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Dhawan V, Malhotra N, Singh N, Dadhwal V, Dada R. Yoga and its effect on sperm genomic integrity, gene expression, telomere length and perceived quality of life in early pregnancy loss. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11711. [PMID: 38777848 PMCID: PMC11111444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Achieving successful pregnancy outcomes is a delicate interplay between the maternal and the fetal counterparts. Paternal factors play a critical role in health and disease of offspring. Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is a psychologically devastating condition affecting the quality of life (QOL). Thus, it needs to be managed by a mind body integrated approach like yoga.The prospective single arm exploratory studyincluded male partners of couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL, n = 30), and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 30) and semen samples wereassessed at the beginning and completion of yoga (6 weeks) (WHO 2010).A significant increase in the sperm concentration, motility, decrease in seminal ROS, DFI and increase in relative sperm telomere length was found at the end of yoga. The relative expression of genes critical for early embryonic developmentnormalized towards the levels of controls. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire scores to assess QOL also showed improvement.Integration of regular practice yoga into our lifestyle may help in improving seminal redox status, genomic integrity, telomere length, normalizing gene expression and QOL, highlighting the need to use an integrated, holistic approach in management of such cases. This is pertinent for decreasing the transmission of mutation and epimutation load to the developing embryo, improving pregnancy outcomes and decreasing genetic and epigenetic disease burden in the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhu Dhawan
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Neena Malhotra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neeta Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vatsla Dadhwal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Chhabra D, Kharya C, PremKrishanan A, Singh P, Bhagat OL, Deepak KK, Kochupillai V. Long Sudarshan Kriya Yoga enhances cardiovascular and respiratory synchronization: An observational study. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2024; 15:100867. [PMID: 38244476 PMCID: PMC10831935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY - a rhythmic cyclic breathing) is known to produce several physiological changes in human body. Earlier it has been reported that SKY improves cardiovascular modulations, namely increase in heart rate variability. OBJECTIVE To observe the synchronization in oscillatory modulations in cardiac autonomic tone and ventilatory exchange during Long Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (LSKY). LSKY is a sequential combination of pranayama in ujjayi breath, bhastrika, and cyclic rhythmic breathing followed by yog-nidra. METHODS Regular LSKY practitioners from the Art of Living community with more than two years of experience participated in the study (n = 22; age 40.09 ± 12.68). The Electrocardiogram (ECG), respiration, oxygen saturation, and concentrations of oxygen and carbon-di-oxide from exhaled air were recorded before and during LSKY. The time domain parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) were calculated from ECG. All parameters were compared and correlated at each stage of LSKY. RESULTS Highly significant reciprocal correlation was found between HRV parameters and respiration rate during LSKY. Both O2 consumption and CO2 production increased significantly during three stages of pranayama and decreased towards the end of cyclic breathing. We also saw increased SPO2 simultaneously. CONCLUSION The autonomic parameters exhibited reciprocal response to respiratory rate and correlated well to the ventilatory parameters. Further during LSKY we observed enhanced synchronization. In conclusion the LSKY has a potential to influence cardiorespiratory parameters for improving the performance of both systems. LSKY - enhances oscillations in HRV that resets the autonomic system, indicative of better cardiac health and prepares body for better metabolic response. Such changes are capable of inducing resilience along with physiological, psychological relaxation and emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Chhabra
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth, 21st Km, Kanakpura Road, Bangaluru, 560082, India
| | - Chhaya Kharya
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth, 21st Km, Kanakpura Road, Bangaluru, 560082, India.
| | - Archana PremKrishanan
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth, 21st Km, Kanakpura Road, Bangaluru, 560082, India
| | - Priydarshan Singh
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth, 21st Km, Kanakpura Road, Bangaluru, 560082, India
| | - Om Lata Bhagat
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342005, India
| | - K K Deepak
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Vinod Kochupillai
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth, 21st Km, Kanakpura Road, Bangaluru, 560082, India
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Unudurthi SD, Wright KD, Klimpel JM, Sud A, Tan A, Warren BJ. Sudarshan Kriya Meditation Reduces Substance Abuse Cravings and Improves Physical and Emotional Well-Being of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot Study. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023; 61:51-59. [PMID: 36989479 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230321-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is widely prevalent in the United States and there are high levels of comorbidity between OUD and mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychotherapy, in addition to medication-assisted therapy, are considered important components of long-term OUD treatment. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a breathing-based mind-body intervention that has been demonstrated to have multiple physiological and psychological benefits. In the current study, participants (N = 8) recruited from a rural community were offered SKY in addition to treatment-as-usual. Physical and psychological well-being were measured using the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale-24, Short Form-36, Perceived Stress Scale, and participant logs and journals. Of eight participants, seven (87.5%) successfully completed the SKY intervention. Compared to baseline, there was a significant decrease in substance use cravings (p = 0.04) and depression (p = 0.01). In addition, physical functioning and emotional well-being significantly increased after SKY. SKY demonstrated efficacy in improving physical and social functioning along with enhancing mental and emotional well-being. Larger-scale trials should be performed to validate these findings. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(8), 51-59.].
