Yoga training improves metabolic parameters in obese boys

The effects of exercise training on insulin resistance in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

The aim of present meta-analysis was to determine the effects of exercise training (Exe) on insulin resistance (IR) and body weight in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for original articles, published through October 2022 that included exercise versus control interventions on fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and body weight outcomes in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Standardized mean differences (SMD) for fasting insulin, and weighted mean differences (WMD) for fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, body weight (BW), and 95% confidence intervals were determined using random effects models.

Results

Thirty-five studies comprising 1,550 children and adolescents with overweight and obesity were included in the present meta-analysis. Exercise training reduced fasting glucose (WMD=-2.52 mg/dL, p=0.001), fasting insulin (SMD=-0.77, p=0.001), HOMA-IR (WMD=-0.82, p=0.001), and BW (WMD=-1.51 kg, p=0.001), as compared to a control. Subgroup analyses showed that biological sex, intervention duration, type of exercise training, BMI percentile, and health status (with or without diagnosed condition), were sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Exercise training is effective for lowering fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and BW in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity and could provide an important strategy for controlling IR and related factors. With clear evidence for the effectiveness of exercise interventions in this vulnerable population, it is important to determine effective approaches for increasing exercise training in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.

A Study to Evaluate the Effect of a Combined Approach of Yoga and Diet in High-risk Cardiovascular Subjects

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of combined approach of yoga and diet in reducing cardiovascular risk factors among high-risk subjects.

Materials and Methods

This interventional study was conducted at RUHS College of Medical Sciences and Associated Hospitals, Jaipur, on the high-risk population of either sex in the age group of 40-70 years. QRISK3 web calculator was used as the method of measurement for outcome of interest. The combined approach of yoga intervention includes yogic asanas and pranayamas and dietary modification.

Results

This study compared physiological parameters (blood pressure) and biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile) at baseline, three months and six months after yoga and diet intervention in participants who were at high-risk of cardiovascular disease development in future and were found to be having significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (P=0.000), fasting blood glucose (P=0.000), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (P=0.011), total cholesterol-high density lipoprotein ratio (P=0.000), low density lipoprotein (P=0.009), triglyceride (P=0.034), and QRISK3 Score (P=0.000) after combined approach of yoga and diet.

Conclusions

This study concluded that the short-term combined approach of yoga-based life-style intervention and diet reduced cardiovascular risk factors in subjects at high-risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of physical activity on neurodevelopment disorders, depression, and obesity among children and adolescents

Background

No consensus on whether physical activity (PA) is related to physical and mental health among pediatric population remains has been reached to date. To further explore their association, our study assessed the effect of PA on physical and mental health of children and adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (RCTs).

Methods

Several databases(Web of science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central register of controlled trials, CINAHL) were searched from inception to 1st, December 2020 without language restrictions.

Results

38,236 records were identified primitively and 31 included studies with 1,255 participants eventually met our inclusion criteria, all of which exhibited a relatively low-moderate risk of bias of overall quality. In regard to mental health, the administration of PA, compared with the control group, led to moderate improvements in Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)[Standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.50, Confidence interval(CI): -0.87, -0.14)] and depression(SMD = -0.68, CI: -0.98, -0.38) among children and adolescents. Similarly, significant result was observed in obesity (SMD = -0.58, CI: -0.80, -0.36). No significant differences were observed in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (SMD = -0.29, CI: -0.59, 0.01).

Conclusion

Altogether, PA may have a beneficial effect on children and adolescents with ASD, depression and obesity; nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its efficacy in ADHD. More large-scale population based randomized controlled trials are needed to explore more reliable evidence between them.

