Although the effects of yoga on psychiatric symptoms in psychiatric care are gaining increasing recognition, research within forensic psychiatric care, particularly on subjective experiences, remains limited. To address this gap, the present study aims to describe patients' experience of trauma-adapted yoga (TAY) as a health-promoting activity in forensic psychiatric care.

Twelve individual semi-structured interviews with patients in forensic psychiatric care were conducted, and data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

The patients' experience of TAY as a health-promoting activity was captured in an overarching theme, "To feel that one is connected to mind, body, and soul in a way that can promote a sense of well-being in an uncertain existence". This overarching theme contained four themes: Strengthening the body, finding a calm place within oneself, something to do solely for oneself but together with others, and prerequisites for doing yoga.

The findings emphasize that TAY has the potential to be a valuable health-promoting activity for patients in forensic psychiatric care by facilitating their resources to manage stressors in everyday life. Therefore, it should be offered as a complement to other treatments to promote patients' health and well-being in forensic psychiatric care.

Long-term moderate- to high-intensity exercise has been shown to significantly enhance overall health such as the improvement of physiological indicators and brain functions. One key aspect of brain activity is alpha-band activity, which encompasses various sub-oscillations within the alpha frequency band. However, the precise functions of these alpha sub-oscillations following different exercise regimens remain unclear.

We recruited 58 healthy college students and divided them into four groups: Pamela (high-intensity interval training, HIIT), yoga (moderate-intensity continuous training, MICT), and their corresponding matched control group (no exercise) for each exercise intervention group. Participants in the exercise intervention groups underwent training for up to 8 weeks (HIIT or MICT). Resting-state EEG data were collected before and after training, both with eyes open and closed.

Following HIIT, the Pamela group experienced a significant reduction in body fat percentage and a notable increase in skeletal muscle mass. In terms of neural activity, the main difference was observed in the mid-frequency alpha range in the frontoparietal region during the eyes-open resting state. Conversely, after 8-week yoga training, participants demonstrated a significant improvement in the duration of maintaining balance and sleep quality, and the main neural difference was reflected in the low- and high-frequency alpha band activities in the bilateral frontotemporal regions during the eyes-closed resting state.

This study, for the first time, differentiates the effects of long-term moderate- and high-intensity exercise on neural oscillation during different resting states, which highlights that different sub-frequency bands within the alpha frequency band would represent different exercise-related functions.

This study developed and validated the niyama-based spiritual well-being scale (NSWBS) using a mixed-method approach. Niyama is one of the eight limbs of ancient Indian Ashtanga yoga philosophy. There are five niyamas: soucha (internal and external cleanliness and hygiene), santosha (happiness and contentment), tapas (austerity and discipline), swadhyaya (self-study, observation and self-introspection) and ishvara-pranidhana (believe and surrender to the God and cosmic power). Both deductive (using existing spiritual well-being scales) and inductive (focus group discussions) approaches were used to generate items. These statements were first subjected to content validity testing and pre-testing, which resulted in seventeen statements. The psychometric properties of generated items were analyzed with the help of three independent studies that utilized various statistical tests like exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha, McDonald Omega, Average variance explained, and Fornell and Larcker criterion. The first study examined the factorial structure of the proposed scale. EFA yielded five factors: Internal and external health and purity, Self-discipline and rigour, Self-introspection and observation, Contentment and gratitude, and Belief in God and higher cosmic power. They explained 62.35% of the total variance. The CFA validated the five factorial structure of the scale. The second study established the proposed scale's internal consistency reliability, convergent, divergent, and predictive validities. Lastly, the third study evaluated and concluded the test-retest reliability of the scale. Overall, the niyama-based spiritual well-being scale depicted appreciable psychometric properties.

Mind-body exercise (MBE) has shown promise in mitigating the effects of sarcopenia and frailty in older adults. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in enhancing muscle function and physical performance in this population has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MBE on older adults with sarcopenia and frailty, to offer evidence-based exercise recommendations.

A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted through multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Chinese Scientific Journals Full-Text Database (VIP), supplemented by manual reference searches from inception until February 2024. The eligible RCTs compared MBE with passive or active exercise controls, focusing on muscle function and physical performance in older adults aged 60 years or above. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the types, duration, and frequency of MBE.

Nine eligible RCTs with 1838 participants were included in this study. MBE demonstrated significant improvements compared with passive control, particularly in grip strength (WMD [weighted mean difference] = 0.99; 95% CI [95% confidence interval] = 0.06, 1.92; I2 = 3%, p = 0.04), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) (WMD = -4.04; 95% CI = -5.54, -2.53; I2 = 12%, p < 0.01), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores (WMD = 3.63; 95% CI = 0.38, 6.87; I2 = 0%, p = 0.03). Even when compared to active exercise training, improvements were still observed in TUGT and BBS (p < 0.001), with a trend toward improved grip strength (WMD = -2.20; 95% CI = -4.35, -0.04; p = 0.05). No positive effect on muscle mass was observed. Subgroup analysis indicated that MBE performed more than 5 times a week for a short or medium duration (4-24 weeks) could improve grip strength (p < 0.05). Moderate-frequency intervention over a short period in this population yielded greater improvements in gait speed and Chair Rise Test completion time (p < 0.05).

MBE can enhance muscle function and physical performance to some extent in older adults with sarcopenia and frailty, whether they are compared with passive or active exercise training. However, positive effects on muscle mass have not been observed. Future studies are warranted to compare it with well-designed active exercise training programs that match the exercise volume, to draw more definitive conclusions to support the notion that MBE yields comparable effects.

The pursuit of sleep quality has become an important aspect of people's global quest for overall health. However, the objective neurobiological features corresponding to subjective perceptions of sleep quality remain poorly understood. Although previous studies have investigated the relationship between electroencephalogram (EEG) and sleep, the lack of longitudinal follow-up studies raises doubts about the reproducibility of their findings.

Currently, there is a gap in research regarding the stable associations between EEG data and sleep quality assessed through multiple data collection sessions, which could help identify potential neurobiological targets related to sleep quality.

In this study, we used a portable EEG device to collect resting-state prefrontal cortex EEG data over a 3-month follow-up period from 42 participants (27 in the first month, 25 in the second month, and 40 in the third month). Each month, participants' sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to estimate their recent sleep quality.

We found that there is a significant and consistent positive correlation between low α band activity in the prefrontal cortex and PSQI scores (r=0.45, P<.001). More importantly, this correlation remained consistent across all 3-month follow-up recordings (P<.05), regardless of whether we considered the same cohort or expanded the sample size. Furthermore, we discovered that the periodic component of the low α band primarily contributed to this significant association with PSQI.

These findings represent the first identification of a stable and reliable neurobiological target related to sleep quality through multiple follow-up sessions. Our results provide a solid foundation for future applications of portable EEG devices in monitoring sleep quality and screening for sleep disorders in a broad population.

