Analysis of breathing patterns to stabilize cardiovascular changes in physical stress environments : inspiration responds to rapid changes in blood pressure

The thoracic nerves form a complex neural network that coordinates involuntary muscles such as breathing and the heart. Breathing has various patterns to maintain homeostasis in the human body. This study analyzes changes in the cardiovascular system and breathing patterns induced by stress caused by various mechanical movements performed in daily life and ultimately, the goal is to propose effective breathing patterns and breathing control methods to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The participants' age was 26.97 ± 3.93 years, height was 170.24 ± 8.61 cm, and weight was 65.69 ± 13.55 Kg, and there were 62 men and 38 women. Breathing and electrocardiogram were obtained using HiCard+, a biometric monitoring device. The measured electrocardiogram was analyzed for heartbeat interval, which indicates changes in the cardiovascular system, and standard deviation of normal to normal interval (SDNN) and root mean square of the successive differences (rMSSD), which indicate the activity of the autonomic and parasympathetic nervous systems. For respiration, time changes were analyzed as patterns by calculating inspiration and exhalation times. As a result of this study, rapid changes in blood pressure increased SDNN and rMSSD from 0.053 ± 0.06 and 0.056 ± 0.087 to 0.109 ± 0.114 and 0.125 ± 0.170 s, and induced an increase in spontaneous inspiratory time from 1.46 to 1.51 s (p < 0.05). Ultimately, we hope that the results of this study will be used as a breathing control training technique to prevent and manage rapid cardiovascular changes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13534-024-00379-y.

Assessment of fall-associated risk factors in the Muslim community-dwelling older adults of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Falls are the third-leading cause of disability among the elderly population worldwide. It is multifactorial, and the occurrence of falls depends on different factors, which can be different from context to context, and individual to individual. Therefore, regular assessment of fall risk factors is required to develop a strategy for fall prevention. The study aimed to identify fall-related risk factors in Pakistani healthy older adults at risk of developing physical disabilities. It also aimed to create a risk-predictive model for fall occurrence, offering evidence for preventive strategies.

METHODS

Data were collected from 140 Muslim older adults from two residential areas of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from July 2022 to August 25, 2022, after obtaining permission from the Zhengzhou University Ethical Review Board (ZZUIRB #202,254), and the District Health Department Office (DHO #14,207). Participants were informed, and consent was obtained before data collection. Data were collected using the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) checklist, the Cognitive Screening Scores (CS-10) checklist, interviews regarding the prayer practice, fall history in the last six months, visual equity questions, and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Factors associated with falls were; age, gender, education, cognitive status, poor walking speed, lack of physical activity, poor vision, and history of falls in the last six months, with a significant P value of (P. < 0.05) in the Pearson correlation coefficient test. Poor cognition, low visual equity, poor walking speed, and lack of exercise increase the risk of falling in the future, with a prediction value of (P < 0.005) in Omnibus, Lemeshow score of (0.77).

CONCLUSION

Hence, our study provides a road map for future risk assessment of falls by adding the four mentioned risk factors in the proposed model to facilitate timely action to prevent fall-related infirmities in Pakistani healthy older adults.

Inspiratory muscle training in addition to whole body vibration for functional and physical outcomes in pre-frail older women: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

to investigate the efficacy of addition of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to the whole body vibration (WBV) on functional outcomes, physical performance, muscle strength and metabolism in pre-frail older women.

METHODS

this study was a randomized double-blind trial. Forty-two older women aged 60-80 years who meet the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty criteria for pre-frailty were randomly allocated to IMT + WBV, IMTsham + WBV or Sham groups. IMT + WBV group received 12 weeks of both trainings, whereas IMTsham + WVB received 12 weeks of WBV alone. Sham group received 12 weeks of IMT with a low fixed load and were positioned at the vibratory platform without therapeutic effect. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention for the following outcomes: 6-min walk test distance (6MWD), balance using Tinetti test, functional mobility using timed up and go test (TUG), handgrip strength (HGS) and peripheral muscle metabolism (glucose and lactate levels).

RESULTS

after the training, both groups IMT + WBV and IMTsham + WBV improved 6MWD [mean percentage changes = 20.31 (SD = 14.62) and 13.02 (SD = 12.14), respectively] compared with Sham [0.27 (SD = 6.51)], P <0.01. There was also a significant decrease of mean percentage changes on time of the TUG for IMT + WBV [-21.87 (SD = 7.87)] and IMTsham + WBV [-11.15 (SD = 13.64)] compared with Sham [-4.25 (SD = 13.25)], P <0.01. IMT + WBV group improved balance when compared with IMTsham + WBV and Sham groups (P <0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). HGS and levels of lactate and glucose were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

the addition of IMT to the WBV was effective to improve functionality, balance and physical performance in pre-frail older women.

