International journal of yoga therapy最新文献

{"title":"Effect of Yoga on Biomarker Modulation and Infertility in Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Report.","authors":"Deepika Kumari, Reeta Mahey, Neena Malhotra, Tushar Sehgal, Rima Dada","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00067","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common complex endocrinopathy affecting the reproductive, metabolic, and psychosocial health of females of reproductive age. A 26-year-old woman with PMOS and infertility (7-year duration) underwent multiple cycles of ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. Following a 12-week structured yoga program (postures, breathwork, meditation), hormonal and metabolic parameters normalized and oxidative stress and inflammation decreased significantly. We saw significant improvement in mitochondrial integrity, reduced severity of comorbid depression, and improved quality of life. On follow-up, the participant was found to have conceived within 20 weeks of practice and delivered a healthy baby. This case highlights the role of yoga in the management of PMOS, adding evidence of yoga's benefit at the cellular and molecular level and clinical improvement. Regular yoga practice has the potential to serve as a holistic, nonpharmacological approach for managing PMOS and associated comorbidities.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physiological and Neurodynamic Effects of Bhramari Pranayama: Study Based on HRV and EEG Activity.","authors":"Varun Malhotra, Danish Javed, Chanchal Surywanshi, Sofia Mudda, Patrick Porter","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00058","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This pilot study investigated the acute effects of a single session of bhramari pranayama (humming bee breath) on heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in healthy adults. Twenty participants performed a 5-minute session of bhramari pranayama. HRV was assessed using time-domain (standard deviation of NN intervals, root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD], percentage of successive NN intervals that differ by more than 50 milliseconds [pNN50]) and frequency-domain (low-frequency [LF] power, high-frequency [HF] power, LF:HF) parameters. EEG was recorded simultaneously to measure spectral power in delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands. Statistical analysis included paired t tests and Wilcoxon tests based on normality assessment. Significant increases were observed in parasympathetic markers including RMSSD (29.95 ± 6.03 ms to 45.83 ± 8.72 ms, p < 0.0001) and pNN50 (8.71% ± 7.24% to 19.93% ± 8.28%, p = 0.0010). LF power increased substantially (300 ± 118 ms2 to 4843 ± 1470 ms2, p = 0.0001), with the LF:HF ratio rising from 0.8 ± 0.31 to 11.03 ± 4.0 (p = 0.0001). EEG showed decreased delta (49.57 ± 13.48 to 12.29 ± 6.24, p < 0.0001) and theta waves, alongside increased beta and gamma activity, suggesting a state of cortical alertness. A single session of bhramari pranayama was associated with increased parasympathetic activity and shifts in brainwave patterns toward heightened alertness. Although these preliminary findings are promising, the uncontrolled design and small sample size limit generalizability. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects and explore therapeutic potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Yoga on Anxiety Severity, Quality of Life, and Biomarkers in Individuals with Anxiety Disorder.","authors":"Kavitha Natarajan, Pravati Pal, Gopal Krushna Pal, Balaji Bharadwaj, Nivedita Nanda","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-24-00087","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-24-00087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent mental health conditions characterized by physiological dysregulation that includes heightened stress responses, low-grade systemic inflammation, and metabolic imbalance, which together contribute to impaired quality of life. Although yoga-based interventions are increasingly used as complementary therapies, evidence isolating the effects of slow pranayama (yoga breathing) and savasana (corpse pose) on psychological outcomes and biochemical markers in anxiety disorders remains limited. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of slow pranayama and savasana, implemented as adjuncts to routine psychiatric care, on anxiety severity, quality of life, and selected biochemical markers in individuals with anxiety disorders. A total of 150 people diagnosed with anxiety disorders were allocated to either routine psychiatric care alone (control group) or routine care plus slow pranayama and savasana (intervention group) for 8 weeks. We assessed anxiety severity using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief questionnaire, and biochemical markers such as serum cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory markers, and metabolic parameters. Outcomes were analyzed using mixed-design analysis of covariance with Bonferroni correction, and correlational analyses were performed between psychometric, quality-of-life, and biochemical variables. Of the enrolled participants, 112 completed the study. Significant Group × Time interactions were observed for anxiety severity scores and the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life, with improvements noted only in the pranayama group. Serum cortisol levels decreased and BDNF levels increased significantly in the intervention group compared with controls. Inflammatory and metabolic parameters did not show statistically significant changes after correction, although favorable directional trends were observed. Anxiety severity and quality-of-life scores demonstrated significant correlations with cortisol, BDNF, and inflammatory and metabolic markers. Slow pranayama and savasana appear to be safe, feasible, and effective adjuncts to standard psychiatric care, improving anxiety severity and quality of life while favorably modulating stress-related physiological markers in people with anxiety disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characteristics of Practicing Yoga Therapists in the United States and Canada: An Update.","authors":"Atiera Abatemarco, Daryl Nault, Elizabeth A Novian Hughes, James Snow, Steffany Moonaz","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00039","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yoga therapy is an emerging therapeutic healthcare profession. A 2017 workforce survey established an initial understanding of yoga therapists in the United