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Bhaskar L, Kharya C, Debnath M, Mullapudi T, Subbanna M, Chhabra D, Kumar N, Sharma PP, Bhagat OL, Kochupillai V. Effects of Sudarshan KriyaYoga and Advanced Meditation Program on Genetic Expression of Pro-inflammatory and Antioxidants Genes. Cureus 2023; 15:e41377. [PMID: 37546047 PMCID: PMC10400732 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stress leads to immune system dysregulation and dyshomeostasis at the gene level. Mind-body practices are known to influence genomic expression, leading to better health and quality of life. Objective To assess the effect of Advanced Meditation Program (AMP) on the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and antioxidative genes among those already practicing Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY). Methods A total of 97 healthy volunteers participated in the study, distributed into two groups. The Group I SKY practitioners attended a four-day AMP (50 participants with an average age of 38.8 ± 11.9 consisting of 37 females and 13 males); they are first-time participants of the AMP. Group II SKY practitioners, on the other hand, consisted of 47 participants with an average age of 36.4 ± 9.3 with 43 females and four males. At day 0, day 5, and day 90, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes, namely interleukin (IL) 1β, IL6, and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and the expression of antioxidative genes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was observed. The data were analysed in two phases due to the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): (i) pre-COVID-19 and (ii) during COVID-19. Results In the pre-COVID-19 data set, IL1β, IL6, and TNF were found to have decreased in both groups. There is a significant increase in the expression of SOD and catalase in Group I and a decrease in Group II by day 90. During COVID-19, pro-inflammatory genes increased in Group I and had no significant change in Group II. All three antioxidant genes had decreased expression by day 90 in Group I; SOD decreased in Group II. Interpretation and conclusions Reduced expression of pro-inflammatory genes and increase in the expression of antioxidative genes during the pre-COVID-19 time suggest that the practice of SKY and added AMP may enhance antioxidative defense and may reduce the chance of getting diseases related to inflammation in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Bhaskar
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Chhaya Kharya
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Monojith Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Thrinath Mullapudi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Manjula Subbanna
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Deepika Chhabra
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Neeta Kumar
- Division of Social Health Implementation, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, IND
| | - Prem Prakash Sharma
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Om Lata Bhagat
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Vinod Kochupillai
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, IND
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Umesh C, Ramakrishna KK, Jasti N, Bhargav H, Varambally S. Role of Ayurveda and Yoga-Based lifestyle in the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Narrative Review. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2021; 13:100493. [PMID: 34305355 PMCID: PMC8286865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an immense challenge to health care systems around the globe in terms of limited health care facilities and proven medical therapeutics to address the symptoms of the infection. The current health care strategies have primarily focused on either the pathogen on the environmental factors. However, efforts towards strengthening the host immunity are important from public health perspective to prevent the spread of infection and downregulate the potency of the agent. While a vaccine can induce specific immunity in the host, non-specific ways of improving overall host immunity are the need. This scenario has paved the way for the use of traditional Indian therapies such as Ayurveda and Yoga. This review aims at collating available evidence on Ayurveda, Yoga and COVID-19. Further, it draws inferences from recent studies on Yoga and Ayurveda on immunity, respiratory health and mental health respectively to approximate its probable role in prophylaxis and as an add-on management option for the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikkanna Umesh
- Department of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Nishitha Jasti
- Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Hemant Bhargav
- Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Shivarama Varambally
- Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Swain D, Nanda P, Das H. Impact of yoga intervention on menopausal symptoms-specific quality of life and changes in hormonal level among menopausal women. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:3669-3676. [PMID: 34254406 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM The menopause transition is experienced by women often involves troublesome symptoms due to changes in the level of reproductive hormones. Non-hormonal therapies are more commonly accepted by women than hormonal therapy for coping with the climacteric symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of yoga practice on menopausal symptoms, specific quality of life, and changes in hormonal levels among menopausal women. METHOD A single-blinded randomized control trial was conducted among 80 participants aged 40 of 50 years and was randomly divided into two study arms, that is, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) and brisk walking intervention, to find the effect on the hormonal changes and menopausal quality of life (measured by MENQOL tool). The significant improvements in the outcome measures were measured by using repeated measures analysis of variance and McNemar's test. RESULTS Significant improvements in the menopausal-specific quality of life were observed in the domain of vasomotor, psychosocial, and physical symptoms (p < 0.05). The antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were significantly elevated after 1 year of regular practice of SKY compared to walking intervention (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant improvement was observed in follicle-stimulating hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. The women reported no adverse events after SKY practice or brisk walking. CONCLUSION The study concluded that 1 year of SKY practice could be one of the preferred non-hormonal, lifestyle-modifying regimens for improving the overall quality of life in menopausal women.
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Rain M, Subramaniam B, Avti P, Mahajan P, Anand A. Can Yogic Breathing Techniques Like Simha Kriya and Isha Kriya Regulate COVID-19-Related Stress? Front Psychol 2021; 12:635816. [PMID: 33935886 PMCID: PMC8081973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The global impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is tremendous on human life, not only affecting the physical and mental health of population but also impacting the economic system of countries and individual itself. The present situation demands prompt response toward COVID-19 by equipping the humans with strategies to overcome the infection and stress associated with it. These strategies must not only be limited to preventive and therapeutic measures, but also aim at improving immunity and mental health. This can be achieved by yogic breathing techniques. In this perspective, we emphasize the importance of yogic breathing, Simha Kriya and Isha kriya, the simple yet effective breathing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjari Rain
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Balachundhar Subramaniam
- Center for Anesthesia Research Excellence, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pramod Avti
- Department of Biophysics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pranay Mahajan
- Department of Hospital Administration, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akshay Anand
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.,Centre for Mind Body Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.,Centre of Phenomenology and Cognitive Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Zope SA, Zope RA, Biri GA, Zope CS. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga: A Breath of Hope during COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Yoga 2021; 14:18-25. [PMID: 33840973 PMCID: PMC8023437 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_102_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Important counter measures to combat an infectious disease pandemic include vaccination, antiviral therapy, and immunomodulation therapy. Vaccinations are disease specific and moreover strain specific, so the protection provided is also specific and limited. Antiviral therapies are costly and require bulk production of drugs, hence globally there is an increased interest toward low-risk, cost-effective complementary alternative therapies, such as Yoga and Ayurveda to tackle the infectious pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is clinical evidence available on the potential complementary role of yogic practices in the management of noncommunicable and communicable diseases. Various online databases were searched for articles published between 2000 and 2020. Databases explored were Medline, EMBASE, Indian Citation Index, PsycINFO, Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region, and Google Scholar. All search results were screened, and articles related to keywords such as COVID-19, yoga therapy, and Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) were selected for data extraction. Quality of the studies included was evaluated on the basis of the construct validity, content validity, relevance, bias, credibility relating to information, and data sources. SKY is a unique yogic practice that includes specific sequential breathing techniques. It balances the autonomic nervous system and thus can alleviate anxiety, routine stress, depression, stress-related medical disorders, and posttraumatic stress. It potentiates natural host immune defenses that are essential to tackle a plethora of microbial infections. This narrative review article provides an overview of potential therapeutic benefits that SKY can offer to the population at large during this COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Anil Zope
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University, Karad, Maharashtra, India