Inspiratory muscle training for improving inspiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The ageing process can result in the decrease of respiratory muscle strength and consequently increased work of breathing and associated breathlessness during activities of daily living in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in healthy older adults.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library CINAHL) using a search strategy consisting of both MeSH and text words including older adults, IMT and functional capacity. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies involved controlled trials investigating IMT via resistive or threshold loading in older adults (>60 years) without a long-term condition.

RESULTS

Seven studies provided mean change scores for inspiratory muscle pressure and three studies for functional capacity. A significant improvement was found for maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) following training (n = 7, 3.03 [2.44, 3.61], P = <0.00001) but not for functional capacity (n = 3, 2.42 [-1.28, 6.12], P = 0.20). There was no significant correlation between baseline PImax and post-intervention change in PImax values (n = 7, r = 0.342, P = 0.453).

CONCLUSIONS

IMT can be beneficial in terms of improving inspiratory muscle strength in older adults regardless of their initial degree of inspiratory muscle weakness. Further research is required to investigate the effect of IMT on functional capacity and quality of life in older adults.

Chair-Based Exercise Interventions for Nursing Home Residents: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Despite mobility impairments, many residents have physical, cognitive, and psychosocial resources that should be promoted. The aim was to summarize the current evidence on chair-based exercise (CBE) interventions for nursing home residents.

DESIGN

Systematic review registered with Prospero (registration number: CRD42018078196).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Nursing home residents in long-term care.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, and PsycINFO) from inception until July 2020. Title, abstract, and full-text screening as well as quality assessment with the Downs and Black checklist was done by 2 independent reviewers. Studies were eligible if they (1) were conducted in nursing home residents, (2) included participants with a mean age of 65 years, (3) had at least 1 treatment arm with seated exercises only, (4) included active or inactive controls, (5) measured outcomes related to physical and/or cognitive functioning and/or well-being, and (6) controlled studies or single-group pre-post design. Because of a heterogeneity in characteristics of included studies, we refrained from conducting a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 511, mean age 79 ± 7 years, 65% female). Studies differed in sample size (12-114) as well as in training type (multicomponent, Yoga/Qigong/breathing exercise, range of motion) and dose (frequency 2 sessions/week to daily, intensity low to moderate, time 20-60 minutes/session, 6 weeks to 6 months). Overall, CBE appears to be feasible and safe. Studies found task-specific improvements in physical and cognitive functions and enhanced well-being. Three studies demonstrated improved lower body performance following a multicomponent CBE program in mobile residents. Three studies only including residents unable to walk reported improved physical functions, indicating that immobile residents benefit from CBE programs. There was a lack of separating mobile and immobile residents in analyses.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results indicate that CBE interventions may improve physical and cognitive functions as well as well-being in nursing home residents. Task-specific multicomponent CBE appears to be best for improving different domains of physical and cognitive functioning. More high-quality trials are needed.

Yoga-An Alternative Form of Therapy in Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Yoga as alternative form of therapy has shown positive impact on pulmonary functions, exercise capacity, behavioral changes, and inflammation in non-trauma patients. However, the efficacy of Yoga has not been studied in chest trauma patients.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at level-1 Trauma Centre. Isolated chest injury patients were randomized into either standard physiotherapy or Yogatherapy groups. Patients in physiotherapy group received conventional chest physiotherapy and Yogatherapy group received a set of Yogic exercises in addition to conventional chest physiotherapy. Primary outcome measure was changes in pulmonary function tests (PFT) at 4 weeks of discharge. Secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life (QoL), respiratory muscle strength and endurance, chest wall mobility, and levels of cytokines at 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using STATA v14.0.

RESULTS

A total of 89 eligible patients were randomized to physiotherapy (n = 46) and Yoga therapy (n = 43) groups. Demographic characteristics were comparable in both the groups. There were statistically significant improvements in PFT in the Yogatherapy group compared with physiotherapy with an increase in Forced vital capacity (p = 0.02) and Forced expiratory volume (p = 0.01) at 4 weeks. In addition, there were significant improvement in physical component of QoL, respiratory muscle endurance (p = 0.003) and axillary cirtometry (p = 0.009) in the Yogatherapy group. However, no statistically significant difference in the trends of cytokine markers seen between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Yoga was found to be effective in improving pulmonary functions and QoL in patients with chest trauma. (Trial registered at ctri.nic.in/clinicaltrials/login.php, numberREF/2016/05/011,287).