States and Canada. The present study builds on this work by offering updates and additional insights based on the results of a follow-up workforce survey completed in January 2024. Specifically, this study describes the sociodemographic, practice, income, and employment characteristics of yoga therapists. A cross-sectional, descriptive e-survey yielded responses from 360 yoga therapists practicing in the United States and Canada. Respondents were predominantly women (91.9%), middle-aged (80.5%), and White (86.9%), although more than 60 ethnic and cultural backgrounds were represented. The majority of participants reported earning incomes below $75,000 and practiced tele-remotely most frequently (41.4%). Conditions most frequently seen in practice include general wellness, chronic pain, and mental health. Although several characteristics of yoga therapists mirror those established in 2017, this updated workforce study found a maturing workforce with continued lack of diversity, albeit complemented by varied backgrounds, experiences, and practices. Shifts in education and training suggest dynamic changes in the workforce. Employment and income indicators point to a portfolio career consisting of multiple roles and sources of income. These findings highlight opportunities for the development of improved outreach and recruitment strategies, updated training modules, and promotion of yoga therapy services to advance professional acceptability and support a sustainable career path.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study on the Feasibility of a Yoga-Based Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents.","authors":"Marie-Joelle Beaudoin, Gilles Dupuis, Nathalie Poirier","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00016","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by emotional and behavioral difficulties in adolescents. In turn, the well-being of adolescents with ASD, as well as that of their parents, can be affected. Yoga is a practice that may positively influence these difficulties. The present study aimed to explore the feasibility of yoga practice among adolescents with ASD and their parents. Six families (adolescents with ASD n = 6; mothers n = 5; fathers n = 3) participated in the Yoga Bali ASD program over an 8-week period. Feasibility was explored by measuring implementation, social acceptability, and potential effects of the program. Direct behavioral observations were conducted, and pre- and postintervention measures of anxiety levels and attention capacities in adolescents with ASD were collected. A semistructured group interview was conducted with all participants at the end of the program. The results suggest that the Yoga Bali ASD program is feasible for adolescents with ASD and their parents. A significant improvement in the attention abilities of adolescents was observed, along with a marginally significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. Qualitative analyses highlighted themes such as a sense of social support, group belonging during sessions, parental stress, school-related stress in adolescents with ASD, and appreciation of relaxation. Yoga practice appears to be an effective approach to supporting adolescents with ASD and their parents in addressing challenges such as reducing perceived stress and anxiety or improving attention abilities. Future research should investigate the potential moderating role of interpersonal relationships during yoga practice on anxiety and replicate these findings in a larger sample.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148550761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative Therapeutic Yoga for Substance Use and Co-Occurring Symptoms: Outcomes and Insights from a Residential Treatment Program.","authors":"Amy Wheeler, Katherine Quayhagen, Amanda M Raines, Marlysa Sullivan, Smita Prasad","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00048","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging research highlights the diverse benefits of yoga for both physical and mental health. This project investigated the utility of integrating therapeutic yoga into a residential treatment program for individuals recovering from substance-use disorders, focusing on psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychological flexibility. The sample included 117 participants undergoing a 30- to 90-day residential treatment program. The intervention included approximately three tailored therapeutic yoga sessions per week, incorporating foundational yoga principles of guna (attributes or qualities that constitute nature) and balancing effects and the ayurvedic concepts of langhana (reduction), brahmana (expansion), and samana (balance). Psychological outcomes were assessed using self-report measures including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory-Short Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Data were collected at intake and discharge, and paired-samples t tests were conducted to evaluate changes in psychological outcomes. Statistically significant reductions were observed in depression and generalized anxiety. Furthermore, psychological flexibility statistically significantly increased, while inflexibility decreased. Self-compassion scores also statistically significantly improved. Finally, among individuals with probable PTSD, symptom scores statistically significantly decreased. The integration of therapeutic yoga within a residential treatment setting was associated with improvements in psychological outcomes for individuals recovering from substance-use disorders. These findings provide preliminary support for the inclusion of holistic, integrative approaches such as therapeutic yoga in substance-use disorder treatment programs. Future research should aim to include diverse populations, use randomized controlled designs, and explore the long-term sustainability of these benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integration of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Expert Opinion via Delphi Methodology.","authors":"Kelsey M Dietrich, Joseph G Davidson, Rachel Willhite, Nicole M Strumbel, Elizabeth K Lee, Diana N Santullano, Viann N Nguyen-Feng","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00002","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous research has started to explore the theoretical foundations and possible integration of yoga and psychotherapy to provide holistic approaches for health and healing. We proposed the integration of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), both of which are empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Experts with training as certified DBT therapists (nRound 1 = 25) or TCTSY facilitators (nRound 1 = 46) were recruited to complete three online surveys to rate statements and complete open-ended questions regarding the perceived integrity, feasibility, and clinical relevance of the proposed DBT-TCTSY integration via Delphi methodology. Consensus was reached for the majority of the statements (14/20) at Round 3. According to the study sample, DBT-TCTSY has perceived integrity and feasibility, although further refinement is needed for clinical relevance. Overall, the present study provides a starting point for exploring expert perspectives on the novel integration of DBT-TCTSY as a form of trauma care.