Psychophysiological Adaptations to Yoga Practice in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Topical Review

Physical activity has been documented as a foundational approach for weight management and obesity, improving several cardiometabolic and mental health indices. However, it is not clear whether yoga practice can induce beneficial improvements in anthropometric and body composition parameters, performance, metabolic health, and well-being among overweight/obese people. The aim of this topical review was to catalog training studies examining the psychophysiological responses to yoga interventions in order to detect which outcomes have been investigated, the research methods applied, and the conclusions. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were met by 22 published articles involving 1178 (56% female) overweight/obese participants. This brief review on yoga-induced adaptations demonstrates that this widely used meditative movement activity can meaningfully improve the vast majority of the selected markers. These beneficial alterations are focused mostly on various anthropometric and body composition variables, cardiovascular disease risk factors, physical fitness parameters, quality of life, and stress in previously inactive overweight/obese individuals. Instead, yoga-based physical exercise interventions investigating anxiety, depression, mood state, exercise enjoyment, affect valence, and adherence were limited. Further research should focus on the yoga intervention configuration and potential mechanisms behind favorable changes in various psychophysiological indices through large-scale, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials implementing long-term interventions in overweight/obese individuals.

Incorporating Yoga into a Pediatric Weight Management Program: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of yoga incorporated into a pediatric weight management program (promoting health in teens; PHIT Yoga) to racially diverse caregivers and youth and to compare this program with a cohort that received a program that did not include yoga (PHIT Kids). Methods: Thirty children with obesity were enrolled in a 12-week pediatric weight management intervention (PHIT Kids, n = 17; PHIT Yoga, n = 13). Weight, BMI z-score (BMIz), BMI percent of the 95th percentile, and health habits assessment were obtained from both cohorts pre- and post intervention. Acceptability was assessed in the yoga cohort. Results: Fifty-four percent of children in the PHIT Yoga cohort and 65% of children in the PHIT Kids cohort attended ≥75% of the intervention sessions. Survey results support that the PHIT Yoga was acceptable to both caregivers and children. Improvements in BMIz were observed in 50% of children in each cohort and both groups improved on five of seven health habits; cohorts overlapped on three habits (breakfast, screen time, and sugar-sweetened drinks). Conclusion: Findings support that yoga classes added to a pediatric weight management program are feasible and acceptable in racially diverse children with severe obesity and their caregivers.

The Effects of Different Exercise Modalities in the Treatment of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Obese Adolescents with Sedentary Behavior-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in adolescents due to unhealthy diet habits, sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activities. This study aims to assess the effects of different exercise modalities in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) in obese adolescents with sedentary behavior.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI and VIP database) from the earliest available date to August 2021. Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 704 participants were included. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and a statistical analysis was performed by the Review Manage 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software.

RESULTS

The results of the meta-analysis showed that exercise could significantly improve obese adolescents' body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.99, 95% CI: -2.81 to -1.17, p < 0.00001), low density liptein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = -0.98, 95% CI: -1.58 to -0.37, p = 0.002), triglyceride (TG) (SMD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.72 to -0.14, p = 0.02), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -1.00, 95% CI: -1.73 to -0.26, p = 0.008), peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) (MD = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.52 to 5.02, p = 0.0003) and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD = -2.07, 95% CI: -3.3 to -0.84, p = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in high-density liptein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: -0.28 to 1.08, p = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

Exercise can effectively improve cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adolescents with sedentary behavior. For obese adolescents who want to lose weight and improve cardiorespiratory fitness, combined aerobic and resistance training and high-intensity interval training are optimal choices. For obese adolescents with high blood lipids, aerobic training can be regarded as a primary exercise modality to reduce the high risk of cardiovascular diseases; For obese adolescents with insulin resistance, combined aerobic and resistance training can be considered to reduce the high risk of diabetes. It is hoped that more high-quality studies will further expand the meta-analysis results and demonstrate the optimal exercise frequency and treatment intensity of cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adolescents with sedentary behavior in the future.

The impacts of exercise on pediatric obesity

Over the last few decades, the rates of pediatric obesity have more than doubled regardless of sociodemographic categorization, and despite these rates plateauing in recent years there continues to be an increase in the severity of obesity in children and adolescents. This review will discuss the pediatric obesity mediated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as attenuated levels of satiety and energy metabolism hormones, insulin resistance, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Additionally, early intervention to combat pediatric obesity is critical as obesity has been suggested to track into adulthood, and these obese children and adolescents are at an increased risk of early mortality. Current suggested strategies to combat pediatric obesity are modifying diet, limiting sedentary behavior, and increasing physical activity. The effects of exercise intervention on metabolic hormones such as leptin and adiponectin, insulin sensitivity/resistance, and body fat in obese children and adolescents will be discussed along with the exercise modality, intensity, and duration. Specifically, this review will focus on the differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined exercise on the cardiovascular risks in pediatric obesity. This review outlines the evidence that exercise intervention is a beneficial therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk factors for CVD and the ideal exercise prescription to combat pediatric obesity should contain both muscle strengthening and aerobic components with an emphasis on fat mass reduction and long-term adherence.

