Yoga in menopause may help insomnia -- but not hot flashes
A 12-week yoga class and home practice reduced insomnia in postmenopausal women, while exercise showed similar benefits. However, yoga did not impact hot flashes or night sweats.
Yoga
Articles tagged with Yoga
Prisoners doing yoga may see psychological benefits
A ten-week yoga course improved prisoners' mood, reduced stress, and bettered behavior control. The study suggests yoga may aid in managing the burden of mental health problems in prisons.
Weekly yoga class yields similar lower back pain relief as 2 classes
A weekly yoga class provided similar lower back pain relief as twice weekly classes in a study of predominantly low-income adults. The results suggest that attending a medically appropriate weekly yoga class could benefit patients interested in trying yoga for lower back pain.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJul 2, 2013
A 20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after
A 20-minute yoga session significantly improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control. After yoga practice, the participants showed more improvement in their reaction times and accuracy on cognitive tasks compared to moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateJun 5, 2013
BUSM study shows positive impact of mind-body course on well-being of medical students
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that a mind-body class elective increased self-regulation and self-compassion among medical students, while decreasing perceived stress. The course, which combined mindfulness meditation and yoga, helped students better manage stress and feel more empowered to connect with patients.
Complementary and alternative medicine studies take center stage at EuroHeart Care
Researchers investigated the effects of medical yoga on patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and found significant decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. In another study, acupressure was shown to reduce pulse rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with persistent AF.
Frontiers publishes systematic review on the effects of yoga on major psychiatric disorders
A systematic review found that yoga has positive effects on mild depression and sleep complaints, as well as improving symptoms associated with schizophrenia and ADHD in patients on medication. The review of over 100 studies highlighted the benefits of yoga for mental health illnesses, except for eating disorders and cognition problems.
Yoga: A cost-effective treatment for back pain sufferers?
A 12-week group yoga intervention programme has been found to be likely to provide a cost-effective treatment for patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain. The study, led by the University of York, shows that the programme is associated with fewer days off work and reduced healthcare costs.
Yoga proves to reduce depression in pregnant women, boost maternal bonding
Pregnant women experiencing depression may benefit from mindfulness yoga, which can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve attachment to their babies. This study provides promising evidence that yoga could be an effective alternative to pharmaceutical treatment for pregnant women showing signs of depression.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice·DateAug 8, 2012
Study: Group yoga improves motor function and balance long after stroke
A study found that group yoga significantly improved balance in stroke survivors, even after six months post-stroke. The yoga program included modified postures, relaxation, and meditation, and showed clinically meaningful improvements.
Yoga may help stroke survivors improve balance
A new study published by the American Heart Association finds that group yoga can significantly improve balance in chronic stroke survivors. The research suggests that yoga may be a cost-effective and effective way to improve motor function and quality of life for these individuals.
Study: In-patient, out-patient stroke rehab might benefit from yoga
Researchers found yoga improved strength, endurance, and gait speed in veterans with chronic stroke after an eight-week program. Yoga also showed promise for improving neuromuscular control, leading to potential benefits for clinical practice in gait recovery.
Researchers find yoga helps ease stress related medical and psychological conditions
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine find that yoga may be effective in treating patients with stress-related psychological and medical conditions. Yoga is hypothesized to work by relieving symptoms in many common disorders through a theory based on neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.
Yoga aids chronic back pain sufferers
A study led by the University of York found that a specially-designed 12-week yoga programme improved back function and confidence in people with chronic lower back pain. After nine months, participants continued to experience benefits, including increased ability to perform daily activities.
Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine
A 12-week yoga program improved back function in patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain, but had similar effects on back pain and general health. The American College of Physicians also recommends assessing VTE risk and prescribing heparin to prevent venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients.
Yoga and stretching exercises beneficial for chronic low back pain
A study found yoga classes to be more effective in reducing symptoms and improving function for patients with chronic low back pain compared to a self-care book. Stretching exercises also showed moderate benefits in reducing back pain, suggesting that the mental component of yoga may not be the primary factor in its effectiveness.