Yoga is a therapeutic practice renowned for its multifaceted benefits across the body's systems. Its positive impact spans the physical, mental and emotional realms, fostering harmony and well-being. Through a combination of postures, breathing techniques and meditation, yoga offers profound effects, enhancing flexibility, strength and balance while simultaneously promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This integrative approach not only cultivates physical resilience but also supports mental clarity, emotional balance and overall vitality, showcasing yoga as a comprehensive and impactful system for holistic health. The review delved into the multifaceted ways in which yoga exerts a positive influence on the body's various systems. It highlights how yoga serves as a beneficial tool in addressing and counteracting the underlying factors associated with different diseases. By examining yoga's effects on these systems and its potential in combating illness, the paper sheds light on the comprehensive therapeutic benefits that yoga offers. Please cite this article as: Pandey S, Pandey AC, Kotecha VR. Yoga-A complementary and traditional medicine for human health. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 93-105.

Mindfulness, yoga, and acupuncture are three practices that have received little attention in stress management literature, with scholars suggesting that they can improve physical and mental health, reduce stress and burnout, and boost productivity and job satisfaction. However, while there is growing interest in these practices, many employers remain sceptical about their potential benefits and are hesitant to invest resources in implementing them. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the impact of these practices on burnout and explore potential moderators. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure comprehensive and transparent reporting in the identification of eligible studies. Overall, 21 studies were included (8 on mindfulness, 7 on yoga, and 6 on acupuncture), all involving independent samples, with a total of 1,364 participants. The meta-analytic results showed that all three therapeutic practices have consistent and beneficial effects on reducing burnout. Furthermore, moderation analyses indicated that mindfulness interventions conducted within the work schedule have a significant reduction in burnout, while acupuncture interventions with between 4 or 8 weeks (the more weeks, the better) also reduced burnout. However, no significant moderation effect was observed for yoga interventions. Overall, the findings provide insights into the effectiveness of these complementary practices in reducing burnout and highlight the need for further research in this area.

Does the practice of yoga impact stress? Various studies have suggested that yoga may reduce both self-reported stress and stress biomarkers, but the evidence for such claims remains inconclusive, especially for yoga styles with a focus on physical postures. In a randomized controlled trial with 98 participants, we therefore examined whether an eight-week Hatha yoga intervention (60 min, 3×/week or more) led to reduced levels of diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and subjective momentary stress as compared to a waitlist control group. To ensure the concomitant assessment of self-report and biological measures in an ecologically valid setting, and to capture the diurnal profile of cortisol and alpha-amylase, we employed an ecological momentary assessment approach. Five times per day, participants reported their momentary stress levels on a visual analogue scale and collected saliva samples for the assessment of salivary biomarkers. The intervention led to a significant reduction of subjective momentary stress but there was no change in diurnal sCort or sAA levels. There are several potential explanations for these findings: The intervention may have helped participants to cope better with stress while leaving diurnal levels of stress biomarkers unaffected, or the change may at least not have been reflected in sCort and sAA. Alternatively, there may have been a self-report bias, insofar as a favorable disposition towards yoga may have led participants to report reductions in stress in order to indicate positive effects of the intervention. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of distinct yoga interventions, demonstrating their potential to serve as low-risk stress relief tools.

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of cancer patients, affecting the patient's physical, psychological, behavioral, social relations and other aspects. Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise is effective for cancer pain, and the optimal exercise is still unknown.

This study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on cancer pain in adults.

Randomized control trials identified from medical literature databases that reported effects of exercise in adults with cancer pain were included in this study. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted independently by 2 researchers. Cochrane Bias Assessment 2.0 was used to assess the quality of the literature, and Stata 15.0 software was used for Network meta-analysis.

Forty-one studies were included, involving 3537 patients with cancer pain. The types of exercise involved included aerobic exercise, medium intensity continuous training, high-intensity interval training, resistance exercise, mind-body exercise and comprehensive exercise program (CEP). The results suggested that CEP was more effective than the usual care in relieving pain intensity in cancer patients [SMD = -1.96,95% CI (-3.47, -0.44)] (SUCRA = 97.9%). Mind-body exercise outperformed usual care in reducing pain interference in cancer patients [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI (-1.21, -0.09)] (SUCRA = 83.8%).

Current evidence shows that CEP is the best way to relieve the pain intensity of cancer patients, and mind-body exercise is the best way to reduce pain interference of cancer patients. Due to the limited number and quality of the included studies, the above conclusions need to be further verified by more high-quality studies.

Academic environments are known for their high demands, often resulting in significant distress among employees. Thus, identifying effective intervention strategies to mitigate workplace stress is essential. The present study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of mind-body interventions (i.e., Yoga and Tai Chi) on the psychological wellbeing and perceived mental and physical health of female university employees.

A total of 166 female university employees and faculty members participated in 10 sessions of Tai Chi or Yoga. They completed self-report questionnaires assessing ruminative thoughts, somatic anxiety, general distress, perceived physical and mental health, and assertive and cooperative behaviors before and after the 10 Tai Chi/Yoga sessions. Additionally, participants completed a state anxiety questionnaire before and after Tai Chi/Yoga second and second-to-last lessons.

Results showed significant differences between scores pre and post Tai Chi and Yoga programs, with lower ruminative thoughts (p = 0.007), lower somatic anxiety (p < 0.001), and higher perceived mental health (p = 0.038) at the end of the programs (i.e., after 10 sessions) compared to the beginning. Moreover, significant differences were found in state anxiety scores, with a reduction in state anxiety at the end of the second (p < 0.001) and second-to-last (p < 0.001) lessons compared to the start.

Our findings highlight the potential positive impact of Tai Chi and Yoga programs on the psychological wellbeing and perceived mental health of female university employees. Immediate reductions in state anxiety following single sessions further underscore the potential of these practices for short-term stress relief. Overall, the results support the implementation of mind-body practices in workplace settings to promote a healthier work environment.

Aromatase inhibitors are prescribed in breast cancer due to their associated lower rate of cancer recurrence compared to tamoxifen. However, aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIIA) is one of the leading causes of treatment nonadherence, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. The pathophysiology of AIIA is poorly understood, and although current recommendations for AIIA include lifestyle changes and analgesics depending on the severity of symptoms, there is no established effective treatment. The aim of this study is to explore the presentation and mechanism of AIIA and investigate the feasibility and efficacy of different exercise interventions (aerobic, resistance, aerobic and resistance combined, and yoga or tai chi) in patients with AIIA to guide the development of formal exercise prescription guidelines. Findings indicate that a mixed-modality regimen of aerobic and resistance exercises is feasible and safe and may serve the most benefit in improving joint pain, functionality, and quality of life. More specifically, the weekly regimen should consist of 150 min of aerobic exercise with two sessions of at least six resistance exercises, 8 to 12 repetitions, three sets each. Supplementary yoga and tai chi may be recommended twice a week depending on a patient's target symptoms. Yoga was associated with improved physical functionality, whereas tai chi was related to improvements in mental health. However, the feasibility and impact of combined aerobic and resistance exercise protocols with yoga or tai chi in our target population were not investigated in this review. The use of large, randomized controlled trials is recommended for future studies.