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Vasudev K, Ionson E, Inam S, Speechley M, Chaudhari S, Ghodasara S, Newman RI, Vasudev A. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga Program in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Int J Yoga 2020; 13:239-246. [PMID: 33343155 PMCID: PMC7735495 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_16_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breath-based yoga intervention, has demonstrated safety and efficacy in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients subsequent to natural disaster or war, but has not been explored in civilians with PTSD from a wider range of trauma. We hypothesized that it would be feasible to conduct a clinical trial of SKY in PTSD resulting from a wide range of trauma. Methods: Outcomes were feasibility measures including rates of enrollment and retention, adherence to study protocol; as well as changes in PTSD symptoms, other mood symptoms, and physiological measures. Male and female participants aged 18–75 years were enrolled in a feasibility trial. They attended a 6-day learning phase of SKY followed by 7 sessions over 11 weeks as an adjunct to their usual treatment. Results: Forty-seven participants were screened and 32 were enrolled over 9 months. Consistent with retention rates of other PTSD trials, 13 withdrew from the study prior to week 12. Twenty-one participants met intervention attendance requirements, completed 95% of planned study assessments and were included in final analyses. Participants experienced clinically significant decrease in PTSD symptoms on the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist (PCL-5) scores at week 12 mean difference, Mdiff (standard deviation [SD]) = −10.68 (14.03), P = 0.004; Cohen's d = 0.58, which was sustained at week 24 Mdiff (SD) = −16.11 (15.20), P < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.91. Conclusions: It is possible to conduct a clinical trial of SKY in a routine psychiatry clinic serving patients with PTSD due to a wide range of trauma. Future studies should include an RCT design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Vasudev
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Care, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Ionson
- Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Care, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Samin Inam
- Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Speechley
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sumit Chaudhari
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sheena Ghodasara
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ronnie I Newman
- Department of Research and Health Promotion, International Association of Human Values, Washington, DC, USA.,Health Professions Division, Lifelong Learning Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA
| | - Akshya Vasudev
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Care, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Bhaskar L, Tripathi V, Kharya C, Kotabagi V, Bhatia M, Kochupillai V. High-Frequency Cerebral Activation and Interhemispheric Synchronization Following Sudarshan Kriya Yoga as Global Brain Rhythms: The State Effects. Int J Yoga 2020; 13:130-136. [PMID: 32669767 PMCID: PMC7336945 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_25_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Respiration is known to modulate neuronal oscillations in the brain and is measured by electroencephalogram (EEG). Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a popular breathing process and is established for its significant effects on the various aspects of physiology and psychology. Aims: This study aimed to observe neuronal oscillations in multifrequency bands and interhemispheric synchronization following SKY. Settings and Design: This study employed before- and after-study design. Subjects and Methods: Forty healthy volunteers (average age 25.45 ± 5.75, 23 males and 17 females) participated in the study. Nineteen-channel EEG was recorded and analyzed for 5 min each: before and after SKY. Spectral power for delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency band was calculated using Multi-taper Fast Fourier Transform (Chronux toolbox). The Asymmetry Index was calculated by subtracting the natural log of powers of left (L) hemisphere from the right® to show interhemispheric synchronization. Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Spectral power increased significantly in all frequency bands bilaterally in frontal, central, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions of the brain after long SKY. Electrical activity shifted from lower to higher frequency range with a significant rise in the gamma and beta powers following SKY. Asymmetry Index values tended toward 0 following SKY. Conclusions: A single session of SKY generates global brain rhythm dominantly with high-frequency cerebral activation and initiates appropriate interhemispheric synchronization in brain rhythms as state effects. This suggests that SKY leads to better attention, memory, and emotional and autonomic control along with enhanced cognitive functions, which finally improves physical and mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Bhaskar
- Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vaibhav Tripathi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chhaya Kharya
- Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijayalakshmi Kotabagi
- Department of Medical Electronics, BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Manvir Bhatia
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Fortis Escort Heart Institute, Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Kochupillai
- Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Ramamoorthy A, Mahendra J, Mahendra L, Govindaraj J, Samu S. Effect of Sudharshan Kriya Pranayama on Salivary Expression of Human Beta Defensin-2, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma, and Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Chronic Periodontitis. Cureus 2020; 12:e6905. [PMID: 32064220 PMCID: PMC7006603 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sudharshan kriya pranayama (SKP) is a form of yoga that reduces inflammation and contributes to general health. Very few prior studies have examined the role of pranayama on oral health. We evaluated the clinical status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after SKP. Materials and methods Ninety male subjects were considered for the study and divided into three groups: subjects with a healthy periodontium (Group1), subjects with chronic gingivitis (Group2), and subjects with chronic periodontitis (Group3). The clinical parameters included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and salivary markers human beta-defensin-2(HBD-2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). These parameters and markers were evaluated before and after 90 days of SKP. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by McNemar's test, paired sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. Results There was a significant improvement in PI in all three groups. GI showed an improvement in Groups 2 and 3. PPD and CAL also showed an improvement in Group 3. HBD-2 and NF-κB decreased with SKP, whereas PPAR-γ expression increased after the intervention. In Groups 2 and 3 with the decrease in GI, there was a corresponding decrease in HBD-2. In Group 3 with an improvement in PPD and CAL, there was an improvement in PPAR-γ expression. Conclusions The results show that SKP can significantly decrease periodontal inflammation and improve periodontal status. It also effectively improves the expression of PPAR-γ, thereby decreasing salivary levels of HBD-2 and NF-κB, respectively. Based on our results, pranayama can be an effective adjunct in maintaining oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaideep Mahendra
- Periodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Little Mahendra
- Periodontics, Maktoum Bin Hamdan Dental University College, Dubai, ARE
| | | | - Subramaniam Samu
- Biochemistry, Regenix Super Speciality Laboratories Research Center, Chennai, IND
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Abstract
To cope with cancer and its treatment-related side effects and toxicities, people are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Consequently, integrative oncology, which combines conventional therapies and evidence-based CAM practices, is an emerging discipline in cancer care. The use of yoga as a CAM is proving to be beneficial and increasingly gaining popularity. An electronic database search (PubMed), through December 15, 2016, revealed 138 relevant clinical trials (single-armed, nonrandomized, and randomized controlled trials) on the use of yoga in cancer patients. A total of 10,660 cancer patients from 20 countries were recruited in these studies. Regardless of some methodological deficiencies, most of the studies reported that yoga improved the physical and psychological symptoms, quality of life, and markers of immunity of the patients, providing a strong support for yoga's integration into conventional cancer care. This review article presents the published clinical research on the prevalence of yoga's use in cancer patients so that oncologists, researchers, and the patients are aware of the evidence supporting the use of this relatively safe modality in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram P Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Adi Maroko-Afek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Beri K. The Impact of the "Yogic Lifestyle" on Cancer Prognosis and Survival: Can we Target Cancer Stem Cells with Yoga? Int J Yoga 2017; 10:95-98. [PMID: 28546680 PMCID: PMC5433119 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.205512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has recently been known to originate from stem cell-like cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Their unique properties of self-duplication, multiplication, as well as migration give the CSC resistance over conventional cancer therapies. Newer therapies are in developmental stage to target these stem cell-like populations and become the vanguard of future treatments. Several complementary and alternative treatments have been used in cancer management as an adjunct to conventional therapy to improve the overall quality of life and reduce recurrence. Yoga stands as the third most popular of all complementary and alternative medicine treatments currently used in cancer patients today. Preliminary results show that yoga modulates neural, hormonal, and immune functions at a cellular level. The scope of this commentary is to discuss the current evidence-based medicine on yoga and its effect on CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Beri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Rutgers: The State University of New Jersey, USA
