International Journal of Yoga最新文献

{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators to Utilizing Yoga Therapy as a Treatment Modality in India: Challenges and Opportunities.","authors":"Aditi Garg, Saamdu Chetri","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_10_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_10_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yoga, an ancient discipline originating in India, primarily considered a spiritual practice, has now evolved into a recognized therapeutic modality addressing various health conditions, including chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and stress-related ailments. Despite its proven benefits and growing evidence base, the integration of yoga therapy into mainstream healthcare in India faces significant barriers. Key challenges include the perception of yoga as a spiritual or wellness practice rather than a clinical treatment, cost concerns limiting access for lower-income populations, and a lack of standardization in training, certification, and therapeutic protocols. Facilitators, however, indicate promising opportunities for broader acceptance. These include increasing public interest, government initiatives by bodies like the Ministry of AYUSH, and a growing body of research validating yoga's therapeutic efficacy. Efforts to establish regulatory frameworks and standardized guidelines are gaining momentum, fostering the credibility and integration of yoga therapy into healthcare systems. This article explores these barriers and facilitators influencing the utilization of yoga therapy in India and proposes strategies to enhance its adoption. By addressing misconceptions, improving accessibility of yoga healthcare professionals, efforts for standardization and regularization of education, and increasing collaboration between yoga practitioners and medical professionals, yoga therapy has the potential to become a cornerstone of holistic healthcare in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"353-358"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147289650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Yoga as an Eco-therapy for Achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: An Explorative Study.","authors":"Aarti Jagannathan, Pooja More, Vinod Kumar, J Lakshmi Nishitha, H R Nagendra, B N Gangadhar, Raghavendra Rao","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_72_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_72_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>The SDGs highlight the connections between the environmental and socioeconomic aspects of sustainable development. <i>Yoga</i> not only results in one's physical and mental resilience but also develops positive feelings toward one's environment to help protect it from destruction.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aimed to understand the role of <i>Yoga</i> for achieving the United Nations SDGs and to draft a policy statement for its implementation to achieve the SDGs.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 included a review of available literature. Phase 2 included contacting experts from <i>Yoga</i>, community health, social work, and medicine from all over India and across the globe for discussion. Phase 3 included drafting the recommendations to be submitted to the CCRYN based on the results from the first two phases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 320 research articles (217 included) were screened. A total of 103 were excluded for reasons (being not relevant, inability to get full text of articles, and outcome of the study not matching). Phase 2 was conducted in three sessions with different groups of experts for their input. In phase 3, recommendations were finalized, and the policy statement was drafted.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong><i>Yoga</i> can help in achieving the targets of the UN SDGs. The recommendations, if implemented, can solve the issues endangering nature and the ecosystem. Thus, <i>Yoga</i> builds a harmony between humans and nature.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"269-274"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931643/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147305984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Yoga in Premature Ejaculation: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Jitendra Rohilla, Shazia Hasan, Vikas Kumar, Vishal Dhiman, Gyan Vardhan","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_52_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_52_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Premature ejaculation (PME) is one of the most common male sexual disorders, affecting 20-30% of men globally. While various treatments exist, including pharmacological interventions, there is growing interest in yoga as a non-pharmacological approach. This systematic review and meta-analyse evaluated the effectiveness of yoga interventions for premature ejaculation. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases from 1990 to January 2025. Studies comparing yoga interventions for PME were included, and data was analysed using random effects model. Five studies met inclusion criteria, with three providing data suitable for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant positive effect of yoga interventions (SMD = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.27-2.22), though with high heterogeneity (I² = 90.7%). One study comparing yoga with fluoxetine showed greater IELT improvement in the yoga group (79.6 vs 34.2 seconds). Studies comparing yoga with non-pharmacological interventions also demonstrated favourable outcomes for yoga. Importantly, no significant adverse effects were reported in yoga groups, while pharmacological interventions showed side effects in up to 46.4% of participants. Yoga appears to be a promising intervention for PME, potentially working through stress reduction, autonomic nervous system modulation, and pelvic floor strengthening. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to establish yoga's efficacy as a standard treatment option for PME.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"244-254"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147305936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-invasive Electrophysiological Characterization of Distinctive Meditative States in a Yogi during <i>Samaadhi</i>.","authors":"D Narayana Dutt, G R Ganesh Rao, C R Ramaswamy, D Rangaprakash, Gopikrishna Deshpande, N Pradhan","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_160_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_160_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although mechanistic studies on Yoga and meditation have demonstrated their efficacy over the past few decades, very few studies have focused on the Yogic state of <i>Samaadhi</i>, characterized by an ultimate state of peace and happiness. In this study, we probed electrophysiological correlates of <i>Samaadhi</i> in a Yogi par excellence. This research was conducted in the 1980s and is now being brought to the public domain. We characterized changes in muscle, cardiac, and brain electrical activity, as well as breathing during about 30 minutes of meditative <i>Samaadhi</i> using a multichannel polygraph system during two experiments in 1985 and 1988. Spectral analysis was carried out using computers in the late 1980s. During meditation, we observed a substantial reduction in breathing amplitude (to <5% of pre-meditation levels) and subjectively measured heartbeat and pulse amplitude. Cardiac electrical activity remained intact, but the data pointed to the possibility of a considerable reduction in cardiac mechanical activity. Muscle contractions were consistent and substantially higher. A unique pattern of alpha as well as beta activity was observed in frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, and alpha activity with occasional beta activity was observed in occipital EEG electrodes. During an epoch of eyes open state (within the meditation phase), EEG patterns resembled a deep meditative state, such as high occipital alpha and beta activity and frontal beta activity, which is strange because occipital alpha activity typically vanishes with the eyes open. Taken together, we provide preliminary evidence for the electrophysiological correlates of <i>Samaadhi</i>. The patterns observed from multiple modalities, taken together, were unique and different from those typically seen in adults. They were distinct from the electrophysiological correlates of three typical states of consciousness (awake, dreaming, and sleeping). Further research with the latest technologies and analytical tools is required for a better mechanistic understanding of the state of <i>Samaadhi</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"321-341"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931654/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147289764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salutogenic Impact of Yoga on Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Stress of Medical College Students: An Interventional Study.","authors":"Monica Edwin, Arun Sugumaran, Dayanidy Ganesan, Vishrutha Muralidharan, G Kiruba Sankar, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_55_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_55_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as the ability of a person to understand and respond to one's own and others' emotions and use this ability to guide one's thoughts and actions. Stress is defined as a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to assess the level of EI and perceived stress before and after yoga training among medical students in Puducherry.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A nonrandomized interventional trial was conducted at the School of Yoga Therapy, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, involving 30 healthcare students (22 female and 8 male), with a mean age of 21.63 ± 1.95. Approved by the institutional ethics committee, the 6-week yoga program was held at Patanjali Yogashala on weekdays. EI and perceived stress were measured pre- and post-intervention using validated questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of participants was 21.63 ± 1.95 years, with 73.3% females and 26.7% males. Initially, perceived stress and EI had a weak negative correlation (<i>r</i> = -0.24), which shifted to a weak positive correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.22) postyoga intervention. A significant reduction in perceived stress was noticed before and after yoga intervention. In addition, improvements in \"trustworthiness\" and \"achievement\" were significant with <i>P</i> = 0.049 and 0.032, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This interventional trial with yoga therapy has shown a reduction in perceived stress levels and an increase in certain components of EI among medical college students in Puducherry. This study highlights the supremacy of Yoga therapy in achieving mental and psychosocial well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"301-305"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147289787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of Medical Yoga Therapy in Attenuating Pain and Corticomotor Plasticity in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Aasheesh Kumar, Uma Kumar, Raj Kumar Yadav, Akanksha Singh, Srikumar Venkataraman, Maroof Ahmad Khan, Renu Bhatia","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_41_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_41_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Fibromyalgia (FM) is an idiopathic progressive musculoskeletal pain syndrome affecting 2%-8% of the global population, predominantly females. Symptoms such as morning stiffness, brain fogging, and sleep disturbances are also common in the FM patients. There is no permanent cure of the disease except for temporary symptomatic relief by few FDA-approved medications. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of regular and supervised medical yoga therapy (MYT) on pain status, lumbar flexion, and corticomotor excitability (CME) in FM patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>It is an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial where the pain was assessed both subjectively and objectively; lumbar flexibility and CME of both male and female FM patients of yoga and waitlisted group were also assessed and compared before and after 4 weeks of MYT and same course of standard care therapy. We have used pressure modality of quantitative sensory testing for objective assessment of pain. Corticomotor parameters were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Block randomization and opaque concealed envelope method was performed for randomizing and allocating patients in the yoga and waitlisted groups. Parametric tests were applied for the inter-and intragroup comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Demographic and clinical parameters of FM patients of both the arms were comparable at baseline (age: waitlisted group = 36.76 ± 9.20; yoga group = 35.71 ± 8.46; <i>P</i> > 0.05). Pain profile of the patient showed significant improvement, and tender point counts were also found to be reduced in the patients administered with MYT. In the waitlisted group, no significant changes were noted. A significant increase in lumbar flexion was reported bilaterally only after MYT. Former stayed unaltered in the waitlisted group. Moreover, improvements in some CME parameters of FM patients of the yoga group were also recorded. Such cortical changes were not marked in the waitlisted group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MYT can alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and alter CME in FM patients more than the standard therapy. MYT can be adopted in day-to-day lifestyle for symptomatic relief by FM patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"293-300"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Yoga on Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in the Course of Pregnancy Period: A Meta-analysis Study.","authors":"Ayşe Çuvadar, Yeter Çuvadar Baş, Sibel Yuceturk, Nurten Özçalkap","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_262_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_262_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This meta-analysis study was conducted to determine the level of effect of yoga applied during the prenatal period on anxiety, depression, and stress. For this study, research was conducted by screening the last 5 years of studies in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and YOK Thesis Center databases from February to June 2024. After reviewing the studies, seven researches were included in the study. The quality assessment of the studies was conducted using the quality assessment tool prepared according to the Randomized Controlled Trial design by The Joanna Briggs Institute. CMA Ver. 2 was used for data synthesis. The data were synthesized using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis methods. According to the results of the meta-analysis, it has been determined that yoga applied during the prenatal period is effective in reducing anxiety levels (SMD: -0.730, 95% CI: -1.287 to -0.173; <i>Z</i> = -2.567, <i>P</i> = 0.010, <i>I</i> ² = 79.498%). However, it was found that prenatal yoga did not have a statistically significant effect on depression (SMD: -2.137, 95% CI: -4.405-0.132; Z= -1.846, <i>P</i> = 0.065, <i>I</i> ² = 97.722%) and stress levels (SMD: -4.861, 95% CI: -10.861-1.139; Z= -1.588, <i>P</i> = 0.112, <i>I</i> ² = 98.569%). It is observed that yoga applied during the prenatal period is effective in reducing anxiety levels, but not effective in reducing depression and stress levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"235-243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Guided Meditation on Heart Rate Variability and Psychological Well-being in Critically Ill Obstetric Patients - A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Rachit Jayeshkumar Patel, Hasmukh Shah, Jalpaba Dharmendrasinh Chudasama, Smruti Bhalendu Vaishnav, Purvi R Patel, Abhishek M Prajapati, Shany Thomas, Bharatkumar M Prajapati, Bhalendu S Vaishnav","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_100_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_100_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Critically ill obstetric patients face a unique confluence of life-threatening physiological complications and heightened psychological distress. This population is particularly vulnerable to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, impacting cardiovascular and emotional stability. Conventional medical interventions often focus primarily on pharmacological interventions, neglecting the significant role of psychological well-being in recovery.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of guided meditation (GM) on heart rate variability (HRV), hemodynamic parameters, and psychological well-being in critically ill obstetric patients.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in an Indian critical care unit.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>One hundred critically ill obstetric patients, excluding those with hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, or requiring mechanical ventilation, were randomized into intervention (<i>n</i> = 50) and control groups. The intervention group received daily 20-min GM audio sessions for three consecutive days. The control group received standard care.