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training with Royal Jelly Supplement on Iron Metabolism in Cigarette Addicts

Objective

The strength or weakness of the respiratory muscles compared with other skeletal muscles owing to their more specialized structures is considered as an indicator or cause of a disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training with royal jelly (RJ) supplement on iron metabolism in cigarette addicts.

Materials and Methods

A total of 40 male volunteers participated in the study who were divided into 4 groups before the study as follows: smoker control group (n=10), inspiratory muscle training (IMT) group (n=10), RJ group (n=10), and RJ+IMT (n=10) group. Blood samples were taken from all the participants for analysis of iron, iron binding, and total iron binding capacity. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) measurements for the groups to perform training were carried out with 40% of their MIP values. The training sessions were carried out at the same time every day for 4 weeks (5 days per week).

Results

The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 program was used for statistical analyses. The results of the analysis found that the iron, iron binding, and total iron binding capacities were in favor of post-tests in the RJ supplement IMT, and RJ+IMT groups compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the RJ supplement, IMT, and RJ+IMT groups compared with the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Therefore, it could be concluded that the IMT and RJ supplements positively affected these parameters by altering the iron metabolism of the cigarette addicts.

Effect of complementary therapies on functional capacity and quality of life among prefrail and frail older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the effects of complementary therapies on functional capacity and quality of life among prefrail and frail older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

An electronic search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS and PEDro databases for relevant articles published up to September 2019. Only randomized controlled trials with interventions involving complementary therapies for prefrail and frail older adults were included. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Cochrane recommendations. The methodological quality of the selected studies was appraised using the PEDro scale and the evidence was synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) scale.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the present review. Six different complementary therapies were identified and the main findings were related to Tai Chi. A very low to moderate level of evidence was found regarding the effectiveness of Tai Chi in terms a functional capacity (balance, mobility, gait speed, functional reach and lower limb muscle strength) and a low level of evidence was found regarding its effect on quality of life. To the other complementary therapies it was not possible to synthetize evidence level.

CONCLUSION

Tai chi may be used as an important resource to improve functional capacity and quality of life among prefrail and frail older adults.

The application of "upper-body yoga" in elderly patients with acute hip fracture: a prospective, randomized, and single-blind study

Purposes

Hip fracture leads to decreased activity and an increased risk of pulmonary complications. The main purpose of this study was to observe the lung capacity, cough capacity of the elderly patient with acute hip fracture, and assess the effects and the feasibility of using a special-designed “upper-body yoga” training to treat elderly patients with hip fracture.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, and single-blind study. Eighty-four subjects aged over 65 years were randomly divided into either a control group or a yoga group to undergo an abdominal breathing program or an “upper-body yoga” program until 4 weeks after surgery. The primary outcomes were forced vital capacity/predicted value (FVC%), peak cough flow (PCF), Barthel Index (BI), and the incidence of pneumonia. The secondary outcomes were the rates of right skills and inclination.

Results

Thirty-nine subjects in the yoga group and 40 subjects in the control group completed this study. At the end of the first training week, FVC% (74.14% ± 13.11% vs. 70.87% ± 10.46%, P = 0.231) showed no significant difference between the two groups, while the value of PCF (204.80 ± 33.45 L/min vs. 189.06 ± 34.80 L/min, P = 0.048) and BI (38.59 ± 8.66 vs. 33.00 ± 9.32, P = 0.009) in the yoga group was higher. After 4 weeks of treatment, FVC%, PCF, and BI were higher in the yoga group (78.83% ± 13.31 % vs. 72.20% ± 10.53%, P = 0.016; 216.16 ± 39.29 L/min vs. 194.95 ± 31.14 L/min, P = 0.008; 70.77 ± 10.23 vs. 65.75 ± 11.30, P = 0.019). One in the control group and nobody in the yoga group was diagnosed with pneumonia. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the rates of right skills, whereas more elderly people preferred the training program of the “upper-body yoga.”

Conclusion

Elderly patients with acute hip fractures are at risk of impaired lung capacity and inadequate cough. “Upper-body yoga” training may improve the quality of daily life, vital capacity, and cough flow in elderly patients, making it a better choice for bedridden patients with hip fracture.