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Sharma A, Barrett MS, Cucchiara AJ, Gooneratne NS, Thase ME. A Breathing-Based Meditation Intervention for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Following Inadequate Response to Antidepressants: A Randomized Pilot Study. J Clin Psychiatry 2017; 78:e59-e63. [PMID: 27898207 PMCID: PMC5272872 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.16m10819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) as an adjunctive intervention in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with inadequate response to antidepressant treatment. METHODS Patients with MDD (defined by DSM-IV-TR) who were depressed despite ≥ 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment were randomized to SKY or a waitlist control (delayed yoga) arm for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was change in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) total score from baseline to 2 months. The key secondary efficacy end points were change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) total scores. Analyses of the intent-to-treat (ITT) and completer sample were performed. The study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania between October 2014 and December 2015. RESULTS In the ITT sample (n = 25), the SKY arm (n = 13) showed a greater improvement in HDRS-17 total score compared to waitlist control (n = 12) (-9.77 vs 0.50, P = .0032). SKY also showed greater reduction in BDI total score versus waitlist control (-17.23 vs -1.75, P = .0101). Mean changes in BAI total score from baseline were significantly greater for SKY than waitlist (ITT mean difference: -5.19; 95% CI, -0.93 to -9.34; P = .0097; completer mean difference: -6.23; 95% CI, -1.39 to -11.07; P = .0005). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Results of this randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot study suggest the feasibility and promise of an adjunctive SKY-based intervention for patients with MDD who have not responded to antidepressants. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02616549.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 10th Floor, Gates Bldg, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marna S. Barrett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Andrew J. Cucchiara
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Nalaka S. Gooneratne
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Michael E. Thase
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Breathing to younger skin: 'reversing the molecular mechanism of skin aging with yoga'. Future Sci OA 2016; 2:FSO122. [PMID: 28031969 PMCID: PMC5137887 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2016-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Wells SY, Lang AJ, Schmalzl L, Groessl EJ, Strauss JL. Yoga as an Intervention for PTSD: a Theoretical Rationale and Review of the Literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40501-016-0068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Schmalzl L, Powers C, Henje Blom E. Neurophysiological and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the effects of yoga-based practices: towards a comprehensive theoretical framework. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:235. [PMID: 26005409 PMCID: PMC4424840 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent decades numerous yoga-based practices (YBP) have emerged in the West, with their aims ranging from fitness gains to therapeutic benefits and spiritual development. Yoga is also beginning to spark growing interest within the scientific community, and yoga-based interventions have been associated with measureable changes in physiological parameters, perceived emotional states, and cognitive functioning. YBP typically involve a combination of postures or movement sequences, conscious regulation of the breath, and various techniques to improve attentional focus. However, so far little if any research has attempted to deconstruct the role of these different component parts in order to better understand their respective contribution to the effects of YBP. A clear operational definition of yoga-based therapeutic interventions for scientific purposes, as well as a comprehensive theoretical framework from which testable hypotheses can be formulated, is therefore needed. Here we propose such a framework, and outline the bottom-up neurophysiological and top-down neurocognitive mechanisms hypothesized to be at play in YBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schmalzl
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA, USA ; VA San Diego Healthcare System La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chivon Powers
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eva Henje Blom
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden ; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
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Sharma A, Newberg AB. Mind-Body Practices and the Adolescent Brain: Clinical Neuroimaging Studies. ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY 2015; 5:116-124. [PMID: 27347478 DOI: 10.2174/2210676605666150311223728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mind-Body practices constitute a large and diverse group of practices that can substantially affect neurophysiology in both healthy individuals and those with various psychiatric disorders. In spite of the growing literature on the clinical and physiological effects of mind-body practices, very little is known about their impact on central nervous system (CNS) structure and function in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. METHOD This overview highlights findings in a select group of mind-body practices including yoga postures, yoga breathing techniques and meditation practices. RESULTS Mind-body practices offer novel therapeutic approaches for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Findings from these studies provide insights into the design and implementation of neuroimaging studies for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS Clinical neuroimaging studies will be critical in understanding how different practices affect disease pathogenesis and symptomatology in adolescents. Neuroimaging of mind-body practices on adolescents with psychiatric disorders will certainly be an open and exciting area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Sharma
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA
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20
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Sureka P, Govil S, Dash D, Dash C, Kumar M, Singhal V. Effect of Sudarshan Kriya on male prisoners with non psychotic psychiatric disorders: a randomized control trial. Asian J Psychiatr 2014; 12:43-9. [PMID: 25440560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether Sudarshan Kriya and related practices (SK&P) can lead to increased global assessment of functioning (GAF) and increased feeling of wellness in male prisoners with a non psychotic psychiatric disorder. METHODOLOGY This is a six month parallel randomized controlled study with sample size of 230 male prisoners. Participants meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to a study or control group by simple random allocation in which random allocation sequence was generated using a random number table. Each individual study participant was involved in a daily program of SK&P for six weeks. Each individual control participant was instructed to sit in an armchair with his eyes closed and gentle attention to their breath for duration of six weeks. To be included in this study, a participant must be a male prisoner diagnosed to be suffering from a psychiatric disorder (except psychosis and bipolar affective disorder [BPAD]) by ICD-10 (DCR) criteria with age between 18 and 65 years. RESULTS Majority of subjects were unemployed married individuals, educated until undermatric level and not having occupational skills of more than an unskilled labor level. Practicing SK&P for six weeks led to improvement in mean±SD score of study participants in GAF, anxiety (ANX), depressed mood (DEP), positive well being (PWB), general health (GH), self control (SC), vitality (VT) and total positive general well being (PGWB). Change in mean±SD score of study participants when compared with control participants was statistically significant in terms of GAF, ANX, DEP, PWB, GH and PGWB. Increase in SC and VT scores was statistically insignificant when compared with control participants. CONCLUSION Practicing SK&P helps in improving GAF, PWB, GH and total PGWB of an individual. SK&P also causes significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels. Effect of SK&P on SC and VT is insignificant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sureka
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Hands for Help Clinic, D-206, Amba G. Residency, Ahinsa Khand-2, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad 201014, India.
| | - Sandeep Govil
- Central Jail Hospital (CJH), Tihar, New Delhi 110064, India
| | - Debadutta Dash
- Central Jail Hospital (CJH), Tihar, New Delhi 110064, India
| | - Chandika Dash
- Central Jail Hospital (CJH), Tihar, New Delhi 110064, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Central Jail Hospital (CJH), Tihar, New Delhi 110064, India
| | - Vikas Singhal
- Central Jail Hospital (CJH), Tihar, New Delhi 110064, India
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Henje Blom E, Duncan LG, Ho TC, Connolly CG, LeWinn KZ, Chesney M, Hecht FM, Yang TT. The development of an RDoC-based treatment program for adolescent depression: "Training for Awareness, Resilience, and Action" (TARA). Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:630. [PMID: 25191250 PMCID: PMC4137278 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the current leading causes of disability worldwide. Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the onset of depression, with MDD affecting 8–20% of all youth. Traditional treatment methods have not been sufficiently effective to slow the increasing prevalence of adolescent depression. We therefore propose a new model for the treatment of adolescent depression – Training for Awareness, Resilience, and Action (TARA) – that is based on current understanding of developmental and depression neurobiology. The TARA model is aligned with the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) of the National Institute of Mental Health. In this article, we first address the relevance of RDoC to adolescent depression. Second, we identify the major RDoC domains of function involved in adolescent depression and organize them in a way that gives priority to domains thought to be driving the psychopathology. Third, we select therapeutic training strategies for TARA based on current scientific evidence of efficacy for the prioritized domains of function in a manner that maximizes time, resources, and feasibility. The TARA model takes into consideration the developmental limitation in top-down cognitive control in adolescence and promotes bottom-up strategies such as vagal afference to decrease limbic hyperactivation and its secondary effects. The program has been informed by mindfulness-based therapy and yoga, as well as modern psychotherapeutic techniques. The treatment program is semi-manualized, progressive, and applied in a module-based approach designed for a group setting that is to be conducted one session per week for 12 weeks. We hope that this work may form the basis for a novel and more effective treatment strategy for adolescent depression, as well as broaden the discussion on how to address this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Henje Blom