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Within-group changes were analyzed using paired <i>t</i>-tests, and trends across days through repeated measures ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements were observed in HRV indices (standard deviation of normal-to-normal, root mean square of successive differences, NN50, PNN50, high-frequency, total power) in the GM group, indicating enhanced parasympathetic dominance. Significant reductions in pulse rate and blood pressure, and improvements in anxiety and well-being (Visual Analogue Scale scores) were also noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>GM demonstrates efficacy in improving autonomic health and psychological well-being in critically ill obstetric patients, highlighting the potential of integrating ancient Indian practices into modern critical care in this vulnerable population for promoting holistic recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"284-292"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147289749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virtual Trauma Sensitive Yoga Intervention Reduces Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety Symptoms Among Women Survivors of Sexual Trauma: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Brooke McKenna, Ilana Ander, Ashanti J Brown, Jasmine Irish, Abigail Powers, Ursula Kelly","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_38_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_38_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Studies increasingly suggest Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) can reduce psychopathology among women who experienced sexual trauma. However, barriers inhibit in-person engagement in TCTSY interventions, particularly among underserved women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This single-arm pilot study examined the efficacy of a virtual 10-week TCTSY intervention for 27 sexual trauma survivors seeking care at a public safety-net hospital. Women self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms preintervention and 2-weeks and 3-months postintervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women who completed seven or more sessions experienced a reduction in PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms following the intervention (<i>t</i> _avg = -2.36, p_avg = 0.035) with effects largely sustained at the 3-month follow-up (<i>t</i> _avg = -2.16, p_avg = 0.054). These effects were weaker when including women who completed six sessions (<i>t</i> _avg = -2.09, p_avg = 0.065), suggesting greater symptom reduction with increased session attendance (i.e. \"dose effects\") for a virtual TCTSY treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, results from this study provide preliminary but promising evidence that a brief telehealth intervention can contribute to measurable improvements in trauma-related outcomes for underserved women. Given the affordability and accessibility of virtual TCTSY relative to other trauma interventions, these findings may hold important implications for public health and healthcare policy, including support for bolstered virtual healthcare infrastructure and the integration of trauma-informed yoga interventions into outpatient mental healthcare practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"348-352"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931646/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147289862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meta-analysis of the Effect of Yogic Techniques on Melatonin Levels: Implications for Sleep Health.","authors":"Karuppasamy Govindasamy, Sandhoshkumar Vengadajalapathi, Shamsunisha Yusuff, Yeswanthkumaran Venkatachalam, Deenadayalan Boopalan, Venugopal Vijayakumar, Maheshkumar Kuppusamy, Dapkupar Wankhar","doi":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_17_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_17_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yoga has gained attention as a potential intervention for improving various aspects of health, including sleep quality. Melatonin, a hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, has been suggested to play a key role in mediating the effects of yoga on sleep. However, the impact of yoga on melatonin levels remains unclear. The current meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga on melatonin levels based on existing studies. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies investigating the impact of yoga on melatonin levels. Five eligible studies were included, comprising a total of 196 observations. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated as the effect size measure. The current meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled SMD, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in R software (version 4.3.2). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the <i>I</i> ² statistics. Totally five studies were included in the current meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a moderate certainty of evidence on the role of yogic techniques on melatonin levels, with a pooled SMD of 0.37 (95% - CI: [0.09; 0.66]). This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the regular practice of yoga, including meditation and mantra chanting, in enhancing the melatonin levels. This increase in melatonin may contribute to improved sleep quality. These results underscore the potential of yoga as a nonpharmacological approach for enhancing sleep health and overall well-being. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimal practices for incorporating yoga into sleep management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14436,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Yoga","volume":"18 3","pages":"255-261"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12931644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}