Hypothyroidism (HT) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder, affecting approximately one in 10 out of 35 adults, with a higher prevalence in females and the elderly.

This systematic review (SR) aimed to discuss the effects of yoga on markers and comorbid conditions of HT.

The SR was registered with the PROSPERO (PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022312990). Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were searched for the relevant English language interventional studies published from 31 December 1947 to 31 December 2023 by using the keywords 'meditation OR breath regulation OR yoga OR yoga nidra AND hypothyroidism OR hypothyreosis OR underactive thyroid OR low thyroid'. Of the 4078 screened studies, eight eligible studies (three RCTs, two pilot studies, two pre-post trials, and one case study) with 421 HT patients (392 females and 29 males) and three to six-month yoga interventions were included. Two independent review authors extracted study characteristics and synthesised them descriptively. RCTs and NRSIs were assessed for risk-of-bias (RoB) using Cochrane tools RoB2 and ROBINS-1.

The findings suggest that yoga effectively improves the thyroid profile, lipid profile, heart rate variability, pulmonary functions, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among HT patients.

Yoga may be an inexpensive add-on preventive and therapeutic option for HT. The clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the studies did not allow for meta-analysis (MA). Well-designed MAs are warranted by including rigorous RCTs to draw valid conclusions and defined mechanisms regarding the efficacy of yoga practices/interventions on HT.

Yoga is an increasingly popular complementary intervention to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and related comorbidities, but its safety and treatment efficacy are not firmly established. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing randomized control trials (RCTs) of yoga interventions for PTSD and related secondary outcomes (e.g., depression). Initial search results found over 668 potential papers. Twenty met inclusion criteria (e.g., RCTs on adult participants with PTSD that evaluated safety or efficacy outcomes). Meta-analysis indicated that, compared to control interventions, participation in yoga interventions significantly improved self-report PTSD (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.51; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.68, -0.35) and immediate (SMD: -0.39; 95 % CI: -0.56, -0.22) and long-term (SMD: -0.44; 95 % CI: -0.74, -0.13) depression symptoms. However, using clinician-reported assessments, yoga interventions were not associated with improved PTSD symptoms. Type of yoga differentially predicted outcomes. Sensitivity analysis showed consistent effect sizes when omitting each study from main analyses. Six studies reported whether any serious adverse events occurred. None were indicated. No publication bias was found, although individual intervention studies tended to be high in bias. Results suggest yoga is likely a safe and effective complementary intervention for reducing PTSD and depressive symptoms in individuals with PTSD. More rigorous RCTs are warranted.

 This cross-sectional study aimed to examine differences in yoga practices to enhance the validity and comparability of yoga research findings. It addresses the "black-box" approach to yoga interventions by highlighting various delivery components that can impact the validity of outcomes. By moving away from the generalization of yoga outcomes, this study provides deeper insights into yoga practices across culturally diverse populations. These insights are crucial for improving the reliability of outcomes and facilitating the integration of yoga into global complementary healthcare.

 The study included 2,619 participants, with a balanced representation from India (1,296) and the United States (1,323). The participants were diverse, with 47.5% being yoga masters, gurus, therapists, and experts. The study utilized the 14 subscales of the Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) to assess four factors of yoga practice: region (India/United States), sex (male/female), delivery mode (remote/in-person), and participation status (instructor/practitioner). The EPYQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.928).

 The total EPYQ score was higher in India than in the United States. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for the 14 subscales across all four factors: region, sex, delivery mode, and participation status. Notable observations include that, by region, the United States sample scored higher than the Indian sample on the subscales of body awareness and acceptance/compassion (mean differences of -0.06 and -0.03, respectively), while the Indian sample scored higher on the spirituality and social aspects subscales (mean differences of 0.54 and 0.57, respectively). The remote delivery mode scored higher for the subscales of yoga philosophy and health benefits (mean differences of 0.17 and 0.13, respectively), and lower for the subscales of individual attention and active postures (mean differences of -0.17 and -0.04, respectively). By sex, the scores on the subscales of social aspects and yoga philosophy were higher for men than for women (mean differences of -0.26 and -0.24, respectively), whereas women scored higher for the subscales of body awareness and restorative postures (mean differences of 0.19 and 0.17, respectively). By participation status, practitioners showed higher scores for the subscales of physicality and active postures (mean differences of -0.05 and -0.02, respectively), whereas instructors scored higher on the subscales of yoga philosophy and meditation/mindfulness (mean differences of 0.37 and 0.32, respectively).

 This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing variations in yoga practices and highlights the need for customization to enhance its integration into healthcare. To address the challenges posed by global diversity and practice heterogeneity, the study suggests moving from "black box" evaluations of yoga interventions toward data-driven analysis of macro- and micro-level factors. These insights can guide developers, healthcare providers, and researchers in creating culturally sensitive, user-friendly solutions and inform future cross-cultural research. Further related research will help create robust standards for yoga practices and delivery, applying the same rigor as that applied to conventional healthcare practices.

The aim of the research is to shed light on the experiences of a group of nursing students enrolled in a yoga elective course who practiced yoga regularly for 14 weeks, regarding yoga and the phenomenon of doing yoga, with a qualitative approach.

This qualitative study was conducted at a public university in Izmir, Turkey. The study sample consisted of 61 students enrolled in the 1st-year yoga course at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences. Except for two students, 59 of them participated in the study. Participants attended a face-to-face yoga course once a week for 1.5 h over a 14-week period. Each session comprised 30 min of theoretical instruction and 60 min of practice. In data collection, an interview form containing five questions was used to understand nursing students' experiences and thoughts about practicing yoga. In addition, A4 sized papers in different colors were presented to the participants. The participants were asked to draw and/or cut a shape by choosing the paper in the color that most evokes yoga. Then they were asked to explain why they chose this color and why they drew this shape. Participants were given one hour. After the data were collected, the pictures drawn by the participants and their descriptions of their drawings were transferred to the computer and included in the analysis. Qualitative data were hand-coded by the researchers. Within in-vivo coding, code names were formed from the participants' expressions. The findings analyzed by content analysis were interpreted with the literature under the themes by presenting quotations.

It was determined that the participants used nature figures (sun, cloud, tree, sky, flower) (f = 75), people doing yoga (f = 12), and sound, light and other figures (bird sound, wave sound, candle, light bulb, traffic light, heart, eye, left key, peace, swing, India, circle, etc.) (f = 29) in the shapes they drew and cut out on A4 sized papers in different colors to describe their experiences and thoughts about practicing yoga. The participants mostly chose blue-green-yellow colors (n = 41). With qualitative question analysis, a list of codes was created from the answers given by the students to the questions for the phenomenon of "doing yoga" (number of codes = 98). After the analysis of the data, four categories were reached. The category names and frequency numbers explaining the phenomenon of practicing yoga were distributed as "symbol of health and serenity (f = 345)", "the way to place goodness in your heart (f = 110)", "the most effective way to meet the self (f = 93)" and "no guarantee of relaxation (f = 71)", respectively.