Do Mindfulness Interventions Improve Obesity Rates in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Evidence

Mindfulness interventions have shown promise in improving self-regulation, depression, anxiety, and stress levels across all ages. Obesity rates in children are rising worldwide. It has been postulated that through improvements in self-regulation with mindfulness interventions, obesity rates can be improved in children and adolescents. In this review, we attempt to explain how mindfulness interventions may impact obesity rates and obesity-related complications and give the current state of evidence for the following mindfulness interventions: Mindful Eating, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Yoga, Spirituality, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Mind-Body Physical Activity Interventions and Stress-Related Physiological Markers in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mind–Body Physical Activity (MBPA) in educational settings is one possible preventive strategy for ameliorating stress-related physiological health parameters. The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the literature with meta-analyses on the effects of MBPA on stress-related physiological health markers in primary, secondary, and higher education students. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the search for peer-reviewed articles published in English was conducted in PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Criteria for inclusion consisted of empirical studies targeting the student population (primary, secondary, higher education), studies examining the effectiveness of an MBPA intervention, studies including a control or comparison group (pre-test/post-test studies excluded), studies targeting physiological marker outcomes such as heart rate, blood glucose, cortisol, and blood pressure, and finally, studies examining interventions implemented within educational settings. Twenty-six interventions were eligible for the review and quantitative synthesis, which comprised a total of 1625 participants, with 783 students serving within the control/comparison group. There were statistically significant and large pooled effects for MBPA effectiveness for lowering heart rate (Hedges’ g = −1.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −2.43, −0.98), cortisol (Hedges’ g = −1.32, 95% CI: −2.50, −0.16), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Hedges’ g = −1.04, 95% CI: −1.53, −0.58). These effects tended to be stronger in older students compared to younger students. Most analyses were characterized as having high heterogeneity and only 10 of the 26 studies were characterized as good quality (38.4%). MBPA interventions may have a positive impact on specific physiological health markers in students, especially in students within higher education. However, higher-quality research is needed in this area.

The effects of a 12-week jump rope exercise program on body composition, insulin sensitivity, and academic self-efficacy in obese adolescent girls

Background Childhood obesity is strongly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise interventions have been used for obese children and adolescents to prevent the manifestation of CVD risks, such as hypertension and insulin resistance (IR). Additionally, obesity has been shown to be linked to low self-efficacy in adolescents, which has been shown to negatively impact academic performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week jump rope exercise program on body composition, CVD risk factors, and academic self-efficacy (ASE) in obese adolescent girls with prehypertension. Methods Adolescent girls with prehypertension and obesity (n = 48, age 14-16 years) were randomly assigned to either the jump rope exercise group (EX, n = 24) or the control group (CON, n = 24). Body composition, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (marker of IR), and ASE were assessed before and after 12 weeks of exercise training or control. Results There were significant group × time interactions following the 12-week exercise program for body fat percent, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), blood glucose, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR, which were all significantly reduced (p < 0.05). A significant improvement (p <0.05) was observed in task difficulty preference (TDP) and self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) following exercise training. Additionally, ASE was strongly correlated (r = -0.58) with body composition. Conclusions This study provides evidence that jump rope exercise intervention can be a useful therapeutic treatment to improve CVD risk factors and ASE in obese adolescent girls with prehypertension.

Exercise and adiposity in overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomised trials

OBJECTIVES

Determine both the effects and hierarchy of effectiveness for exercise interventions (aerobic, strength training or both) on selected measures of adiposity (body mass index (BMI) in kg/m², fat mass and per cent body fat) in overweight and obese children and adolescents.

DESIGN

Network meta-analysis of randomised exercise intervention trials.

SETTING

Any setting where a randomised trial could be conducted.

