{"title":"Effectiveness of Yoga on Depression and Anxiety in People with Chronic Primary Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Jyotsana Rai, Akash Pathak, Ruchi Singh, Girish Chandra Bhatt, Nirendra Kumar Rai","doi":"10.17761/2025-D-24-00027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2025-D-24-00027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic primary pain is persistent pain that leads to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. It cannot be explained by any alternative diagnosis and disrupts daily functioning, including sleep and social activities. The present meta-analysis evaluated the impact of yoga on depression and anxiety in people with chronic primary pain; we also evaluated yoga's effect on pain, quality of life, adherence, and adverse effects. Randomized controlled trials involving patients with chronic primary pain and utilizing yoga as an intervention were included. The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Ovid were searched to extract participant demographics, intervention characteristics, outcomes, and study quality. Data synthesis involved random-effects meta-analysis for effect sizes and subgroup analyses based on control groups. Among the six trials involving 382 subjects, yoga significantly improved depression (standard mean difference -1.54), anxiety (standard mean difference -1.56), pain (mean difference -1.56), and quality of life (standard mean difference -1.26) compared to controls; no significant adverse events were observed. Yoga has a positive effect on levels of depression, anxiety, and pain in people with chronic primary pain, improving their quality of life. The grade of evidence for depression and anxiety ranged from low to very low; however, in comparisons with active and passive control groups, yoga may serve as a valuable nonpharmacological intervention for managing both physiological and psychological symptoms in patients with chronic primary pain, complementing standard medical care. Future studies should explore the optimal duration/ frequency of yoga practices, along with different types of yoga practices and yoga traditions, which may help to formulate delivery models for chronic primary pain management.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"35 2025","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037147","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}
Alexis Marie Molgaard, Genevieve Humphrey, Courtney Jensen
{"title":"Anthropometric Changes in Female Collegiate Athletes Apparent Within 4 Weeks of a Yoga Intervention.","authors":"Alexis Marie Molgaard, Genevieve Humphrey, Courtney Jensen","doi":"10.17761/2025-D-24-00023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2025-D-24-00023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yoga is associated with a spectrum of health benefits (e.g., flexibility, balance, strength, and stress management) in diverse populations. Fewer studies have explored yoga's relationship with body composition; this is the first study investigating the effect of yoga on body composition in collegiate athletes. We enrolled 14 Division 1 female athletes (age 18-22) who were active competitors in either track and field or cross-country running. All subjects underwent baseline body composition testing using a Fit3D imaging device. We recorded body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 7) or control group (n = 7). The experimental group participated in 60 minutes of in-person, guided yoga twice weekly. After 4 weeks, both experimental and control groups underwent follow-up testing. Differences in body composition changes were assessed using paired-sample and independent-sample t tests as appropriate. There were no differences between groups at baseline (p > 0.130). At follow-up, trending differences were observed between groups in body fat percentage (p = 0.073), waist circumference (p = 0.080), and hip circumference (p = 0.057). Participants in the yoga intervention experienced reductions in waist circumference (p = 0.021) and waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.020). Control subjects experienced increases over time in body fat percentage (p = 0.017), waist circumference (p = 0.036), and hip circumference (p = 0.002). These results indicate that yoga may have a protective effect against adverse changes in adiposity. Accordingly, trainers, coaches, and clinicians may consider incorporating yoga practice as a weight-management tool. Future research should examine whether these results are consistent in larger and more heterogeneous samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"35 2025","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144000872","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":"A Review of the Earliest Scientific Studies on Yoga and the Birth of Yoga Therapy in 1924: Swami Kuvalayananda, Founder of the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute and the Journal Yoga Mīmāmsā at 100 Years.","authors":"Paul Dallaghan, Subodh Tiwari","doi":"10.17761/2025-D-24-00015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2025-D-24-00015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This perspective offers a descriptive insight into the early 20th century transformation from what was considered \"folk yoga\" to a scientific appraisal of hatha yoga techniques and classical yoga texts. Combined, these views convey an overall psychophysical yoga approach. The earliest scientific research on hatha yoga techniques and initial efforts to apply this through a more validated \"yoga therapy\" are revealed through analysis of the entire catalog of published articles in the journal Yoga Mīmāmsā, initiated by Sri Swami Kuvalayananda, founder of the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in 1924. Both the journal and institute were established with the express purpose of scientifically researching yoga techniques, detailing the practices, and making this information available to the public. Now, more than 100 years later, the present perspective also details the foundation for yoga exercises as therapy based on their influence on the nerves, glands, and muscles responsible for the health of the different organ systems and their tissues, drawn from research and conclusions of modern physiology, anatomy, and pathology. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of the earliest published research experiments on aspects of yoga practice. The first published research involved a novel X-ray experiment on the hatha yoga kriya (cleansing practice) of nauli (abdominal massage). Subsequent investigations included blood pressure and asana (physical postures), intragastric pressure, alveolar air, and pressure changes from a variety of techniques that dominated the research content throughout the 1930s. A final discussion on limitations of this early era of research is included.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"35 2025","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037144","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}
Catherine Cook-Cottone, Wendy Guyker, Alexandra Marie Smith, Kellie Talebkhah-St Marie, Nyakinyua M Chege, Fredrick Wango, Catherine Njeri
{"title":"Effects of a Yoga-Based Program on Well-Being and Traumatic Stress: A Noncontrolled Trial in Rwanda, Africa.","authors":"Catherine Cook-Cottone, Wendy Guyker, Alexandra Marie Smith, Kellie Talebkhah-St Marie, Nyakinyua M Chege, Fredrick Wango, Catherine Njeri","doi":"10.17761/2025-D-23-00053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2025-D-23-00053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Our study aimed to explore the psychosocial benefits of a yoga program called Trauma-Informed Mind-Body Well-Being (TI-MBW) in Rwanda, Africa. The study used a nonrandomized controlled trial design with 227 Rwandan community members between 18 and 75 years old. TI-MBW yoga students (n = 109) participated in 12 weeks of yoga classes delivered through trauma-informed methods, while the non-yoga control group (n = 118) did not take part in the program. The study measured the impact of the yoga program on participants' well-being as compared to the control group. Data collection involved pretests, posttests, and a 6-month follow-up measuring self-efficacy, self-regulation, mindful self-care, belief in personal growth, and traumatic distress. Quantitative statistical analysis, including analysis of variance with repeated measures, indicated that individuals who engaged in the yoga program exhibited clinically significant increases in constructs related to well-being as compared to the control group. Follow-up data further revealed that continued participation in the program increased self-regulation, self-efficacy, mindful self-care, and belief in personal growth. These outcomes support the notion that yoga-based programs, such as TI-MBW, may enhance the well-being of individuals in Rwanda. The significance of this study lies in its distinction as what is believed to be the first noncontrolled trial evaluating a yoga program with a follow-up conducted in Rwanda. Future research should focus on investigating the program across diverse populations to validate its broader applicability and potential benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"35 2025","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144019355","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":"Design and Validation of a Structured Questionnaire Examining the Characteristics, Practice Patterns, and Professional Satisfaction of Yoga Providers in India.","authors":"Priya Gupta, Jyoti Keswani, Bhavit Bansal, Hemanshu Sharma, Gulab Rai Tewani","doi":"10.17761/2025-D-24-00039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2025-D-24-00039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of yoga into modern healthcare systems has highlighted the need to understand the professional landscape of yoga providers in India. Despite extensive research on the benefits of yoga, there remains a significant gap in understanding the characteristics, practice patterns, and professional satisfaction of these providers. The present study aimed to develop a validated questionnaire to address this gap. A structured instrument was developed through an extensive literature review and collation of suggestions from yoga experts. The questionnaire comprised 63 questions across four domains: (1) demographic details, (2) educational background, (3) session specifics, and (4) self-reported professional satisfaction and quality of life. Content validation