The results indicate that yoga is perceived by nursing students as a multifaceted practice that evokes a range of emotional and physical responses. Most participants associate yoga with symbols of health, serenity, and self-awareness, often using natural elements and blue-green-yellow the colors to represent these feelings. However, there is also recognition that yoga may not guarantee relaxation for everyone, as some students reported difficulties in meditation, physical discomfort, and challenges in focusing. The study highlights the variability in how individuals experience yoga, emphasizing both its positive effects on well-being and the potential challenges in practice. These findings suggest that while yoga is widely valued for its calming and health-promoting benefits, it may not be universally effective in achieving relaxation or mindfulness.

The rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease poses a future challenge for healthcare and the economy. For patients diagnosed with kidney failure, hemodialysis is the sole recourse until a suitable renal donor is acquired, exerting a discernible impact on the overall quality of life. Yoga and meditation emerge as pivotal elements in enhancing quality of life (QoL), significantly influencing diverse aspects of well-being. The study aimed to identify the effectiveness of yoga and meditation on QoL among hemodialysis patients. An experimental research design with one group pretest - post-test on 100 participants was conducted in Muljibhai Patel Urology Hospital, Nadiad. Pre-tests were conducted on day 1, followed by a 12-week yoga and meditation program with a post-test. Data analysis utilised SPSS-20 software, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Yoga and meditation effectively demonstrated improvement in QoL in each domain (p < 0.001.) post-intervention. These results emphasize QoL enhancement after incorporating these practices into hemodialysis care.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common inherited genetic red blood cell disorder, highly prevalent in the tribal population residing in the Central India. The affected populace are disadvantaged due to a lack of accessibility and unavailability of transportation, flawed communication systems, insufficiency of health professionals, and basic health infrastructure.

The objective was to set up a yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) center that is sustainable, accessible, affordable, and acceptable as the part of the Integrated Sickle Cell Anemia Research Program (ISCARP) randomized control trial study.

By analyzing previous government screenings, the study identified remote, high-prevalence areas. Based on these criteria, encompassing 58 villages were surveyed in Maharashtra. Bijari village in Nandurbar was chosen for setting up the YBLI center. This center was equipped with basic health facilities and Information and Communication Technology infrastructure, managed in a hybrid model by ISCARP staff and incentive-based government health workers. A Central Control Center was established at SVYASA University in Bangalore to coordinate all the activities.

The YBLI center was successfully set up in Bijari village. At the center, around 69 children and adolescents got benefited during Yoga intervention. Only one subject out of 34 in intervention cohort experienced mild crisis. Their basic vitals were recorded regularly. On 11 different occasions, sever crisis of the participants was addressed which reduced morbidity and mortality rate. Furthermore, a social and health profile of these participants was created and updated regularly using sickle cell patient Information Management System, SIMS Portal.

Establishment of easily accessible YBLI center for providing primary healthcare, tele consultation with doctors, and maintaining electronic medical record and monitoring and recording vitals in addition to providing adjuvant Yoga therapy.

By offering prompt medical help and counseling, the YBLI center reduced the psychological and economic strain of sickle cell disease on the local populace. The center also captures and stores medical health records, updated on regular basis, which is of great value to the government in deciding and designing policies.

Physical inactivity is one of the four key preventable risk factors, along with unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, underlying most noncommunicable diseases. Promoting physical activity is particularly important among children and youth, whose active living behaviours often track into adulthood. Incorporating yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, can be a culturally-appropriate strategy to promote physical activity in India. However, there is little evidence on whether yoga practice is associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accumulation. Thus, this study aims to understand how yoga practice is associated with MVPA among children and youth in India. Data for this study were obtained during the coronavirus disease lockdown in 2021. Online surveys capturing MVPA, yoga practice, contextual factors, and sociodemographic characteristics, were completed by 5 to 17-year-old children and youth in partnership with 41 schools across 28 urban and rural locations in five states. Linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between yoga practice and MVPA. After controlling for age, gender, and location, yoga practice was significantly associated with MVPA among children and youth (β = 0.634, p < 0.000). These findings highlight the value of culturally-appropriate activities such as yoga, to promote physical activity among children and youth. Yoga practice might have a particularly positive impact on physical activity among children and youth across the world, owing to its growing global prevalence.

Globally medical students reported high level of stress sensitivity, stress intensity and depression or anxiety. Yoga is proven to be a one of the most effective anxiolytic tools. The current study specifically designed to investigate the effect of yoga intervention on the level of stress, depression, and anxiety of medical student at the University of Pécs.

Twenty-eight medical students from the University of Pécs, with an average age of 23.54 ± 4.36 years and a BMI of 22.42 ± 3.42 kg/m2, participated in a 10-week yoga intervention. In the current study, the DASS-21 was employed to gather information on stress, depression, and anxiety, while self-reported health and quality of life were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire. The Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to examine the distribution of the data. The choice between the paired sampled T-test and the Wilcoxon signed test was determined based on the distribution of the data.

The intervention group exhibited a mean and standard deviation of depression pre- and post-yoga 10.14 ± 10.60 and 7.21 ± 8.56, similarly the values for anxiety were 8.57 ± 10.09 and 5.51 ± 7.42, and for stress values were 12.79 ± 10.73 and 9.64 ± 9.71 respectively. Notably, this outcome attribute to a significant in decreased depression (p = 0.019), anxiety (p = 0.049) among the participants.

Introduction of Yoga Intervention significantly decreased in levels of depression and anxiety. By this current study we were able to confirm the necessity of Yoga Intervention with our primary survey.

There is a global rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), causing significant morbidity and mortality. Risk factors of NCDs commonly include drinking alcohol, smoking, eating unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle. The current health-care system faces challenges dealing with them. In order to deal with this pandemic, the strengthening of primary health centers (PHCs) at community level is required, which supports the principles of promotion, prevention, and treatment of NCDs. Yoga is an ancient practice encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual techniques to obtain health. Numerous studies have proven the potential benefits of Yoga in reducing chronic physical and mental health issues, making it a cost-effective method to enhance overall well-being and reduce health-care costs. This review paper aims to explore the profound impact of integrating yoga in PHCs, focusing on its benefits in enhancing patient outcomes, supporting overall health and wellness. The study searched PubMed and Google for scholarly articles on yoga in primary care, public health care, promotion of health, rehabilitation care, cancer, wellness, prevention, health care, etc. By examining the role of yoga in PHCs, this paper seeks to provide insights into the potential of yoga as a complementary approach to conventional treatments. The paper concludes that the burden of NCDs can be addressed by increasing human resources and promoting preventive health care through Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy personnel. Integrating yoga in PHCs will raise awareness about lifestyle management and ultimately reduce the prevalence of diseases.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked unprecedented global challenges. This study intends to investigate changes in the physical fitness of students aged 6-22 during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess how the pandemic lockdown period affected these markers.