PARTICIPANTS

Overweight and obese male and/or female children and adolescents 2-18 years of age.

INTERVENTIONS

Randomised exercise intervention trials>4 weeks, published between 1 January 1973 and 22 August 2018, and which included direct and/or indirect evidence for aerobic, strength training or combined aerobic and strength training.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

Changes in BMI in kg/m², fat mass and per cent body fat.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven studies representing 127 groups (73 exercise, 54 control) and 2792 participants (1667 exercise, 1125 control) met the criteria for inclusion. Length of training ([Formula: see text] ± SD) averaged 14.1±6.2 weeks, frequency, 3.3±1.1 days per week and duration 42.0±21.0 min per session. Significant and clinically important reductions in BMI, fat mass and per cent body fat were observed in aerobic versus control comparisons (BMI, mean, 95% CI -1.0, 1.4 to -0.6; fat mass -2.1, -3.3 to -1.0 kg; per cent fat -1.5, -2.2 to -0.9%) and combined aerobic and strength versus control comparisons (BMI -0.7, -1.4 to -0.1; fat mass -2.5, -4.1 to -1.0 kg; per cent fat, -2.2, -3.2 to -1.2%). A significant reduction in per cent fat was also found for strength vs control comparisons (-1.3,-2.5 to -0.1%). Combined aerobic and strength training was ranked first for improving both fat mass (kg) and per cent body fat while aerobic exercise was ranked first for improving BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic and combined aerobic and strength training are associated with improvements in adiposity outcomes in overweight and obese children and adolescents.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017073103.

The effects of a 12-week jump rope exercise program on abdominal adiposity, vasoactive substances, inflammation, and vascular function in adolescent girls with prehypertension

INTRODUCTION

Childhood obesity is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. It is necessary to combat unfavorable outcomes of obesity at a young age by utilizing effective interventions, such as exercise.

PURPOSE

We sought to examine the effects of a jump rope exercise program on CVD risk factors, including body composition, vasoactive substances, inflammation, and vascular function in prehypertensive adolescent girls.

METHODS

Forty girls (age 14-16) were recruited and randomly assigned to a jump rope exercise group (EX, n = 20) or control group (CON, n = 20). Body composition, nitrate and nitrite levels, endothelin-1 (ET-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), and arterial stiffness were measured before and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

There were significant group by time interactions following the 12-week program for body composition (from 33.8 ± 3.6 to 30.2 ± 3.1%), central adiposity (from 86.4 ± 4 to 83.3 ± 5 cm), SBP (from 126 ± 3.3 to 120 ± 2.1 mmHg), and brachial-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (from 8.2 ± 1.0 to 7.4 ± 0.2 m/s). Nitrate/nitrite levels increased (from 54.5 ± 5.1 to 57.2 ± 5.2 µmol) along a reduction in CRP levels (from 0.5 ± 0.4 to 0.2 ± 0.1 mg/L). There were no significant changes in ET-1 (P = 0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that jump rope exercise may be an effective intervention to improve these CVD risk factors in prehypertensive adolescent girls. Jumping rope is an easily accessible exercise modality that may have important health implications for CVD prevention in younger populations.

Efficacy of forced right nostril breathing and selected yogasanas on female obese college students

Background

Overweight and obesity are the accumulation of high body adiposity, which can have detrimental health effects and contribute to the developments of numerous non communicable diseases.

Aim

To study the psycho-physiological changes after the practice of forced right nostril breathing and selected yogasanas on obese college students.

Methods

To carry out this study, 32 female subjects aged 18–25 years of age were recruited with informed consent from Priyanka degree college, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The design was a single group pre-post. Height and weight were recorded and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated using standard procedures and equation. The students were given the practice of forced right nostril breathing for 10 min daily four times a day and some selected yogasanas. The assessments were taken before start of intervention and at the last day after 30 days. The intervention was for 6 days per week which consists of forced right nostril breathing and some selected asanas.

Conclusions

The study exhibited that forced right nostril breathing and selected yogasanas reduces the physiological risk factors. These yogic practices are effective to overcome complications arise due to obesity and are helpful to induce positive psychological changes in obese individual.