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden ; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Larissa G Duncan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA ; Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany C Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Colm G Connolly
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Chesney
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frederick M Hecht
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tony T Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA, USA
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22
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M Seppälä E, B Nitschke J, L Tudorascu D, Hayes A, R Goldstein M, T H Nguyen D, Perlman D, J Davidson R. Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: a randomized controlled longitudinal study. J Trauma Stress 2014; 27:397-405. [PMID: 25158633 PMCID: PMC4309518 DOI: 10.1002/jts.21936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Given the limited success of conventional treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigations of alternative approaches are warranted. We examined the effects of a breathing-based meditation intervention, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, on PTSD outcome variables in U.S. male veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan war. We randomly assigned 21 veterans to an active (n = 11) or waitlist control (n = 10) group. Laboratory measures of eye-blink startle and respiration rate were obtained before and after the intervention, as were self-report symptom measures; the latter were also obtained 1 month and 1 year later. The active group showed reductions in PTSD scores, d = 1.16, 95% CI [0.20, 2.04], anxiety symptoms, and respiration rate, but the control group did not. Reductions in startle correlated with reductions in hyperarousal symptoms immediately postintervention (r = .93, p < .001) and at 1-year follow-up (r = .77, p = .025). This longitudinal intervention study suggests there may be clinical utility for Sudarshan Kriya yoga for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Seppälä
- Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, School of Medicine, Stanford UniversityStanford, California, USA,
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Emma M. Seppälä, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, or to Richard J. Davidson, Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705. E-mail: or
| | - Jack B Nitschke
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dana L Tudorascu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biostatistics and Geriatric Psychiatry Neuroimaging Lab, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Hayes
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Dong T H Nguyen
- Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, School of Medicine, Stanford UniversityStanford, California, USA
| | - David Perlman
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA,Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin, USA
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Agnihotri S, Kant S, Kumar S, Mishra RK, Mishra SK. Impact of yoga on biochemical profile of asthmatics: A randomized controlled study. Int J Yoga 2014; 7:17-21. [PMID: 25035603 PMCID: PMC4097911 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.123473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The chronic inflammation causes an associated increase in airway hyperresponsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or in the early morning. Most of the studies have reported, as the effects of yoga on bronchial asthma, significant improvements in pulmonary functions, quality of life, and decrease in medication use, but none of the studies has attempted to show the effect of yoga on biochemical changes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of yoga on biochemical profile of asthmatics. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study, 276 patients of mild to moderate asthma (FEV 1> 60%) aged between 12 to 60 years were recruited from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King George's Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, India. They were randomly divided into two groups: Yoga group (with standard medical treatment and yogic intervention) and control group as standard medical treatment (without yogic intervention). At completion of 6 months of the study period, 35 subjects were dropped out, so out of 276 subjects, only 241 subjects completed the whole study (121 subjects from yoga group and 120 subjects from control group). Biochemical assessment was carried out at baseline and after 6 months of the study period. RESULTS In yoga group, there was significant improvement found in the proportion of hemoglobin and antioxidant superoxide dismutase in comparison to control group and significant decrease was found in total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocytes count in comparison to control group. There was no significant change found in TLC, polymorphs, and monocytes in between group comparison. CONCLUSIONS Yoga group got significantly better improvement in biochemical variables than control group. Result shows that yoga can be practiced as adjuvant therapy with standard inhalation therapy for better outcome of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Agnihotri
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King George's Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Surya Kant
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King George's Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King George's Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ranjeet K Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, Lucknow University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Satyendra K Mishra
- Department of Social Work, Naturopathic Science and Yoga Unit, Lucknow University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Henje Blom E, Serlachius E, Chesney MA, Olsson EMG. Adolescent girls with emotional disorders have a lower end-tidal CO2 and increased respiratory rate compared with healthy controls. Psychophysiology 2014; 51:412-8. [PMID: 24571123 PMCID: PMC4286011 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hyperventilation has been linked to emotional distress in adults. This study investigates end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescent girls with emotional disorders and healthy controls. ETCO2, RR, HRV, and ratings of emotional symptom severity were collected in adolescent female psychiatric patients with emotional disorders (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 62). ETCO2 and RR differed significantly between patients and controls. ETCO2, HR, and HRV were significant independent predictors of group status, that is, clinical or healthy, while RR was not. ETCO2 and RR were significantly related to emotional symptom severity and to HRV in the total group. ETCO2 and RR were not affected by use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is concluded that emotional dysregulation is related to hyperventilation in adolescent girls. Respiratory-based treatments may be relevant to investigate in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Henje Blom
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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25
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Manchanda SC, Madan K. Yoga and meditation in cardiovascular disease. Clin Res Cardiol 2014; 103:675-80. [PMID: 24464106 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-014-0663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Yoga is a holistic mind-body intervention aimed at physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Several studies have shown that yoga and/or meditation can control risk factors for cardiovascular disease like hypertension, type II diabetes and insulin resistance, obesity, lipid profile, psychosocial stress and smoking. Some randomized studies suggest that yoga/meditation could retard or even regress early and advanced coronary atherosclerosis. A recent study suggests that transcendental meditation may be extremely useful in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and may reduce cardiovascular events by 48% over a 5-year period. Another small study suggests that yoga may be helpful in prevention of atrial fibrillation. However, most studies have several limitations like lack of adequate controls, small sample size, inconsistencies in baseline and different methodologies, etc. and therefore large trials with improved methodologies are required to confirm these findings. However, in view of the existing knowledge and yoga being a cost-effective technique without side effects, it appears appropriate to incorporate yoga/meditation for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Manchanda
- Dharma Vira Heart Center, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, 110060, India,
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Pandya SP. Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama: Insights Into an Indic Spiritual Practice for Promoting Well-Being. JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2014.864544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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When Does Yoga Work? Long Term and Short Term Effects of Yoga Intervention among Pre-adolescent Children. PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12646-013-0209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Kumar N, Bhatnagar S, Velpandian T, Patnaik S, Menon G, Mehta M, Kashyap K, Singh V, Surajpal. Randomized Controlled Trial in Advance Stage Breast Cancer Patients for the Effectiveness on Stress Marker and Pain through Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam. Indian J Palliat Care 2013; 19:180-5. [PMID: 24347909 PMCID: PMC3853397 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.121537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to examine the effect of a cognitive, behavioral stress management module of Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and P on levels of serum cortisol and pain among the women suffering from advanced stage breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants (n = 147) were screened and randomized to receive standard care (n = 69) versus standard along with SK and Pranayam (P) intervention (n = 78) imparted in one 18 hrs workshop spread during 3 days. Participants were expected to practice it at home 20 min daily as adjuvant to standard pharmacological treatment for pain. RESULTS There was a significant difference in blood cortisol levels after 3 months of practice of SK and P. Mean blood levels in the intervention arm were 341.2 ng/ml against 549.2 ng/ml in the control arm (P ≤ 0.002). Pain perception in comparison to control arm reduced by 3 points in SK and P arm on 0-10 verbal scale of pain. CONCLUSION SK and P is an effective intervention in reducing stress and pain among advance stage patients of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of IRCH, Pain and Palliative care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - T Velpandian