The risks and benefits of yoga for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of yoga interventions on disease symptoms, quality of life and function in patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DATA SOURCES

Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched through 6 June 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of yoga on quality of life, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and pulmonary function (FEV1) in patients with COPD were included. Safety was defined as secondary outcome. Mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized controlled trials with a total of 586 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed evidence for effects of yoga compared to no treatment on quality of life on the COPD Assessment Test (MD = 3.81; 95% CI = 0.97 to 6.65; P = 0.009, I² = 70%), exercise capacity assessed by the 6-minute walk test (MD = 25.53 m; 95% CI = 12.16 m to 38.90 m; P = 0.001, I² = 0%), and pulmonary function assessed by FEV1 predicted (MD  = 3.95%; 95% CI = 2.74% to 5.17%; P < 0.001, I² = 0%). Only the effects on exercise capacity and pulmonary function were robust against methodological bias. Effects were only present in breathing-focused yoga interventions but not in interventions including yoga postures. Adverse events were reported infrequently.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found robust effects of yoga on exercise capacity and pulmonary function in patients with COPD. Yoga, specifically yoga breathing techniques, can be an effective adjunct intervention for patients with COPD. Yoga's safety needs to be assessed in more depth in future studies.

Inspiratory muscle training improves pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength in healthy male smokers

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength of both healthy smokers and nonsmokers. Forty-two healthy males (16 in the IMT smokers group [IMT_S], 16 in the IMT nonsmokers group [IMT_N], and 10 in the placebo group) participated in the present study. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, IMT_S and IMT_N underwent 4 weeks of 30 breaths twice daily at 50% (+5% increase each week) of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), while the placebo group maintained 30 breaths twice daily at 15% MIP using an IMT device. The data were analyzed with repeated measures for one-way analysis of variance, 3 × 2 mixed factor analysis of variance, and least significant difference tests. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP and maximal expiratory pressure [MEP]) and pulmonary functions significantly improved after a 4-week period (between the pre and posttests) in the IMT_N and IMT_S groups (p < 0.05). The mean difference and percentage differences showed significant alterations in the respiratory muscle strength, forced and slow pulmonary capacities, and pulmonary volume between the IMT_N and IMT_S groups (p < 0.05). There were significant changes in the expiratory muscle strength (MEP), slow vital capacity (SVC), and forced pulmonary measurements (forced expiratory volume after 1 s and maximal voluntary ventilation) between IMT_N and IMT_S groups in favor of smokers (p < 0.05). These results show that greater improvements occurred in smokers after IMT. Increased respiratory muscle strength may be the underlying mechanism responsible for this improvement. Additionally, the benefits of IMT were greater in smokers than nonsmokers. This difference between smokers and nonsmokers may potentially be explained by higher influence of exercise on smokers' lung microbiome, resulting in greater reversal of negative effects.

The effect of inspiratory muscle training on the quality of life, immune response, inspiratory and lower limb muscle strength of older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the quality of life, immune response, inspiratory and lower limb muscle strength of older adults. Method: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 30 institutionalized older adults. They were allocated into two groups: the IMT group (n=15), which underwent IMT with PowerBreathe Classic, using a load of 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). This was performed using a 30 repetition protocol, three times a week, for six weeks. The second group was the control group (n=15) which did not perform any type of therapeutic intervention. In both groups, MIP, lower limb strength by sit-up test, quality of life by the SF-36 questionnaire and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. Results: The results demonstrated the homogeneity between the groups regarding the demographic and clinical variables. The IMT group showed an increase in the variation of MIP (9.20±7.36 cmH2O) compared to the control (0.93±8.79 cmH2O). Improvement was also observed in the sitting and standing test (p<0.05) (Tukey Test) in the difference between the values before and after the IMT. In terms of quality of life, two of the eight SF-36 domains were influenced by the IMT, namely: functional capacity and limitations due to physical factors. There were no changes in CRP in either group. Conclusion: IMT improved the inspiratory muscle strength, lower limb strength and quality of life of institutionalized older adults. These findings reinforce the contribution of this therapy to reducing the deleterious effects of aging.

"Smoking Does Not Go With Yoga:" A Qualitative Study of Women's Phenomenological Perceptions During Yoga and Smoking Cessation

INTRODUCTION

Smoking cessation is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, cigarette craving, increased negative affect, and increased experience of stress. Because yoga has been shown to reduce stress and negative affect, it may be an effective aid to smoking cessation. The objective of this study was to examine women's phenomenological experiences of vinyasa yoga as part of a smoking cessation program.