According to the National Student Physical Health Standard, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to evaluate the body shape, body function, and physical fitness of children and adolescents (n = 8092) in Xi'an from 2019 to 2021. This study uses SPSS 26.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) for data statistics and analysis. The connection between physical fitness and years was measured using the one-variable analysis in the general linear model (GLM). Independent t-tests were used to determine the sex (male/female) and area (urban/rural) differences.

During the lockdown period, Body Mass Index (BMI) and flexibility showed an upward trend, while aerobic, strength, speed, and endurance showed a downward trend. In addition to the BMI of middle and high school students, almost all indicators show significant sex differences. There are urban-rural differences in some indicators, such as chin-ups.

During the pandemic of COVID-19, the physical fitness of children and adolescents in Xi'an did not change significantly, and there were slight differences among different grades. During the pandemic lockdown period, lifestyle changes and reduced outdoor activities for children and adolescents may be the reasons for the changing trend of various indicators.

While previous research has utilized remote delivery of yoga interventions, no research has specifically interrogated the effectiveness of remote yoga intervention delivery. In this secondary analysis of weight-maintenance trial data, we examined participant perceptions of essential yoga properties across in-person and remote formats, hypothesizing that perceptions would not differ following remote delivery.

24 women with overweight or obesity (34.6±4.1 kg/m2, 48.2±9.9 years) received a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (2x/week) following a 3-month behavioral weight loss program. Of 23 participants who completed follow-up questionnaires, 12 received the planned in-person intervention and 11 received a remote intervention (delivered live) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) was completed online by participants and by the instructors to measure the perceptions of the relative emphasis placed on the essential components of the yoga intervention via 14 subscales. Linear regression models were used to compare perceptions of each EPYQ dimension across in-person and remote delivery methods, as well as between participants and instructors, independent of delivery method.

13 of the 14 subscales did not differ between delivery modalities (p>0.05). Participants perceived more individual attention within in-person yoga (p = 0.003). For both delivery methods, instructors perceived breathwork, restorative postures, and body locks to be incorporated to a lesser degree compared to participants (β = -1.28, p = 0.003; β = -1.57, p = 0.019; β = -1.39, p = 0.036; respectively). No other significant differences across the participant and instructor scores were observed.

Findings provide preliminary support for the use of live remote delivery of yoga, effectively communicating most essential yoga properties when compared to in-person classes. However, participants perceived more individual attention with in-person versus remote delivery; thus, future remote-based yoga interventions may benefit from providing additional individualized feedback.

Empirical studies on yoga have shown that regular practice can have a beneficial effect on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases; also, it can decrease body weight, body fat and increase muscle mass. Positive effects on balance and flexibility were also reported. This study evaluated the impact of a 3-month complex yoga-based program, including physical exercises, education, and social support, with a quasi-randomized design in a middle-aged community sample. The intervention group consisted of 46 participants while the passive control group was 29 participants. The intervention group showed a significant increase in core muscle strength and hamstring flexibility and a decrease in body  fat. No significant changes were found concerning risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, body weight, muscle mass, balancing ability, and dietary habits. A 3-month yoga intervention cannot substantially impact the cardiovascular system and body weight control in middle-aged adults.

Aging is characterized by fundamental cellular and molecular hallmarks that result in physiologic decline of most body systems. This may culminate in frailty, a state of decreased reserve. Because frailty is a state of multisystem dysregulation, multimodal interventions may be necessary to mitigate and prevent progression rather than interventions targeting a single system. Movement-based mind-body therapies, such as tai chi and yoga, are promising multimodal strategies for frailty prevention and treatment given their inherent multicomponent nature. In this review, we summarize the links between hallmarks of aging and frailty and how tai chi and yoga may impact these hallmarks. We review trial evidence for the impact of tai chi and yoga on frailty in older populations and discuss opportunities for future research.

This systematic review investigates influences of mobility training in sporting populations on performance outcomes. The search strategy involved Embase, MEDLINE Complete, Sports Discus and manual search from inception to March 2022. Mobility training studies with a minimum three-week, or 10-session duration in healthy sporting populations of any age were included. Twenty-two studies comprising predominantly young adult or junior athletes were analysed from 319 retrieved articles. Performance outcomes were strength, speed, change of direction, jumping, balance, and sport-specific skills. Fifteen studies randomized participants with only four indicating systematic allocation concealment and blinding of outcomes assessors in only one study. In 20 of 22 studies mobility training was of some benefit or helped to maintain sports performance to a larger degree than control conditions. Control conditions, which were generally no activity conditions, were primarily non-significant. The majority of evidence suggests that a range of mobility training methods may improve key sports performance variables or are unlikely to impair performance over time. Therefore, coaches can consider the potential benefits of including comprehensive mobility programmes with minimal risk of impairing performance. Higher-quality studies in homogenous populations are necessary to confirm performance changes.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) causes a decrease in aerobic capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and cognitive function, negatively affecting health-related quality of life.

This study aimed to compare aerobic capacity, respiratory muscle strength, cognitive performance, functional capacity, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in OSAS patients practicing and not practicing tele-yoga (TY).

44 OSAS patients (40 M, 4F) were randomized into TY and control groups. TY group underwent live synchronous group-based TY sessions, 60 min/day, three days/week, for 12 weeks. Control group performed unsupervised thoracic expansion exercises at home 4 times daily for 12 weeks. The following were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 6th and 12th weeks: inspiratory and expiratory respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), cardiopulmonary exercise test, Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT) and Stroop TBAG test, six-minute walk test (6MWT), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

TY significantly improved MIP, and exercise test parameters (VE, HRmax,%HR, heart rate recovery in the first minute and RQmax), CBTT (forward) and Stroop TBAG test scores (parts of 3,4,5) compared to the controls (p<0.05). There were no significant changes 6MWT in the TY group compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Sleep duration (min), sleep efficiency, sleep quality of PSQI and ESS score improved significantly in the TY group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

We suggest including TY intervention as a method of exercise in addition to CPAP treatments since it improves the health-related parameters of OSAS patients.

The aim of this anonymous online study was to explore the yoga practice of breast cancer survivors to determine if yoga dosage (frequency and duration of practice) was related to stress, anxiety, and self-reported health in female survivors. Participants were recruited from online breast cancer support groups during a 3-month period (June-September 2019). Demographic information, stage and treatment of breast cancer, and frequency of yoga participation, including a home yoga practice were reported. Measures include the Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and self-reported health. Cumulative yoga dosage was calculated. Thirty-five women participated (mean age = 55 years) and were divided into low and high yoga dosage groups based on the sample distribution. Low dosage of yoga was operationally defined as a cumulative dosage that fell within the lowest quartile (≤25%). Findings indicated no difference between the low-dosage group compared with the high-dosage group for perceived stress and self-reported health; but the high dosage yoga group had lower state anxiety scores (P < .05). All participants reported good self-reported health. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer survivorship and raise questions for further research quantifying the therapeutic dosing of yoga practice.