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology & Pharmacy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Santosh Patnaik
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology & Pharmacy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Geetha Menon
- Indian Council of Medical Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manju Mehta
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Kashyap
- Department of IRCH, Pain and Palliative care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishwajeet Singh
- Indian Council of Medical Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Surajpal
- Department of IRCH, Pain and Palliative care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Qu S, Olafsrud SM, Meza-Zepeda LA, Saatcioglu F. Rapid gene expression changes in peripheral blood lymphocytes upon practice of a comprehensive yoga program. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61910. [PMID: 23613970 PMCID: PMC3629142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most common integrative medicine (IM) modalities is yoga and related practices. Previous work has shown that yoga may improve wellness in healthy people and have benefits for patients. However, the mechanisms of how yoga may positively affect the mind-body system are largely unknown. Here we have assessed possible rapid changes in global gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy people that practiced either a comprehensive yoga program or a control regimen. The experimental sessions included gentle yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation (Sudarshan Kriya and Related Practices – SK&P) compared with a control regimen of a nature walk and listening to relaxing music. We show that the SK&P program has a rapid and significantly greater effect on gene expression in PBMCs compared with the control regimen. These data suggest that yoga and related practices result in rapid gene expression alterations which may be the basis for their longer term cell biological and higher level health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Qu
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig Mjelstad Olafsrud
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Genomics Core Facility, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leonardo A. Meza-Zepeda
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Genomics Core Facility, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fahri Saatcioglu
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder K Bali
- Director, Department of Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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Abstract
Breathing techniques are regularly recommended for relaxation, stress management, control of psychophysiological states, and to improve organ function. Yogic breathing, defined as a manipulation of breath movement, has been shown to positively affect immune function, autonomic nervous system imbalances, and psychological or stress-related disorders. The aim of this study was to assess and provide a comprehensive review of the physiological mechanisms, the mind–body connection, and the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in a wide range of clinical conditions. Various online databases searched were Medline, Psychinfo, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. All the results were carefully screened and articles on SKY were selected. The references from these articles were checked to find any other potentially relevant articles. SKY, a unique yogic breathing practice, involves several types of cyclical breathing patterns, ranging from slow and calming to rapid and stimulating. There is mounting evidence to suggest that SKY can be a beneficial, low-risk, low-cost adjunct to the treatment of stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, stress-related medical illnesses, substance abuse, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer A Zope
- Department of Periodontology, Maharashtra Institute of Dental Science and Research, Vishvnathpuram, Latur, India
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Saatcioglu F. Regulation of gene expression by yoga, meditation and related practices: a review of recent studies. Asian J Psychiatr 2013; 6:74-7. [PMID: 23380323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Integrative medicine (IM) approaches have gained significant interest in recent years to provide a solution for the health care challenges we face today. Yogic cognitive-behavioral practices are among the most widely used IM approaches and include diverse practices such as yoga asanas, meditation, breathing exercises, Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chih, and various others. Studies to date suggest that these yogic/meditative practices have significant positive effects on the mind-body system and thereby can increase wellness and support the healing process from disease. Previous work has provided evidence for both psychological and physiological effects of these practices; however, the mechanisms of these effects, especially at the molecular level, have largely been missing. Three recent studies started to provide some of this information through gene expression profiling in circulating immune cells, which support the hypothesis that yogic/meditative practices have a measurable effect at the molecular level. These studies are reviewed herein and some future perspectives are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahri Saatcioglu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Postboks 1041 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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Szanton SL, Rifkind JM, Mohanty JG, Miller ER, Thorpe RJ, Nagababu E, Epel ES, Zonderman AB, Evans MK. Racial discrimination is associated with a measure of red blood cell oxidative stress: a potential pathway for racial health disparities. Int J Behav Med 2012; 19:489-95. [PMID: 21913047 PMCID: PMC3496810 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-011-9188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are racial health disparities in many conditions for which oxidative stress is hypothesized to be a precursor. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and premature aging. Small clinical studies suggest that psychological stress may increase oxidative stress. However, confirmation of this association in epidemiological studies has been limited by homogenous populations and unmeasured potential confounders. PURPOSE We tested the cross-sectional association between self-reported racial discrimination and red blood cell (RBC) oxidative stress in a biracial, socioeconomically heterogeneous population with well-measured confounders. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a consecutive series of 629 participants enrolled in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study. Conducted by the National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, HANDLS is a prospective epidemiological study of a socioeconomically diverse cohort of 3,721 Whites and African Americans aged 30-64 years. Racial discrimination was based on self-report. RBC oxidative stress was measured by fluorescent heme degradation products. Potential confounders were age, smoking status, obesity, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 49 years (SD = 9.27). In multivariable linear regression models, racial discrimination was significantly associated with RBC oxidative stress (Beta = 0.55, P < 0.05) after adjustment for age, smoking, C-reactive protein level, and obesity. When stratified by race, discrimination was not associated with RBC oxidative stress in Whites but was associated significantly for African Americans (Beta = 0.36, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that there may be identifiable cellular pathways by which racial discrimination amplifies cardiovascular and other age-related disease risks.
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Dhameja K, Singh S, Mustafa MD, Singh KP, Banerjee BD, Agarwal M, Ahmed RS. Therapeutic effect of yoga in patients with hypertension with reference to GST gene polymorphism. J Altern Complement Med 2012; 19:243-9. [PMID: 23062021 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension, a chronic medical condition of increased blood pressure, is a serious public health problem. Environmental and genetic risk factors are known to predispose to hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate the association of glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphism with oxidative stress in hypertensive patients and the possible beneficial effect of yoga on them. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty (60) hypertensive individuals, between 30 and 60 years of age, were divided into two groups of 30 each. The yoga group was subjected to 50-60 minutes of yogic practices daily for 42 days, while the control group included the remaining 30 age- and sex-matched hypertensive individuals. GST gene polymorphism was analyzed using multiple allele specific polymerase chain reaction, and oxidative stress parameters were assessed biochemically. RESULTS Assessment of blood pressure showed a statistically significant though modest reduction (p<0.05) in the yoga group as compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde was observed to be significantly low (p<0.05), while antioxidant capacity in the form of GST showed an increasing trend and ferric-reducing ability of plasma was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the subjects who practiced yoga. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, yoga has been found to decrease blood pressure as well as the levels of oxidative stress in patients with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanupriya Dhameja
- Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB, Delhi, India.
