," BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders [2010 Mar 5;11(1):43]  Trial registration: NCT00522054.

Study concludes yoga 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.