Yoga eases back pain in largest US yoga study to date
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that yoga and intensive stretching classes both showed significant improvements in back-related function and symptoms for adults with chronic low back pain. Both forms of exercise were effective in reducing pain medication use, with benefits lasting at least six months.
Yoga boosts stress-busting hormone, reduces pain: York U study
A York University study found that yoga significantly reduces physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. Practicing hatha yoga twice weekly for eight weeks led to elevated cortisol levels and decreased pain intensity, suggesting a positive impact on the body's stress response.
ACSM: Yoga helped older stroke victims improve balance, endurance
A pilot study at Indiana University found that yoga significantly improved balance items and confidence in veterans with stroke. The participants showed a 17% improvement in balance and a 34% increase in confidence after eight weeks of group yoga classes.
Studies show siginificant benefits of yoga in 2 conditions
A small study on yoga in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity scores, while another study demonstrated positive effects on the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Yoga practice has been found to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being.
Yoga improves quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy
A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center found that yoga improved physical functioning, general health, and reduced cortisol levels in women with breast cancer. Yoga also helped patients find meaning in their cancer experience and report positive life changes after treatment.
Yoga's ability to improve mood and lessen anxiety is linked to increased levels of a critical brain chemical
Yoga has a positive effect on mood and anxiety due to increased GABA levels, according to a study. Higher GABA activity is associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety, suggesting a new link between yoga and its benefits.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateNov 11, 2010
OHSU research suggests yoga can counteract fibromyalgia
A new study published in the journal Pain found that yoga exercises can effectively counteract fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, stiffness, and depression. The research involved 53 female participants who underwent an eight-week yoga program, resulting in clinically significant improvements in their conditions.
Yoga alleviates pain and improves function in fibromyalgia patients
A new study published in Pain found that a 'Yoga of Awareness' program improved fibromyalgia symptoms and functioning in women, with significant benefits in pain management and coping strategies. The program incorporated various yoga-based techniques, including postures, mindfulness meditation, and breathing exercises.
Boston Medical Center receives 2 grants for integrative medicine research
Researchers Paula Gardiner and Robert Saper at Boston Medical Center have been awarded NIH grants to investigate the effectiveness of integrative medicine in treating chronic lower back pain in low-income minorities. Their studies will expand knowledge on the use of herbal supplements and yoga as treatments for this common condition.
New study finds new connection between yoga and mood
A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that yoga practice is associated with increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety. The research suggests that yoga may be a potential therapy for certain mental disorders, warranting further study.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateAug 19, 2010
Special yoga classes aimed at breast cancer survivors improves recovery
A recent study by University of Alberta research fellow Amy Speed-Andrews found that Iyengar yoga improved physical and mental health in breast cancer survivors. The 10-week program showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with participants experiencing improvements in quality of life and overall well-being.
Yoga reduces cytokine levels known to promote inflammation
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that women who practiced yoga regularly had lower amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in their blood. This reduction in inflammation was also observed after stressful experiences, suggesting a potential long-term health benefit from yoga.
Yoga boosts heart health
A study published in International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics found that yoga practitioners exhibit higher heart rate variability compared to non-practitioners. This suggests a strengthening of parasympathetic control, indicative of better autonomic function and a healthier heart.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateNov 9, 2009
Researchers find yoga may be effective for chronic low back pain in minority populations
Researchers found that yoga significantly reduced pain intensity and pain medication use in minority populations with chronic low back pain. The study, which included 12 weeks of hatha yoga classes, showed promising results for this often underrepresented population.
Pilot study: Workplace yoga and meditation can lower feelings of stress
A pilot study at Ohio State University found that 20 minutes of guided workplace meditation and yoga, combined with six weekly group sessions, can lower feelings of stress by more than 10 percent and improve sleep quality. The intervention increased mindful attention awareness and reduced perceived stress in participants.
Regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating
A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating habits. People who eat mindfully tend to weigh less than those who don't, and mindful eating may play a key role in long-term weight maintenance.
SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 3, 2009
Hatha yoga practice and fear of falling in older adults
A study by Indiana University researchers found that yoga practice reduced the fear of falling in older adults, increasing lower body flexibility. The 12-week program also helped alleviate leisure constraints, promoting social and physical activity.
Yoga provides emotional benefits to women with breast cancer
A randomized study found yoga significantly improved mental health aspects in women with breast cancer, including reduced depression and increased feelings of peace, compared to the control group. The gentle practice provided a wide range of benefits, particularly for those with higher negative emotions and lower emotional well-being.
Poses can prevent falls
A nine-week Iyengar yoga program improved elderly females' stride speed, flexibility, and single-leg stance. Participants experienced increased confidence in walking and balance, as well as reduced pain in some cases. The study suggests that yoga can help reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and stability.
Exercise and yoga improves quality of life in women with early-stage breast cancer
Two studies found that exercise and yoga can improve quality of life in women with early-stage breast cancer by increasing physical fitness and self-esteem. Yoga was particularly beneficial for women not receiving chemotherapy, promoting better social well-being and overall quality of life.
Yoga and elevated brain GABA levels
Researchers found a 27% increase in GABA levels after one hour of yoga practice. Yoga has shown promise in improving symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and epilepsy.
SourceBoston University·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 21, 2007
Iyengar yoga can promote well-being in women breast cancer survivors
A study by Washington State University found that Iyengar yoga reduces demands of illness and stimulates lower lymphocyte NF-?B activation in breast cancer survivors, indicating improved immune function and quality of life. The practice has also been shown to decrease physical and emotional burdens associated with cancer survivorship.
Participating in yoga during treatment for breast cancer improves quality of life
Participating in a daily yoga program during breast cancer treatment has been shown to improve physical function, general health, and social functioning among women. The study also found significant reductions in sleep-related daytime dysfunction and fatigue, but no impact on depression or anxiety.
Short-term yoga training expands breathing and lung capacity in young, healthy adults
Researchers found that short-term yoga practice significantly improved chest wall expansion and lung function in young, healthy adults. The study suggests that yoga may benefit people with illnesses affecting breathing, such as asthma.
Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Dec. 20, 2005
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that yoga, specifically Viniyoga, significantly improved back function and reduced pain in patients with lower back pain. Regular home practice and supervised instruction were essential for successful treatment.
Yoga is more effective than conventional exercise for back pain, Group Health study finds
A Group Health study found that yoga was more effective than traditional exercise and education for treating back pain. After 12-26 weeks, patients in the yoga group showed significant improvements in daily activities, back-related function, and pain levels.
Regular yoga practice may help prevent middle-age spread
A study of 15,500 middle-aged men and women found that regular yoga practice was associated with a lower weight gain between ages 45 and 55. Those who were already normal weight at age 45 and practiced yoga regularly lost about 3 fewer pounds compared to non-practitioners.
Yoga takes a bite out of eating disorders
A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that yoga can help women buffer against negative messages about body image and self-acceptance. The research suggests that practicing yoga may lead to improved mental health outcomes, particularly for individuals at high risk of developing eating disorders.
Yoga reduces fatigue in MS patients, OHSU study finds
A randomized controlled trial found that yoga is as effective as aerobic exercise in improving measures of fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. The study also showed improvements in physical health and quality of life among participants.
Short course of Tibetan yoga improved sleep in cancer patients
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Tibetan yoga improved sleep quality and reduced need for sleep medication in lymphoma patients. Despite no differences in other quality of life measures, the brief 7-week study suggests potential benefits of Tibetan yoga as a stress-reducer in cancer patients.
OHSU researchers reveal yoga and exercise can improve patients’ quality of life
Researchers found significant improvement in fatigue among MS patients who participated in yoga and exercise groups compared to a waiting list group. The study suggests that activity interventions may have a positive impact on quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.
OHSU'S new alternative medicine center studies the effects of yoga vs. traditional exercise for the aging
Researchers at OHSU's new Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND) are investigating the effects of yoga on healthy elders versus traditional exercise. The study aims to improve quality of life and slow aging impacts.