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Subramanian S, Elango T, Malligarjunan H, Kochupillai V, Dayalan H. Role of sudarshan kriya and pranayam on lipid profile and blood cell parameters during exam stress: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Yoga 2012; 5:21-7. [PMID: 22346062 PMCID: PMC3276928 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.91702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yoga is a science practiced in India over thousands of years. It produces constituent physiological changes and has sound scientific basis. AIM Since exam stress modifies lipid profile and hematological parameters, we conducted an investigation on the effect of sudarshan kriya (SK and P) program on these parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples of 43 engineering students were collected at four intervals namely baseline (BL), exam stress (ES), three and six weeks practice of SK and P during exam stress. Lipid profile and hematological parameters were measured at all four intervals. RESULTS ES elevated total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. Hematological parameters affected by ES included neutrophil, lymphocytes, platelet count, packed cell volume (PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV). Three and six weeks practice of SK and P reduced the elevated lipid profile, hematological parameters and improved lymphocyte levels. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that SK and P practice has the potential to overcome ES by improving lipid profile and hematological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Subramanian
- Department of Medical Research, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
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Katzman MA, Vermani M, Gerbarg PL, Brown RP, Iorio C, Davis M, Cameron C, Tsirgielis D. A multicomponent yoga-based, breath intervention program as an adjunctive treatment in patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder with or without comorbidities. Int J Yoga 2012; 5:57-65. [PMID: 22346068 PMCID: PMC3276935 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.91716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) course in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) outpatients, who after eight weeks of an appropriate dose of traditional therapy had not yet achieved remission. Subjects: The adult participants (18-65 years) were outpatients with a primary diagnosis of GAD with or without comorbidities on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Participants had a minimum of eight weeks standard treatment with an appropriate dose of a standard prescription anxiolytic, a clinician global impression-severity (CGI-S) score of 5-7, a Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) total score ≥20 including a score of >2 on the anxious mood and tension items. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients were enrolled in an open-label trial of the SKY course as an adjunct to standard treatment of GAD at the START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, a tertiary care mood and anxiety disorder clinic in Toronto. The SKY course was administered over five days (22 h total). Subjects were encouraged to practice the yoga breathing techniques at home for 20 min per day after the course and were offered group practice sessions for 2 h once a week led by certified yoga instructors. The primary outcome measure was the mean change from pre-treatment on the HAM-A scale. Psychological measures were obtained at baseline and four weeks after completing the intervention. Results: Thirty-one patients completed the program (mean age 42.6 ± 13.3 years). Among completers, significant reductions occurred in the pre- and post-intervention mean HAM-A total score (t=4.59; P<0.01) and psychic subscale (t=5.00; P≤0.01). The response rate was 73% and the remission rate 41% as measured on the HAM-A. Conclusion: The results of this small pilot trial suggest that the SKY course represents a potentially valuable adjunct to standard pharmacotherapy in patients with GAD or treatment-resistant GAD, and warrants further investigation. In particular, changes in worry and body symptoms showed significant improvements that may further our understanding of the mechanism of change in the tolerance of anxiety and worry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Katzman
- START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Jyotsna VP, Joshi A, Ambekar S, Kumar N, Dhawan A, Sreenivas V. Comprehensive yogic breathing program improves quality of life in patients with diabetes. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2012; 16:423-428. [PMID: 22629512 PMCID: PMC3354853 DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.95692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a comprehensive yogic breathing program on glycemic control and quality of life (QOL) in patients with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective randomized controlled intervention trial. Patients having HbA1c between 6 and 9% for at least 3 months with lifestyle modification and oral antidiabetic medication were included. They were followed-up and randomized at 6 months into two groups: one group receiving standard treatment of diabetes and the other group receiving standard treatment of diabetes and taught and told to regularly practice the comprehensive yogic breathing program (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Pranayam). Change in fasting and post-prandial blood sugars, glycated hemoglobin and QOL as assessed by the World Health Organization QOL WHOQOL BREF questionnaire were assessed. RESULTS There was a trend toward improvement in glycemic control in the group practicing the comprehensive yogic breathing program compared with the group following standard treatment alone, although this was not significant. There was significant improvement in physical, psychological and social domains and total QOL post-intervention in the group practicing the comprehensive yogic breathing program as compared with the group following standard treatment alone. CONCLUSION There was significant improvement in the QOL and a non-significant trend toward improvement in glycemic control in the group practicing the comprehensive yogic breathing program compared with the group that was following standard treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viveka P. Jyotsna
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ansumali Joshi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Smita Ambekar
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neeta Kumar
- Scientist, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Anju Dhawan
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Robles TF, Carroll JE. Restorative biological processes and health. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2011; 5:518-537. [PMID: 21927619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00368.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Research on psychological influences on physiology primarily focuses on biological responses during stressful challenges, and how those responses can become dysregulated with prolonged or repeated exposure to stressful circumstances. At the same time, humans spend considerable time recovering from those challenges, and a host of biological processes involved in restoration and repair take place during normal, non-stressed activities. We review restorative biological processes and evidence for links between psychosocial factors and several restorative processes including sleep, wound healing, antioxidant production, DNA repair, and telomerase function. Across these biological processes, a growing body of evidence suggests that experiencing negative emotional states, including acute and chronic stress, depressive symptoms, and individual differences in negative affectivity and hostility, can influence these restorative processes. This review calls attention to restorative processes as fruitful mechanisms and outcomes for future biobehavioral research.
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Gootjes L, Franken IHA, Van Strien JW. Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Yogic Meditative Practitioners. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there is a growing interest in meditation as an attentional and emotional regulatory strategy. To examine whether meditative practice is associated with successful emotion regulation, we examined the neurophysiological correlates of cognitive reappraisal in practitioners of a yogic meditative technique and controls. Participants were presented aversive pictures and were asked to cognitively change their appraisal of the affective meaning of the pictures by coming up with an alternative more positive interpretation of each picture. We found reduced magnitude of Event-Related Potentials (P300 and early time intervals of the late positive potential, LPP) following cognitive reappraisal of aversive pictures in both groups. However, in the yogic group, reduced magnitude was sustained during the later intervals of the LPP, while it subsided in the control group. Moreover, reduced amplitude of the late LPP correlated positively with experience of the technique. Results suggest a relation between yogic meditative practice and sustained attenuation of emotional response following emotion regulation. Increased positive affect and familiarity with cognitive emotion regulation in the yogic group may explain this effect. Whether this is a direct causal effect of the practice or can be attributed to characteristics of the participants that preexisted the training needs further examination in a randomized longitudinal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Gootjes
- Erasmus Affective Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingmar H. A. Franken
- Erasmus Affective Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan W. Van Strien
- Erasmus Affective Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Retana-Ugalde R, Vargas LA, Altamirano-Lozano M, Mendoza-Núñez VM. Influence of the placebo effect on oxidative stress in healthy older adults of Mexico City. J Clin Pharm Ther 2010; 34:665-71. [PMID: 20175799 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placebo effect has been widely recognized in the randomized clinical trials; nevertheless, this effect has not been evaluated in terms of antioxidant therapy on oxidative stress (OxS). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the placebo effect on OxS in healthy older adults of Mexico City. METHODS We carried out a double-blind controlled clinical assay with the participation of 75 healthy older adults residents for the past 10 years of Mexico City; randomly distributed into three groups of 25 subjects each after previous informed consent; control group not received any treatment, placebo group received a placebo with a pharmaceutical presentation similar to that of the treatment, whereas treatment group were administered 1000 mg of ascorbic acid and 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol. All subjects ingested the treatment daily according to study group for 12 months. We measured before and after 12 months of treatment, lipoperoxides levels (LPO), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total plasma antioxidant status with Randox Laboratories Ltd kits. The concentration of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The placebo group subjects showed a statistically significant decrease in LPO concentration, in the same way as the treatment group subjects (P < 0.01), both in comparison with a control group. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the placebo has a significant effect on OxS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Retana-Ugalde