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Physical Exercise: Exploring Group Differences in Self-Compassion, Emotional Awareness, Emotion Regulation, and Well-Being Through Yoga Practice.","authors":"İrem Şaliş, Dilek Sarıtaş-Atalar","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00010","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yoga emphasizes emotional and physical awareness by fostering mindfulness of emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Yoga teacher training often includes psychological and philosophical components that promote self-compassion, emotional awareness, and resilience. These teachings encourage acceptance and reduce self-criticism, enhancing emotion regulation and psychological well-being. Based on this framework, we hypothesized that yoga instructors and practitioners would demonstrate higher levels of self-compassion, emotional awareness, emotion regulation, and well-being compared to nonpractitioners. Furthermore, we expected that instructors would score higher than practitioners because of their deeper engagement with yoga philosophy and training. The study included 359 female participants: 80 yoga instructors, 96 yoga practitioners, and 183 nonpractitioners. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, a motivation scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Emotional Self-Awareness Scale, the Emotion Regulation Skills Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. As hypothesized, one-way ANOVA results revealed that yoga instructors scored significantly higher than both yoga practitioners and nonpractitioners on all psychological variables. However, contrary to expectations, no significant differences emerged between yoga practitioners and nonpractitioners. To explore this discrepancy, we examined the motivations for practicing yoga using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results indicated that yoga instructors were more likely to be driven by intrinsic factors such as self-improvement and increasing awareness, whereas practitioners tended to be influenced by extrinsic factors like social recommendations and physical appearance goals. Findings suggest that the depth of training and intrinsic motivation may play a critical role in the psychological benefits derived from yoga.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic Review on the Effect of Yoga Nidra on Menstrual Disorders Among Adult Women.","authors":"Sadhana Sony, Vardaan Singh Saini, Arti Yadav, Vinay K Sharma","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00025","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Menstrual disorders including amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea significantly disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and negatively impact quality of life. Yoga nidra, a guided meditation technique, has been explored for its potential therapeutic benefits in menstrual health, although comprehensive evidence remains limited. The present systematic review aimed to assess the effect of yoga nidra on menstrual disorders by analyzing existing research and synthesizing findings. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and involved searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using keywords related to yoga nidra and menstrual disorders. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of seven randomized controlled trials were included. The findings indicated improvements across four key areas of women's health: (1) psychological well-being, (2) hormonal balance, (3) hematological profile, and (4) physiological parameters. These results suggest that yoga nidra may be an effective complementary therapy for managing menstrual disorders because of its noninvasive and low-cost nature. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148006968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Impact of Yoga on Autonomic Nervous System Function, Social Functioning, and Quality of Life in People with IBS.","authors":"Sandeep Bhattacharya, Diksha Devi, Sumit Rungta, Adarsh Tripathi, Kalpana Singh, Sunita Tiwari, Shambhavi Mishra","doi":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00017","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2026-D-25-00017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As per the Rome IV criteria, a disorder of gut-brain interaction such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain occurring at least 1 day per week for the previous 3 months and associated changes in bowel movements (defecation, stool frequency, or stool form). These symptoms must have begun at least 6 months prior to diagnosis. IBS affects 4% to 7% of the Indian population, with a higher prevalence observed in women and younger individuals. The present randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 3-month yoga intervention on IBS management. The study included 202 people (ages 18-45) diagnosed with IBS according to the Rome IV criteria. Participants were divided into a yoga intervention group (n = 102) and a control group (n = 100). Both groups underwent baseline and follow-up assessments to measure autonomic function and quality of life. The yoga group showed significant improvements in autonomic function, with reductions in resting heart rate (p < 0.0001) and the low- to high-frequency ratio of heart rate variability (p < 0.0001), as well as an increase in the Valsalva ratio (p = 0.0100). Additionally, this group experienced notable improvements in their quality of life as measured by the IBS-QOL score. Our findings suggest that yoga could be a valuable complementary therapy for IBS by enhancing autonomic regulation and improving overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"36 2026","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147934292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}