Engaging in yoga may mitigate stress and anxiety in individuals while potentially enhancing one's capacity to manage distractions. Our research aimed to explore the relation between these two outcomes: Can an eight-week yoga program foster distraction suppression, thereby reducing stress and discomfort? To answer this question, we used Hatha Yoga, the most commonly practiced form of yoga. We tested if the intervention improved participants' ability to suppress distractions and selectively decrease self-reported stress and stress reactivity. In Addition, we investigated whether such an intervention would increase participants' mindfulness. Our study included 98 healthy yoga novices between 18 and 40 years who were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a waitlist condition, with each participant completing pre- and post-intervention assessments, including questionnaires, as well as electrophysiological and behavioral measures. After eight weeks of yoga practice, significant reductions in self-reported stress and stress reactivity levels, as well as increased mindfulness, were observed among those participating in the intervention relative to those in the waitlist control group. There were, however, no significant changes in state or trait anxiety due to the intervention. Changes in stress measures could not be explained by changes in participants' ability to suppress distractors, which was not affected by the intervention. Overall, our findings suggest that regular participation in Hatha Yoga can improve mental health outcomes without impacting cognitive functioning directly related to distractor suppression. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05232422.

Yoga is a popular training practice that enhances women's physical activity level and modifies the major risk factors contributing to noncommunicable diseases. This study aimed to compare general health and cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health, psychological health, and health-related quality of life between aged women with and without long-term yoga practice.

Thirty-two female yoga practitioners (mean age 56 years) with ≥ 2 years experience in regular yoga practice and 32 age-matched women without yoga experience participated in the study. Between-group comparisons was performed to explore the differences in various health outcomes, including body build indices, exercise endurance, blood pressure, and heart rate variability; hamstring flexibility, upper-limb muscle strength, shoulder range of motion, and upper-limb function; and the symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep quality, and fatigue.

Our findings revealed that yoga practitioners demonstrated greater hamstring flexibility, shoulder ROM on the non-dominant side, and hand-grip strength; a higher heart rate variability parameter value (RMSSD); and shorter sleep latency than those who did not practice yoga.

In view of the encouraging results of the long-term benefits of yoga practice, it warrants being promoted among aged women to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

Dietary lapses can hinder weight loss and yoga can improve self-regulation, which may protect against lapses. This study examined the effect of yoga on dietary lapses, potential lapse triggers (e.g., affective states, cravings, dietary temptations), and reasons for initiating eating following weight loss treatment.

Sixty women with overweight/obesity (34.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were randomized to a 12 week yoga intervention (2x/week; YOGA) or contact-matched control (cooking/nutrition classes; CON) following a 12-week behavioral weight loss program. Participants responded to smartphone surveys (5x/day) over a 10-day period at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks to assess lapses and triggers.

At 24 weeks, YOGA and CON differed on several types of lapses (i.e., less eating past full, eating more than usual, loss of control when eating, self-identified overeating, difficulty stopping eating in YOGA), and YOGA was less likely to eat to feel better or in response to stress (ps < 0.05). YOGA also reported less stress and anxiety and more positive affect (ps < 0.01); dietary temptations and cravings did not differ from CON.

Yoga resulted in fewer dietary lapses and improved affect among women with overweight/obesity following weight loss. While preliminary, findings suggest that yoga should be considered as a potential component of weight loss treatment to target dietary lapses.

The optic nerve comprises approximately 1.2 million axons of retinal ganglion cells and is vulnerable to degeneration due to a myriad of causes. While traditional treatments have been the cornerstone of ocular care, emerging evidence highlights the benefits of integrative approaches, which can be used as an adjunct in the management of optic neuropathy. Yoga is a mind-body energy medicine encompasses physical postures, breath control, and meditation. Currently, it has gained attention for its holistic effects on well-being, by promoting health, preventing onset of diseases, adjunct in disease management, and for its rehabilitative potential. In addition, the underlying mechanisms through which yoga exerts its therapeutic influence, evaluates clinical outcomes, and explores potential synergistic effects with conventional treatments remain largely unexplored. Neuroprotective mechanisms of yoga, such as enhancing retinal ganglion cell function, reducing oxidative stress, coupled with its ability to modulate inflammatory processes and improve circulation, contribute to its potential benefits in visual health. Analysis of clinical studies reveals promising outcomes, including improvements in visual acuity, visual fields, quality of life, and functional outcomes in individuals with optic neuropathy and ocular manifestations who undergo yoga intervention (especially dhyaan) with awareness of breath. Furthermore, the integration of yoga with conventional treatments and complementary modalities unveils the possibilities of multidisciplinary approaches in ocular care that need evaluation. By unraveling the role of yoga intervention in ocular health, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and paving the way for enhanced visual health outcomes. Embracing yoga as an adjunctive therapy may has the potential to revolutionize the management of optic neuropathy and ocular manifestations, offering individuals a holistic approach to optimize visual well-being, reduce comorbid depression and caregiver burden, and improve overall quality of life.

Urinary incontinence is a common condition in the elderly, which can be improved with rehabilitation. However, compliance with the rehabilitation regimen is influenced by the level of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy of elderly patients in dealing with urinary incontinence can be clinically assessed and understood by using a suitable scale, to implement specific improvement measures. At present, the tools used for assessing the self-efficacy of elderly patients with urinary incontinence include the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Pelvic Floor Muscle Self-efficacy Scale, the Geriatric Self-efficacy Index for Urinary Incontinence, and the Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale. Most of these tools are suitable for female patients with urinary incontinence, but lack relevance to the disease characteristics of geriatric patients. In this study, we reviewed the self-efficacy assessment tools for geriatric patients with urinary incontinence, to provide a reference for related research. It is important to accurately assess the self-efficacy of patients with geriatric UI to effectively enhance their level of self-efficacy, so that patients with geriatric UI can avail early help and quickly reintegrate with family and society.

The ancient practice of yoga has gained worldwide popularity as a way for people to improve their overall health and well-being. This manuscript reviews and examines the history of yoga, its physical and mental health benefits, its incorporation into the Indian healthcare system, and the public perception of yoga in India. Many initiatives for yoga exist, including promoting research on yoga, providing education and information on its benefits, and developing evidence-based standardized yoga therapy guidelines. With this in mind, this narrative review article explores the potential benefits of incorporating yoga into the United States (US) healthcare system and the possible challenges of doing so. It also provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals.

Examination stress is a very well-known model of psychological stress in students. It induces changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), along with changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), due to autonomic perturbations.

To find out if Raj Yoga meditation (RYM) practice affects autonomic and cardiovascular function in healthy young subjects during periods of examination stress. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of one month of supervised RYM practice on ameliorating examination-induced changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function. The secondary objective was to measure the stress levels of medical students before and after RYM.