- Unidad de Investigación en Gerontología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México D.F
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Abstract
India and UK have had a long history together, since the times of the British Raj. Most of what Indian psychiatry is today, finds its roots in ancient Indian texts and medicine systems as much as it is influenced by the European system. Psychiatric research in India is growing. It is being influenced by research in the UK and Europe and is influencing them at the same time. In addition to the sharing of ideas and the know-how, there has also been a good amount of sharing of mental health professionals and research samples in the form of immigrants from India to the UK. The Indian mental health professionals based in UK have done a good amount of research with a focus on these Indian immigrants, giving an insight into cross-cultural aspects of some major psychiatric disorders. This article discusses the impact that research in these countries has had on each other and the contributions that have resulted from it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kalra
- Senior Registrar, B.Y.L. Nair Hospital and T.N. Medical College, Mumbai - 400 008, India
| | - Dinesh Bhugra
- Professor of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity, Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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Agte VV, Chiplonkar SA. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga for Improving Antioxidant Status and Reducing Anxiety in Adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1089/act.2008.14204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Vilas Agte
- A scientist and SKY course teacher at the Biometry and Nutrition Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Shashi Ajit Chiplonkar
- A scientist at the Biometry and Nutrition Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
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Sinha S, Singh SN, Monga YP, Ray US. Improvement of glutathione and total antioxidant status with yoga. J Altern Complement Med 2008; 13:1085-90. [PMID: 18166119 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2007.0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies suggest that yoga can decrease oxidative stress. However reports are scanty regarding whether yoga training can improve the glutathione level of individual. This study is designed to appraise the role of yoga in maintaining glutathione (reduced and oxidized) levels and antioxidant status. STUDY DESIGN This study was conducted on healthy male volunteers from the Indian Navy, who were divided into two groups--a yoga (n = 30) group and a control (n = 21) group. The yoga group was trained in yoga for 6 months. The yoga schedule consisted of prayers, asana, pranayama, and meditation. The control group practiced routine physical training exercise for 6 months. Blood samples were collected when the volunteers were in fasting condition before and after completion of 6-month training period. Reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione reductase activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. RESULTS Reduced glutathione level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the yoga group after completion of training. Glutathione reductase activity increased significantly in the control group (p < 0.05). TAS increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the yoga group and decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Regular practice of yoga can maintain or improve antioxidant level of the body. The clinical relevance is that yoga practice can be used to maintain the antioxidant defense system under stressful conditions of training as observed in the case of soldiers and athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchari Sinha
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi, India
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Gene expression profiling in practitioners of Sudarshan Kriya. J Psychosom Res 2008; 64:213-8. [PMID: 18222135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2006] [Revised: 06/19/2007] [Accepted: 07/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid pace of life, eating habits, and environmental pollution have increased stress levels and its related disorders. The complex molecular response to stress is mediated by stress genes and a variety of regulatory pathways. Oxidative stress is internal damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Increasing evidence suggests that chronic psychosocial stress may increase oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to aging, and etiology of coronary diseases, cancer, arthritis, etc. Psychophysiological concomitants of meditation have been extensively researched, but there are very little data available on biochemical activity leading to relieving stress by causing a relaxation response by Sudarshan Kriya (SK). SK is a breathing technique that involves breathing in three different rhythms. It is preceded by Ujjayi Pranayam (long and deep breaths with constriction at the base of throat) and Bhastrika (fast and forceful breaths through nose along with arm movements). METHODS Forty-two SK practitioners and 42 normal healthy controls were recruited for our study. The practitioners had practiced SK for at least 1 year. Selected normal healthy controls did not perform any conventional physical exercise or any formal stress management technique. Whole blood was used for glutathione peroxidase estimation and red blood cell lysate was used for superoxide dismutase activity assay and for glutathione estimation. White blood cells were isolated from fresh blood and assayed for gene expression using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The parameters studied are antioxidant enzymes, genes involved in oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell cycle control, aging, and apoptosis. RESULTS A better antioxidant status both at the enzyme activity and RNA level was seen in SK practitioners. This was accompanied by better stress regulation and better immune status due to prolonged life span of lymphocytes by up-regulation of antiapoptotic genes and prosurvival genes in these subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our pilot study provides the first evidence suggesting that SK practice may exert effects on immunity, aging, cell death, and stress regulation through transcriptional regulation.
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Kjellgren A, Bood SÅ, Axelsson K, Norlander T, Saatcioglu F. Wellness through a comprehensive yogic breathing program - a controlled pilot trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2007; 7:43. [PMID: 18093307 PMCID: PMC2231388 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-7-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing rates of psychosocial disturbances give rise to increased risks and vulnerability for a wide variety of stress-related chronic pain and other illnesses. Relaxation exercises aim at reducing stress and thereby help prevent these unwanted outcomes. One of the widely used relaxation practices is yoga and yogic breathing exercises. One specific form of these exercises is Sudarshan Kriya and related practices (SK&P) which are understood to have favourable effects on the mind-body system. The goal of this pilot study was to design a protocol that can investigate whether SK&P can lead to increased feeling of wellness in healthy volunteers. Methods Participants were recruited in a small university city in Sweden and were instructed in a 6-day intensive program of SK&P which they practiced daily for six weeks. The control group was instructed to relax in an armchair each day during the same period. Subjects included a total of 103 adults, 55 in the intervention (SK&P) group and 48 in the control group. Various instruments were administered before and after the intervention. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale measured the degree of anxiety and depression, Life Orientation Test measured dispositional optimism, Stress and Energy Test measured individual's energy and stress experiences. Experienced Deviation from Normal State measured the experience of altered state of consciousness. Results There were no safety issues. Compliance was high (only 1 dropout in the SK&P group, and 5 in the control group). Outcome measures appeared to be appropriate for assessing the differences between the groups. Subjective reports generally correlated with the findings from the instruments. The data suggest that participants in the SK&P group, but not the control group, lowered their degree of anxiety, depression and stress, and also increased their degree of optimism (ANOVA; p < 0.001). The participants in the yoga group experienced the practices as a positive event that induced beneficial effects. Conclusion These data indicate that the experimental protocol that is developed here is safe, compliance level is good, and a full scale trial is feasible. The data obtained suggest that adult participants may improve their wellness by learning and applying a program based on yoga and yogic breathing exercises; this can be conclusively assessed in a large-scale trial. Trial Registration Australian Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN012607000175471.
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Innes KE, Vincent HK. The influence of yoga-based programs on risk profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2007; 4:469-86. [PMID: 18227915 PMCID: PMC2176136 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nel103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that yoga may offer a safe and cost-effective intervention for Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM 2). However, systematic reviews are lacking. This article critically reviews the published literature regarding the effects of yoga-based programs on physiologic and anthropometric risk profiles and related clinical outcomes in adults with DM 2. We performed a comprehensive literature search using four computerized English and Indian scientific databases. The search was restricted to original studies (1970-2006) that evaluated the metabolic and clinical effects of yoga in adults with DM 2. Studies targeting clinical populations with cardiovascular disorders that included adults with comorbid DM were also evaluated. Data were extracted regarding study design, setting, target population, intervention, comparison group or condition, outcome assessment, data analysis and presentation, follow-up, and key results, and the quality of each study was evaluated according to specific predetermined criteria. We identified 25 eligible studies, including 15 uncontrolled trials, 6 non-randomized controlled trials and 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Overall, these studies suggest beneficial changes in several risk indices, including glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, oxidative stress, coagulation profiles, sympathetic activation and pulmonary function, as well as improvement in specific clinical outcomes. Yoga may improve risk profiles in adults with DM 2, and may have promise for the prevention and management of cardiovascular complications in this population. However, the limitations characterizing most studies preclude drawing firm conclusions. Additional high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm and further elucidate the effects of standardized yoga programs in populations with DM 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim E. Innes
- Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Heather K. Vincent
- Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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