was conducted with 10 yoga experts using Lawshe's content validity ratio (CVR). Questions with a CVR of ≥ 0.62 were retained. Of the 63 questions, 42 met the acceptance criteria and were included in the final questionnaire. High CVR scores indicated strong relevance and suitability of questions, particularly in sections on session specifics and self-reported assessments, reflecting practical and experiential aspects of yoga practice. The validation process ensured the questionnaire's comprehensiveness and relevance. The validated questionnaire provides a robust tool for assessing the professional landscape of yoga providers in India, facilitating a deeper understanding of their demographics, educational backgrounds, practice details, and professional satisfaction. This tool can guide future research and policy-making aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of yoga practice and instruction in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"35 2025","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048904","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":"Breath Characteristics of Volitional Yoga Breathing and Breath Awareness.","authors":"Shirley Telles, Sachin Kumar Sharma, Kumar Gandharva, Ami Gupta, Acharya Balkrishna","doi":"10.17761/2024-D-24-00020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2024-D-24-00020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Changes in breathing during pranayama (yoga breathwork) are usually inferred from practice guidelines in traditional texts or contemporary writings. These changes point to understanding the effects of pranayama and indicate applications of pranayama in health. Previously, a pilot study on a single participant suggested that each pranayama changes breathing uniquely. To extend this research in the present study, 23 yoga practitioners (mean age 28.1 ± 3.8; 12 men, 11 women) who were able to practice the pranayama consistently were each studied in a 48-minute session with five pranayama practices-(1) alternate-nostril yoga breathing, (2) bellows yoga breathing, (3) bumblebee yoga breathing, (4) high-frequency yoga breathing, and (5) hissing yoga breathing-as well as (6) breath awareness for 3 minutes each. From strain gauge-recorded respiratory movements, the breath frequency, depth/amplitude of breathing, and inspiration:expiration were obtained. Compared to the baseline, breath rate increased during high-frequency breathing (373.3%) and decreased during bumblebee breathing (75.3%), hissing breathing (63.0%), and alternate-nostril breathing (55.3 %). The depth of breathing increased in alternate-nostril breathing (141.0%), bellows breathing (136.0%), bumblebee breathing (307%), high-frequency breathing (275.0%), and hissing breathing (95.0%). The inspiration:expiration increased in high-frequency breathing (177.0%) and decreased in bumblebee breathing (74.3%) and alternate-nostril breathing (39.0%). There were no changes during breath awareness. The changes in breathing (although limited by the small sample size) support previous reports of high-frequency breathing as being activating while enhancing attention, and of bumblebee and alternate-nostril breathing (hissing and bellows breathing to a lesser extent) as calming, with increased vagus nerve activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"34 2024","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142819272","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}
Alexis Ortiz, Nydia Darby, Gustavo Almeida, Tim Calderon, Darpan Patel, Tony Zhang, Daniel C Hughes
{"title":"Physical Performance Effects Associated with a 16-Week Therapeutic Yoga Intervention in Survivors of Cancers in the South Texas Region: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Alexis Ortiz, Nydia Darby, Gustavo Almeida, Tim Calderon, Darpan Patel, Tony Zhang, Daniel C Hughes","doi":"10.17761/2024-D-24-00013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2024-D-24-00013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yoga is recognized as a complementary practice that improves physical, mental, and spiritual health in survivors of cancer. The present study assessed associations between a holistic approach and physical function for 30 survivors of cancer in south Texas. Cancer survivors (86% female) of diverse backgrounds (62% underrepresented minorities) performed a battery of physical function tests, including a 6-minute walk test, to assess cardiorespiratory function, isometric shoulder and elbow-flexor strength, dominant-arm grip strength, dominant-arm shoulder range of motion via inclinometer, sit-and-reach test to assess trunk and lower-extremity flexibility, and a 30-second sit-to-stand test to assess lower-extremity endurance. Participants were reassessed 16 weeks after starting the intervention. The intervention involved a 75-minute live-streamed therapeutic yoga program, including meditation, three times a week and daily psychosocial support text messaging through a telehealth platform to increase efficacy in promoting health-enhancing behaviors. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess changes in physical performance between sessions. Statistically significant improvements were observed for the 6-minute walk test (+35.68 m; p = 0.020), elbow-flexor strength (+7.44 kg; p < 0.001), dominant-hand grip strength (+3.19 kg; p < 0.004), sit-and-reach test (+5.25 cm; p = 0.010), and dominant-arm shoulder range of motion in flexion (+11.18 degrees, p = 0.012) and abduction (+17.06 degrees, p = 0.036). A 16-week live-streamed therapeutic yoga intervention performed three times a week, coupled with daily psychosocial support messaging, was associated with improved cardiorespiratory endurance by increasing the distance walked in 6 minutes, improving upper-extremity strength and range of motion, and increasing the flexibility of back and hamstring muscles.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"34 2024","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142855960","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":"Editorial.","authors":"Catherine Justice, Sat Bir Singh Khalsa","doi":"10.17761_2024-D-24-00023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761_2024-D-24-00023","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"34 2024","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142865263","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":"Key Components of Trauma-Informed Yoga Nidra.","authors":"Kimberley Luu","doi":"10.17761/2024-D-24-00021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17761/2024-D-24-00021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trauma exposure is universal to the human condition, with many affected individuals experiencing either posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or subthreshold manifestations. Both scenarios can become functionally debilitating and collectively lay a heavy burden on individuals and society. Yoga nidra is one adjunctive treatment of growing interest, holding potential for its ability to alleviate symptoms of trauma, including hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and disembodiment. However, yoga nidra practices can have re-traumatizing side-effects if not delivered conscientiously. For instance, adverse reactions such as overwhelming flashbacks, emotional distress, and extended dissociation have been reported as a result of yoga nidra practice. To prevent harm and maximize yoga nidra's therapeutic potential, 10 key components of trauma-informed yoga nidra practice are presented: (1) safe(r) and comfortable environment; (2) personal autonomy, healthy boundaries, and consent; (3) skillful mindful awareness; (4) appropriate length and preparation; (5) adequate settling and externalization; (6) sleep permission; (7) self-chosen intention; (8) flexible rotation of consciousness and breath awareness; (9) embodied pairs of opposites; and (10) conscientious visualizations. These measures protect those living with trauma and have extended benefits for nonclinical populations as well. That said, some of these components may be adapted based on context, especially in settings where direct feedback is readily available and can be prioritized. Ultimately, thoughtful decisions must be made with the intention of optimizing the safety of and benefit to the practitioners under the facilitator's care.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"34 2024","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142847909","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":"Yoga Techniques Associated with Improved Insulin Resistance in Women with PCOS: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Anushka Verma, Asha Gandhi, Nivedita Sirdesai, Vineeta Chandra","doi":"10.17761/2024-D-23-00056","DOIUrl":"10.17761/2024-D-23-00056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex heterogenic disease of unknown etiology, is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Sufferers often exhibit significant insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. There is no cure for PCOS, although metformin and weight reduction have shown some benefits. Yoga has become increasingly popular for its beneficial effects, including on physiological functions such as carbohydrate metabolism and lipid profile. We aimed to explore the potential associations between yoga practices and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Thirty-five newly diagnosed women with PCOS were enrolled in the study, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was performed on blood samples. Participants were then advised on yoga practices comprising kriya, postures and breathwork for 6 days a week for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, HOMA-IR was repeated. Results were compared using the Wilcoxon ranked-sum test. Our study showed a decrease in mean body weight from 64.90 ± 1.95 kg to 61.53 ± 1.71 kg (p = 0.001), in mean BMI from 25.66 ± 0.65 kg/m2 to 24.33 ± 0.56 kg/m2 (p = 0.001), in fasting blood sugar from 95.73 ± 3.23 mg/dL to 91.83 ± 2.17 mg/dL (p = 0.007), in fasting insulin from 14.89 ± 1.47 μU/mL to 11.47 ± 1.06 μU/mL (p = 0.0001), and in HOMA-IR from 3.76 ± 0.50 to 2.72 ± 0.32 (p = 0.0001). Yoga techniques were associated with improvements in insulin resistance in women with PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":38682,"journal":{"name":"International journal of yoga therapy","volume":"34 2024","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143068415","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}