METHODS

Focus groups were conducted post-intervention with women (n = 20) who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial of yoga as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation. The 8-week vinyasa yoga intervention included twice weekly 60-minute classes that involved breathing exercises, postures (asanas), and relaxation techniques. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis focused on descriptions of yoga, breathing, and bodily sensations including cigarette craving.

RESULTS

Focus group participants described vinyasa yoga as physically challenging. Most reported deliberate use of yogic breathing to cope with cigarette craving and stress. Other perceived effects included relaxation and an increased sense of body awareness and wellbeing.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants viewed yoga as positive and potentially helpful for quitting smoking. Yoga may be an effective adjunct for smoking cessation.

Restrictive Ventilatory Patterns in Residents of Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Restrictive ventilatory patterns (RVPs) in older adults may contribute to morbidity and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to begin to understand (a) the number of older adults residing in Continuing Care Retirement Communities with RVPs, (b) factors associated with RVP, and (c) whether RVP is associated with ambulation level. This descriptive study was conducted at three sites. RVP was evident in 34 of the 65 participants (52%), and 33 (97%) of these were either moderate or severely restricted. Dementia, dyspnea, kyphosis, and lower muscle strength were significant predictors of RVP. Eighty percent of the nonambulatory participants had RVP and 38% of the ambulatory participants had RVP. Designing interventions to address modifiable factors associated with RVP may prevent respiratory infections, help people to achieve better lung health, and increase physical activity tolerance.

The effectiveness of combining inspiratory muscle training with manual therapy and a therapeutic exercise program on maximum inspiratory pressure in adults with asthma: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise protocol to inspiratory muscle training was more effective in improving maximum inspiratory pressure than inspiratory muscle training in isolation.

DESIGN

This is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

SUBJECTS

In total, 43 patients with asthma were included in this study.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients were allocated into one of the two groups: (1) inspiratory muscle training ( n = 21; 20-minute session) or (2) inspiratory muscle training (20-minute session) combined with a program of manual therapy (15-minute session) and therapeutic exercise (15-minute session; n = 22). All participants received 12 sessions, two days/week, for six weeks and performed the domiciliary exercises protocol.

MAIN MEASURES

The main measures such as maximum inspiratory pressure, spirometric measures, forward head posture, and thoracic kyphosis were recorded at baseline and after the treatment.

RESULTS

For the per-protocol analysis, between-group differences at post-intervention were observed in maximum inspiratory pressure (19.77 cmH₂O (11.49-28.04), P < .05; F = 22.436; P < .001; η²_p = 0.371) and forward head posture (-1.25 cm (-2.32 to -0.19), P < .05; F = 5.662; P = .022; η²_p = 0.13). The intention-to-treat analysis showed the same pattern of findings.

CONCLUSION

The inspiratory muscle training combined with a manual therapy and therapeutic exercise program is more effective than its application in isolation for producing short-term maximum inspiratory pressure and forward head posture improvements in patients with asthma.

Evidence based effects of yoga practice on various health related problems of elderly people: A review

More than 50% of the elderly above 60 years of age suffer from chronic medical conditions, the prevalence of which increases with age. Though Yoga has been reported as an effective modality in improving various physical and psychological aspects of elderly populations, a comprehensive review of Yoga and its effects on various health related problems of elderly populations has not yet been reported. Hence, we performed PubMed/Medline search to review relevant articles, using keyword "yoga and elderly". Relevant articles published since inception till 6th October 2016 were included for the review. Based on the available scientific literature, this review suggests that the regular practice of Yoga can be considered as an effective intervention in improving physical (reduces heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, oxidative damage, fatigue, weakness, fear of fall, and improve heart rate variability, baroreflex sensitivity, insulin sensitivity, physical functions, mobility, flexibility, and urinary incontinence), mental (reduces depression, anxiety), emotional (reduces anger, stress, tension and improve self-efficacy), social (improve life satisfaction), and vital (improved vitality) planes of elderly individuals, offering a better quality of sleep and quality of life.