Combined exercise reduces arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and blood markers for cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Postmenopausal women exhibit elevated brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of combined resistance and aerobic exercise training on baPWV, blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular fitness in postmenopausal women with stage 1 hypertension.

METHODS

Twenty postmenopausal women (age, 75 ± 2 y; systolic BP, 152 ± 2 mm Hg, diastolic BP, 95 ± 3 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to a "no-exercise" (CON, n = 10) or combined exercise (EX, n = 10) group. The EX group performed resistance and aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, 3 times per week. Exercise intensity was increased gradually, from 40% to 70% of heart rate reserve, every 4 weeks. BaPWV, BP, blood nitrite/nitrate, endothelin-1 (ET-1), cardiovascular fitness, and body composition were measured before and after the 12-week intervention.

RESULTS

BP, baPWV (-1.2 ± 0.4 m/s), ET-1 (-2.7 ± 0.3 μmol/mL), nitrite/nitrate (+4.5 ± 0.5 μM), functional capacity, and body composition were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in the EX group after 12 weeks of training, but no changes were observed in the CON group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that 12 weeks of combined exercise training improves arterial stiffness, BP, ET-1, blood nitrite/nitrate, functional capacity, and body composition in postmenopausal women with stage 1 hypertension. Thus, this study provides evidence that combined exercise training is a useful therapeutic method to improve cardiovascular health which can reduce cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women with hypertension.

Routine Yoga Practice Impacts Whole Body Protein Utilization in Healthy Women

Whole body protein utilization (WBPU), which includes flux (Q), protein synthesis (PS), protein breakdown (PB), and whole body protein balance (WBPB), provides insight regarding muscle mass, a criterion for sarcopenia. To characterize yoga's impact on WBPU, body composition and functional measures in healthy (50-65 years) women. WBPU and functional measures were compared between women who routinely practiced yoga (YOGA; n = 7) and nonactive counterparts (CON; n = 8). Q (0.61 ± 0.06 vs. 0.78 ± 0.07, p = .04), PS (3.07 ± 0.37 vs. 4.17 ± 0.40, p = .03), PB (2.59 ± 0.48 vs. 3.80 ± 0.48, p = .05) were lower, and lean body mass higher (64 ± 1 vs. 58 ± 2%, p ≤ .01) for YOGA vs. CON, respectively. WBPB and functional measures were similar. Routine yoga practice influenced WBPU in healthy older women. Study findings are novel and provide a basis for future investigations evaluating long-term benefits of yoga as an alternative mode of exercise for maintaining muscle mass in support of active aging.

Combined exercise training reduces blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and insulin resistance in obese prehypertensive adolescent girls

Childhood obesity is strongly linked to pathological processes for cardiovascular diseases in later adulthood. Obese adolescent girls with high blood pressure (BP) are reported to have increased arterial stiffness, which is associated with the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis. The present study sought to examine the impact of combined resistance and aerobic exercise (CRAE) training on BP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), insulin resistance (IR), and body composition in obese prehypertensive girls. Forty girls (age, 15 ± 1 years; systolic BP, 132 ± 2 mmHg, diastolic BP, 80 ± 5 mmHg) were randomly assigned to either a combined exercise (EX, n = 20) or no exercise group (CON, n = 20). The EX group performed CRAE for 12 weeks, 3 times per week. BP, baPWV, blood nitrite/nitrate, endothelin-1 (ET-1), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body composition were measured before and after the exercise intervention. BP (∆-7.3 ± 2.67 mmHg), baPWV (∆-1.23 ± 0.49 m/s), ET-1 (∆-14.35 ± 1.76 μmol/mL), nitrite/nitrate (∆0.5 ± 0.09 μM), HOMA-IR (∆-1.4 ± 0.07), percent body fat (∆-1.35 ± 0.9%), and waist circumference were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in the EX group after 12 weeks of training versus the CON group. These findings indicate that 12 weeks of CRAE improves BP, HOMA-IR, and arterial stiffness and reduces central adiposity in obese adolescent girls with prehypertension. Thus, this study provides evidence that CRAE can be a useful therapeutic treatment for high BP, IR, and central adiposity, thereby reducing the likelihood of pathological development for cardiovascular diseases in later adulthood.

