International Journal of Yoga最新文献

Introduction: University students' motivators and preferences for yoga as their course of study can influence their future as yoga instructors and therapists.

Materials and methods: Six hundred and thirty-six students of both genders (251:385, male: female) from four North Indian universities offering graduate and postgraduate courses in yoga were the respondents to a convenience sampling survey about their preferences and motivators.

Results: The three most common reasons why students chose to study yoga were (i) "I can help many people through knowledge of yoga" (32.2%), (ii) "I will become a better person by studying yoga" (21.9%), and (iii) "I find yoga interesting" (18.9%). After completion of the course, most students wished (i) "to study another course in yoga" (28.8%), (ii) "to work in yoga and education in a university" (17.5%), and (iii) "to work in yoga and research" (14.3%). Students appreciated positive effects which they attributed to yoga (e.g. good health, feeling peaceful, and positive behavior changes).

Conclusion: Students did not like regulations such as early wakening and dietary restrictions. The available information about the scope, benefits, safety considerations, and requirements of yoga can help student aspirants make an informed choice about their future careers. Students of yoga can be further motivated by evidence informed interactive sessions.

Context: Participation in yoga has increased dramatically amongst all demographic groups in recent decades. While studies have explored the physical and mental benefits of yoga, few have focused on the lived experiences of those practicing yoga and why they continue their involvement.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess practitioners' views about the impact of yoga on mental well-being and explore how these benefits may support their continued practice.

Settings and design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 individuals, the majority identified as female (M age = 44.25, standard deviation = 11.80). The majority of participants were White (86.36%) and had practiced yoga for an average of 8-10 years (40.91%).

Methods: A pragmatic qualitative approach was taken that included the adoption of a constructivist, narrative, meaning-making ontology, hermeneutic epistemology, and interpretivist axiology. Interviews were conducted on Zoom, recorded, and transcribed verbatim.

Analysis used: Interviews were coded independently by two team members following reflexive thematic analysis procedures.

Results: Two major themes, structural and functional components, covered the five main subthemes that explained why yoga was beneficial for mental well-being and highlighted the self-sustaining nature of yoga practice: (1) the yoga environment, (2) personnel, (3) strengthening of mind and body during practice, (4) transfer of skills, and (5) giving back. The practitioners described how their yoga journeys supported their mental well-being and encouraged the long-term maintenance of their yoga practices. A conceptual model will be presented that incorporates the major themes and provides an explanation of why practitioners continue to practice yoga.

Conclusions: This study provides insight into how yoga's mental well-being benefits affect adherence, and ultimately, informs our understanding of yoga as a self-sustaining practice.

Background: Yoga practice has multiple health benefits. Surya Namaskar (SN) also known as sun salutation presents mental and physical health benefits equivalent to physical exercise. It consists of a sequence of 12 Hatha yoga postures with coordinated breathing.

Aims: This study evaluated the effect of SN against mild intensity stationary cycling exercise (SCE) on parameters of heart rate variability (HRV).

Methodology: This study was conducted in the department of physiology of a nationally important institute after obtaining ethics approval. A total of 40 healthy participants (males aged 46 ± 2.3 years) were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups, namely SN group and exercise group (SG and EG). The allocation on the group was based on subjects' choice and interest in performing SN or SCE. Baseline HRV, anthropometric measurement, and blood pressure were assessed. SG was subjected to 14 rounds of SN in about 20 min and EG to a 20-min mild-intensity stationary cycling session (30%-50% maximal heart rate). Assessments were conducted preexercise and postexercise recovery. HRV was assessed with the NeuralChek device.

Results: SN led to increased SDNN, pNN50, RMSSD, and total power, indicating improved autonomic balance, cardiovascular health, and parasympathetic dominance. Conversely, SCE decreased SDNN, pNN50, and RMSSD, suggesting immediate postexercise sympathetic dominance. Spectral analysis of HRV highlighted autonomic balance differences, with SN increasing low frequency (LF%) reflecting both sympathetic and parasympathetic dominance, whereas exercise reduced LF% due to sympathetic activation. Minimal changes were observed in high-frequency percentage. SN combines flexibility, strength, and balance, providing a balanced physical activity. This balance results in a mixed autonomic response, with sympathetic activity for the physical effort and parasympathetic activity for the relaxation components.

Conclusions: SN positively impacted HRV, promoting parasympathetic dominance and cardiovascular health, whereas exercise induced sympathetic activation with potential recovery benefits. Monitoring HRV offers insights into cardiovascular fitness and well-being. The study underscores the merits of incorporating yoga such as SN into daily activity routines.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells (RBCs), which can lead to several health problems affecting the quality of life. SCD can be treated with certain expensive treatments such as RBC transfusion, hydroxyurea, stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, or bone marrow transplant. However, some of the most common symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and stress can also be alleviated with alternative therapies like yoga. In light of this, there is a need for the development of a specific yoga module (YM) for SCD that can complement the current therapies.

Objective: To develop and validate a YM for SCD.

Methodology: Concise literature reports on yoga practices used for varied symptoms/comorbidities associated with SCD were compiled and presented to focus groups. Based on the presented report and personal experience, the focus group created a preliminary version of the module. The preliminary module was further refined based on content validity ratio (CVR) following module validation by 33 yoga experts.

Results: One hour ten minutes module developed by the focus group had in total 27 practices including, loosening exercises, asanas, pranayama, relaxation techniques, and meditation. After validation by the experts, 21 practices with a CVR ≥ 0.33 were retained. The predominant reason for excluding 12 practices was intensity, which may have some adverse effect on sickle cell comorbidities.