The Safety of Yoga: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

As yoga has gained popularity as a therapeutic intervention, its safety has been questioned in the lay press. Thus, this review aimed to systematically assess and meta-analyze the frequency of adverse events in randomized controlled trials of yoga. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and IndMED were screened through February 2014. Of 301 identified randomized controlled trials of yoga, 94 (1975-2014; total of 8,430 participants) reported on adverse events. Life-threatening, disabling adverse events or those requiring intensive treatment were defined as serious and all other events as nonserious. No differences in the frequency of intervention-related, nonserious, or serious adverse events and of dropouts due to adverse events were found when comparing yoga with usual care or exercise. Compared with psychological or educational interventions (e.g., health education), more intervention-related adverse events (odds ratio = 4.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 17.67; P = 0.05) and more nonserious adverse events (odds ratio = 7.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.91, 27.92; P < 0.01) occurred in the yoga group; serious adverse events and dropouts due to adverse events were comparable between groups. Findings from this review indicate that yoga appears as safe as usual care and exercise. The adequate reporting of safety data in future randomized trials of yoga is crucial to conclusively judge its safety.

Do 12-week yoga program influence respiratory function of elderly women?

Aging produces several respiratory limitations and reduces tolerance to physical efforts, sometimes leading to pulmonary diseases in the elderly. The literature draws attention to the possible benefits of Yoga practice among the elderly, presenting evidence for significant improvements in quality of life. It was hypothesized that yoga practice can improve respiratory function in the elderly. The effects of a yoga program on pulmonary volumes and respiratory muscle strength were verified in 36 elderly women divided into a yoga group [YG] (63.1 ± 13.3 years of age) and a control group (61.0 ± 6.9 years of age). Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP) were assessed by a manovacuometer and tidal volume (VT), vital capacity (VC) and minute ventilation (VE) were measured by a ventilometer. The program comprised 65 min sessions, 3 times/week during 12 weeks. The heart rate and respiratory rate decreased significantly in the YG (76-39 ± 8-03 vs. 74-61±10.26 bpm and 18.61 ± 3.15 vs. 16.72 ± 3.12 resp/min, respectively). In the YG, VT and VE increased significantly (0.55 ± 0.22 vs. 0.64 ± 0.2 ml and 9.19 ± 2.39 vs. 10.05 ± 2.11 ml, respectively), as well as VC (1.48 ± 0.45 vs. 2.03 ± 0.72 ml). Improvements were also found in MIP and MEP in the YG (62.17 ± 14.77 vs. 73.06 ± 20.16 cmH2O and 80.56 ± 23.94 vs. 86.39 ± 20.16 cmH2O, respectively). It was concluded that a 12-week yoga program significantly improves pulmonary function of aged women.

Characteristics of randomized controlled trials of yoga: a bibliometric analysis

Background

A growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the therapeutic value of yoga interventions. This bibliometric analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the characteristics of the totality of available randomized yoga trials.

Methods

All RCTs of yoga were eligible. Medline/PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, IndMED, and the tables of content of yoga specialty journals not listed in medical databases were screened through February 2014. Bibliometric data, data on participants, and intervention were extracted and analyzed descriptively.

Results

Published between 1975 and 2014, a total of 366 papers were included, reporting 312 RCTs from 23 different countries with 22,548 participants. The median study sample size was 59 (range 8–410, interquartile range = 31, 93). Two hundred sixty-four RCTs (84.6%) were conducted with adults, 105 (33.7%) with older adults and 31 (9.9%) with children. Eighty-four RCTs (26.9%) were conducted with healthy participants. Other trials enrolled patients with one of 63 varied medical conditions; the most common being breast cancer (17 RCTs, 5.4%), depression (14 RCTs, 4.5%), asthma (14 RCTs, 4.5%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (13 RCTs, 4.2%). Whilst 119 RCTs (38.1%) did not define the style of yoga used, 35 RCTs (11.2%) used Hatha yoga and 30 RCTs (9.6%) yoga breathing. The remaining 128 RCTs (41.0%) used 46 varied yoga styles, with a median intervention length of 9 weeks (range 1 day to 1 year; interquartile range = 5, 12). Two hundred and forty-four RCTs (78.2%) used yoga postures, 232 RCTs (74.4%) used breath control, 153 RCTs (49.0%) used meditation and 32 RCTs (10.3%) used philosophy lectures. One hundred and seventy-four RCTs (55.6%) compared yoga with no specific treatment; 21 varied control interventions were used in the remaining RCTs.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis presents the most complete up-to-date overview on published randomized yoga trials. While the available research evidence is sparse for most conditions, there was a marked increase in published RCTs in recent years.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-328) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.