Pre-training measurements of SBP, DBP, HRV, and BRS were done, and the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was administered to 80 participants one month before examinations. They were then trained in RYM. Post-training assessment of the same parameters was done after examinations and also after two months.

In our study, RYM training decreased DBP (p = 0.01) but not SBP. BRS showed a trend towards an increase after RYM practice, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.44). The standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN) (p = 0.03), low-frequency (LF) nu (0.003), and high-frequency (HF) nu (0.04) showed a statistically significant change. Average RR, median RR, average rate, square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), pRR, total power, LF (µs2), and LF/HF ratio were not statistically significantly different between the three groups. There was a statistically significant decline in MSSQ scores for MSSQ I (p = 0.04), MSSQ II (p = 0.04), and MSSQ IV (p = 0.03).

Short-term practice of supervised RYM during stressful periods is protective for the cardiovascular and autonomic systems and decreases stress in medical students.

To investigate the effects of yoga on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood of patients with rheumatic diseases through a systematic literature review with meta-analysis.

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement and the Cochrane recommendations and risk of bias tool. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Studies were selected using the PICOS (participants, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study) strategy. Searches were carried out until March 2022 and performed in Web of Science, PubMed, SportDiscus, Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases.

Data were extracted to identify the differences between yoga and control and exercise groups and effect sizes.

In total, 27 studies were included for qualitative analysis and 18 for meta-analysis. The studies found investigated yoga in patients with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Regarding the risk of bias, the majority of studies showed a high risk or uncertain risk of bias in several criteria. Regarding the meta-analysis, yoga was favored to decrease depressive symptoms (standard mean difference [SMD]:-0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-1.42; -0.34), anxiety (SMD: -0.51; 95% CI = -0.81 to -0.20), and improve sleep quality SMD = -0.96; 95% CI = -1.36 to -0.56). No differences were found between yoga and other exercise modalities in depression (p < .01).

Yoga is effective in improving depression, anxiety, and sleep quality of patients with rheumatic diseases. However, research in this field still needs further studies, because of methodological issues in the studies and a reduced number of studies conducted on each rheumatic disease and on the effects of yoga on each variable.

Yoga is an emerging intervention causing improvement in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Its role in improving outcomes in patients with amputation was investigated.

Patients with traumatic lower limb amputation (n = 50) were enrolled and randomized to the Yoga group (n = 26) against control (n = 24). Sociodemographic details, quality of life (QOL) (World Health Organization QOL-BREF), Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS), Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and amputee body image score were applied at baseline, 6,-18 weeks of amputation.

Sociodemographic and clinical variables were comparable between groups. At 18 weeks, the Yoga group had better QOL (P = 0.005) than the control group. Symptoms of depression (0.02) and anxiety (<0.001) reduced, and self-image (P = 0.015) improved significantly at 6 weeks, while stress (P = 0.003) reduced at 18 weeks in the yoga group. Despite comparable body image scores, the prosthesis usage (hours/day) was more (P = 0.005) in the Yoga (6.9 ± 3.2) group against the control (12 ± 2.7).

Yoga improves QOL and self-esteem and reduces depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients with traumatic amputation.

Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy, has gained widespread popularity for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. In the recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how yoga influences gene expression and epigenetic modifications. This narrative review investigates the molecular mechanisms, by which yoga influences gene expression, focusing on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, and histone modifications. Research literature was sourced from various databases to select randomized clinical trials and comparative cohort studies examining yoga's impact on gene expression and epigenetic changes. Our findings suggest that yoga could exert anti-inflammatory effects, as it downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, soluble interleukin IL-2 receptor gene expression, and transcription factors. Yoga also boosts the innate antiviral response and brain health by enhancing natural defense genes and microRNA-29c expression. Notably, it activates telomerase, linked with cellular longevity, and promotes nitric oxide synthetase and neuroprotective gene expression, implying benefits for ocular health. In addition, yoga fosters DNA repair and cellular integrity maintenance by increasing oxoguanine glycosylase one protein and p53 gene expression. However, the diversity of yoga interventions in these studies complicates direct comparisons and broader application. The current research primarily focuses on short-term outcomes, offering a limited understanding of yoga's long-term epigenetic impacts. Future research should address these gaps by studying the enduring effects of Yoga, personalizing interventions, and contrasting techniques.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) alters brain functional and structural connectivity leading to cognitive dysfunction. This study examined the effect of a 12-week yoga intervention on prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation and working memory in patients with T2DM.

Fifty participants were randomized into yoga and waitlist control groups. The yoga protocol specific to T2DM was followed. The pre- (day 1), mid- (6 weeks) and post-intervention (12 weeks) assessments included measurement of PFC oxygenation while performing working memory tasks (n-back) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Following a 12-week intervention, the yoga group showed improved performance in working memory [accuracy (geometric mean difference of 3.15%, 95% CI [2.33,3.96], p = 0.001) and reaction time (mean difference of 100.8 milliseconds,95% CI [- 166.6, - 35.1], p = 0.002] in the high task load (2-back) associated with higher oxygenation in dorsolateral PFC (β coefficient mean difference of 95.6, 95% CI [0.23,191], p = 0.049) and ventrolateral PFC (β coefficient mean difference of 53.4, 95% CI [7.8,98.9], p = 0.018) regions. Higher oxygenation in dorsolateral PFC during 2-back task was positively correlated with accuracy (r(23) = 0.65, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with reaction time (r(23) =  - 0.47,p = 0.017).

Integrated yoga practice may improve working memory performance associated with higher PFC oxygenation in patients with T2DM. As 12 weeks of yoga intervention improved working memory performance, the regular practice of yoga may have the potential to prevent decline of cognitive functions in clinical conditions.

Background Today's world of cut-throat competition is boggling with stress as the most common problem among the modern generation, and reduction in stress demands a radical solution. Yoga comes as a rescuer that focuses on improving one's physical and spiritual well-being. It can increase one's strength and flexibility. Yoga practitioners have asserted the effect of physical exercise involved in it on balancing physical and spiritual health for decades, but only recently has there been a move to substantiate these claims through research. This study aimed at assessing the effect of yogic practice on exercise endurance and physical fitness as assessed by important physical fitness parameters through cardiorespiratory efficiency tests in an Exercise Physiology Laboratory. Methodology A total of 60 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students from a rural medical college in central India were recruited for the study. Thirty MBBS students who had undergone yogic training for six months comprised the trained or the case group, and another group of 30 students comprising the untrained group were recruited for the study from different levels of the course within the age group of 17-25 years. Body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were calculated. Resting pulse rate and blood pressure, resting respiratory rate, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max), physical fitness index (PFI), breath holding time (BHT), and 40 mm Hg endurance test time was measured.  Results The mean PFI (%) in males was 88.82±5.56 and 96.05±7.44, and that in females was 82.06±8.95 and 96.55±6.47 in the control and case groups, respectively. The mean 40 mm Hg endurance test (in seconds) in males was 36.47±8.45 and 48.88±8.64 and in females was 29.79±10.30 and 38.4±10.69 in the control and test groups, respectively. The mean BHT (in seconds) in males was 44.80±14.18 and 58.91±12.35, and that in females was 42.29±15.37 and 54.60±13.36 as in control and case groups, respectively. The VO₂ max evaluated by the modified Harvard step test was 2.41±0.58 L/min in control males and 3.6±0.90 L/min in the case group of males, and it was 2.14±0.49 L/min in the control group of females, and 3.76±0.69 L/min in case group of females. Conclusion By studying the dynamics of the various cardiorespiratory responses, we have determined the values of fitness parameters in the case group. It was found that the yoga group had statistically significantly higher VO₂ max per minute and better PFI, BHT, and 40 mm Hg endurance values (p<0.05).