Conclusion: The module developed is the first validated module for SCD.

The body and mind are instruments that, through the senses, provide a gateway to conscious experience. One could reduce the totality of human existence to the body and mind alone, yet superficial appearances can be misleading. According to the yogic system, humans are comprised progressively subtle sheaths or koshas, ranging from the physical to the mind, energy, intellect, and bliss body. Furthermore, harnessing the intellect brings a level of control over energy, thoughts, behaviors, and quality of life. This understanding reorients the traditional, allopathic approach, which tends to emphasize the physical body in terms of anatomy, physiology, and clinical pathology. Recognizing deeper layers of self reminds physicians to see patients more holistically, while empowering patients to have greater authority over their own health outcomes.

The global burden of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is high and increasing. Several systematic reviews suggest yoga, an ancient mind-body discipline from the Indian subcontinent, is safe and can be beneficial for preventing and managing obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Several qualitative studies have been conducted to explore barriers and facilitators to yoga practice among people at high risk of or with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension and providers who delivered yoga to these people. However, no systematic review on this topic has been conducted to date, and this systematic review will aim to synthesize such barriers and facilitators to yoga practice. We will follow the JBI guideline on systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. For published studies, we will search the following electronic databases from inception dates: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, APA PsycInfo, AMED, and Web of Science. For gray literature, we will search EthOS and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Screening of studies, methodological quality assessment, and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Any disagreements between reviewers will be resolved through discussion or by involving a third reviewer. Initially, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Study findings from the included studies will be pooled using the meta-aggregation approach, where possible. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42020220640).

Objectives: Previously, yoga volitional breathing with low inspiration to expiration ratios (i/e) (as in bhramari pranayama) improved cognition and reduced state anxiety. This study compared the effects of low, high and equal i/e ratio breathing on affect and attention.

Material and methods: Affect, vigor and attention were assessed in forty healthy participants (group mean age± SD; 22.58±3.83; M:F= 2.33:1) while breathing with three different i/e regulated by a visual metronome on separate days viz., (i) low i/e (28:72), (ii) equal i/e (50:50), (iii) high i/e (72:28) compared to control, without conscious breath modification. Assessments were: (i) brief mood introspection scale (BMIS), (ii) global vigor and affect scale (GVAS), (iii) Spielberger's state trait anxiety inventory-state (STAI-S) and a six letter cancellation test to assess sustained attention. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc tests.

Results: Pleasant feelings increased after low and equal i/e. Low i/e also increased positive feelings whereas equal i/e decreased scores in the cancellation test for sustained attention. All three breathing practices and the control session decreased state anxiety and increased vigor. High i/e breathing alone did not decrease negative feelings. For all the breath ratios the breath frequency cue was set at twelve breaths per minute.

Conclusion: In summary, varying breath phase ratios influenced positive and pleasant feelings but did not influence state anxiety or vigor. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the findings would be improved with concurrent physiological assessments.

Objective: One of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions that affect a person's quality of life, ability to function and productivity, and consequently the loss of national income, are anxiety disorders. Rajyoga meditation (RM) is a form of meditation that is performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the modulation of psycho-physiological parameters in panic disorder patients by a technique of short-term on RM.

Methods: In this prospective randomized control study, 110 patients with panic disorder were randomized into two groups, Group A (standard treatment + RM) and Group B (Standard treatment). The participants of both group participants were subjected to sleep quality score, Physical Health Questionnaire-9 score, Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) questionnaires before starting the study (baseline) and at the end of the 8^th week. Study groups were compared at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks.

Results: We found that the PDSS/HAM-A was not statistically different among the study groups at baseline (P > 0.05); however, there was a statistically significant difference in mean z-scores of PDSS and post-HAM-A scores among the study groups at 8 weeks (P < 0.001). The composite score was created by adding the z-scores of pre- and post-PDSS and HAM-A. We found a statistically significant difference in postcomposite scores between the study groups (P < 0.001). Analysis of co-variance for PDSS and HAM-A among study groups showed statistical significance (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: When used in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments for the treatment of panic disorder, RM is a successful therapy. The key factors are adherence and motivation while being supervised by a licensed therapist.

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.

Background: Heart-brain synchronization is the integration of mind, body, and spirit. It occurs when the electrical activity of the heart and brain is synchronized. In recent years, there has been mounting curiosity to investigate the effects of meditation on heart-brain synchronization with respect to mental and emotional health and well-being. The current investigation aims to explore the rhythmic synchronicity between the brain and the heart during heartfulness meditation (HM) practice.

Materials and methods: The study was performed on 45 healthy volunteers who were categorized into three equal groups: long-term meditators (LTMs), short-term meditators (STMs), and nonmeditators (NMs). The electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were recorded to measure the prefrontal activity, and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded to measure the cardiac activity. The data were recorded in four states: baseline, meditation, transmission, and posttransmission. The detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method was used for the analysis of EEG and ECG signals.

Results: The result indicates that DFA values of EEG and ECG declined during meditation and transmission states as compared to pre- and postmeditation states. Significant results were obtained for the LTM group in all the states. A positive correlation was also observed between DFA of the heart and brain for the LTM group and no significant correlations were observed for the STM and NM groups.

Conclusion: The shreds of evidence suggest that heart-brain synchronization facilitates mental and emotional stability. HM practice has the potential to regulate the fluctuation of the mind. Regular meditation practice may result in physiological synchrony between cardiac and neural behavior, which can be considered a quality index for meditation practice.