Yoga, a multicomponent mind-body practice, improves several domains of physical and psychological health and may affect frailty in older adults.

To evaluate the available trial evidence on the effect of yoga-based interventions on frailty in older adults.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central from their inception to 12 December 2022.

Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of yoga-based interventions, including at least 1 session of physical postures, on a validated frailty scale or single-item markers of frailty in adults aged 65 years or older.

Two authors independently screened articles and extracted data; 1 author assessed risk of bias with review from a second author. Disagreements were resolved through consensus and as-needed input from a third author.

Thirty-three studies (n = 2384 participants) were identified in varied populations, including community dwellers, nursing home residents, and those with chronic disease. Yoga styles were primarily based on Hatha yoga and most often included Iyengar or chair-based methods. Single-item frailty markers included measures of gait speed, handgrip strength, balance, lower-extremity strength and endurance, and multicomponent physical performance measures; no studies included a validated definition of frailty. When compared with education or inactive control, there was moderate-certainty evidence that yoga improved gait speed and lower-extremity strength and endurance, low-certainty evidence for balance and multicomponent physical function measures, and very low-certainty evidence for handgrip strength.

Heterogeneity in study design and yoga style, small sample sizes, and reporting deficiencies leading to concerns for selection bias.

Yoga may affect frailty markers that are associated with clinically meaningful outcomes in older adult populations but may not offer benefit over active interventions (for example, exercise).

None. (PROSPERO: CRD42020130303).

To compare the effects on verbal fluency of a supported yoga-based exercise intervention to an aerobic exercise intervention and a wait-list control group.

Eighty-two physically-inactive but otherwise healthy adults (mean age 72.5 years, range 65-85, 77% female) were recruited into a 12-week, three-group, parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants were supported to complete ≥3 Hatha yoga classes per/week or ≥3 structured aerobic exercise sessions/week. A wait-list control group continued usual daily activities only. Verbal fluency, including total-FAS, animals, and verbs, was assessed before and after interventions. Group effects were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Twenty-seven participants were randomized to yoga, 29 to aerobic exercise and 26 to a waitlist. At 12-week follow-up, compared to baseline, there were increases in mean total-FAS in the yoga (+5.0 words, p=0.002) and aerobic exercise groups (+6.6 words, p=0.004). Mean total-FAS in the wait-list control group remained stable (-0.5 words, p=0.838). There were medium-magnitude estimated treatment effects on total-FAS for yoga versus wait-list control and aerobic exercise versus wait-list control: Hedges' g=0.51 (p=0.213) and 0.57 (p=0.098) respectively. In addition, small-to-medium magnitude estimated treatment effects were seen on animals and verbs for yoga versus wait-list control and aerobic exercise versus wait-list control: g=0.28 (p=0.155), 0.19 (p=0.766) and 0.50 (p=0.085), 0.59 (p=0.233) respectively.

Participation in yoga or aerobic exercise was associated with estimated improvements in verbal fluency compared to a non-active control group. Yoga and aerobic exercise may be promising approaches by which to promote cognitive function among older adults.

DRKS00015093, U1111-1217-4248.

Previous research has identified numerous physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits associated with the practice of yoga. Indeed, yoga has been linked with improved quality of life, reduced stress, and numerous markers of psychological well-being. In the current research, a cross-sectional design was used to examine whether the psychological benefits associated with yoga only apply to long-term practitioners or whether more "casual," intermittent yoga experience could produce positive outcomes.

An American population of long-term practitioners (n = 129), intermittent practitioners (n = 161), and non-practitioners (n = 164) completed online self-report measures of emotional regulation, trait mindfulness, self-compassion, interoceptive awareness, and spiritual intelligence variables.

The results indicated that long-term (LT) practitioners scored higher than intermittent experience (IE) practitioners on measures of mindfulness (M_LT  = 137.3; M_IE  = 127.6), interoceptive awareness (M_LT  = 3.4; M_IE  = 3.1), self-compassion (M_LT  = 3.4; M_IE  = 3.1), and spiritual intelligence (M_LT  = 63.5; M_IE  = 55.5; all p-value < 0.05). Intermittent practitioners scored higher than no-experience (NE) group on interoceptive awareness (M_IE  = 3.1; M_NE  = 2.7) and spiritual intelligence (M_IE  = 55.5; M_NE  = 46.6; both p-value < 0.05). Contrary to our hypotheses, yoga experience had no effect on depression, anxiety, or stress levels. Separate mediation analyses demonstrated that interoceptive awareness, spiritual intelligence, mindfulness, and self-compassion each mediated the relationship between yoga experience and emotion dysregulation. Furthermore, emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between yoga experience and depression, anxiety, and stress.

Taken together, the results of this study suggest that long-term practitioners experience more benefits compared to intermittent and non-practitioners, and that the mechanisms underlying these benefits are multi-faceted.

Family caregivers of people with cancer report high levels of psychological distress. Yoga, with well-documented mental health benefits, could be a useful intervention to address distress in this population. However, little is known about yoga practices among cancer caregivers. The present study evaluates their interest in and barriers to yoga practice.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of family caregivers of cancer patients at five suburban satellite locations of an academic cancer center. Survey items and statistical analyses focused on yoga usage as well as interest in and barriers to yoga practice.

Among 539 participants, most were females (64.8%), white (84.2%), and caring for a spouse or partner (54.7%). Interest in practicing yoga among study participants was 42.3%. Increased interest was independently associated with being females (odds ratio [OR] = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.98-5.51, P < 0.001) and employed (part-time: OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.1-6.18, P = 0.03; full-time: OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.1-2.01, P = 0.02). Few participants (6.3%) were currently practicing yoga, although 31% had done so in the past. Sixty-one percent of those who had practiced before their loved one's diagnosis stopped practicing yoga afterward. Commonly cited barriers to yoga practice included time constraints (37.3%) and psychological obstacles (33.6%). About a quarter of those who had never practiced yoga lacked awareness of yoga's benefits (26.6%).

Despite the low use of yoga, interest in practicing was moderately high, especially among women and employed caregivers. As caregivers face numerous barriers to yoga practice, strategies are needed to overcome these barriers and help them access yoga's health benefits.