Energy metabolism and whole-exome sequencing-based analysis of Sasang constitution: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Traditional Korean Sasang constitutional (SC) medicine categorizes individuals into four constitutional types [Tae-eum (TE), So-eum (SE), Tae-yang (TY), or So-yang (SY)] based on biological and physiological characteristics. As these characteristics are closely related to the bioenergetics of the human body, we assessed the correlation between SC type and energy metabolism features.

METHODS

Forty healthy, young (22.3 ± 1.4 years) males volunteered to participate in this study. Participants answered an SC questionnaire, and their face shape, voice tone, and body shape were assessed using an SC analysis tool. Thirty-one participants (10 TE, 10 SE, 3 TY, and 8 SY) were selected for further analysis. Collected blood samples were subjected to blood composition analysis, mitochondrial function analysis, and whole-exome sequencing.

RESULTS

The SY type showed significantly lower total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the SE type. Cellular and mitochondrial Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were similar across types. All types showed similar basal mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, whereas the TE type showed a significantly lower ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate than the other types. Whole-exome sequencing identified several genes variants that were exclusively detected in particular SC types, including 19 for SE, seven for SY, 11 for TE, and six for TY.

CONCLUSION

SC type-specific differences in mitochondrial function and gene mutations were detected in a small group of healthy, young Korean males. These results are expected to greatly improve the accurate screening and utilization of SC medicine.

Yoga Practice for Reducing the Male Obesity and Weight Related Psychological Difficulties-A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a health disorder and increasing all over the world. It is also a cause for many non-communicable diseases. Yoga practice reduces the stress level which may improve the eating habits and help in weight reduction.

AIM

To assess the final outcome of the effects after 3 months of the 14 weeks yoga training on obesity of adult male in an urban setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with parallel groups (Yoga and Control groups) on male obese. Total 80 subjects with Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 to 35 kg/cm² were enrolled and randomized into two equal groups in which 72 subjects (yoga n = 37 and control n=35) completed the trial. Yoga group mean age ± SD was 40.03±8.74 and Control group mean age±SD was 42.20±12.06. A 14 weeks special IAYT (Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy) yoga training was given to the Yoga group and no specific activity was given to Control group. The interim results of this study at 14 weeks were covered in another article which is under process. After the 14 weeks of yoga training the Yoga group was asked to continue the yoga practice for the next 3 months and the Control group was not given any physical activity. The final outcome is covered in this paper. The assessments were anthropometric parameters of body weight (Wt), BMI (Body Mass Index), MAC (Mid-upper Arm Circumferences of left and right arm), WC (Waist Circumference), HC (Hip Circumference), WHR (Waist Hip Ratio), SKF (Skin Fold Thickness) of biceps, triceps, sub scapular, suprailiac and cumulative skin fold thickness value), Percentage body fat based on SKF and Psychological questionnaires of PSS (Perceived Stress Scale) and AAQW (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight related difficulty). Assessments were taken after 3 months of yoga training, for both Yoga and Control groups. Within group, between group and correlation analyses were carried out using SPSS 21.

RESULTS

Improvement in anthropometric and psychological parameters such as Wt, Percentage body fat, PSS were observed in the final outcome. Also, some of the improvements such as AAQW score were lost in the final outcome, compared to interim results.

CONCLUSION

The yoga practice is effective for obesity control for adult male in an urban setting.

Associations between yoga/meditation use, body satisfaction, and weight management methods: Results of a national cross-sectional survey of 8009 Australian women

OBJECTIVES

To analyze whether yoga or meditation use is associated with body (dis)satisfaction and weight control methods in Australian women.

METHODS

Women ages 34 to 39 y from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were surveyed regarding body satisfaction, weight control behaviors, and yoga and meditation practice. Associations of body satisfaction and weight control methods with yoga/meditation practice were analyzed using chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

Of the 8009 women, 49% were overweight or obese. Sixty-five percent of women with normal body mass index (BMI) and approximately 95% of women with overweight/obesity wanted to lose weight. At least one in four women with normal BMI was dissatisfied with body weight and shape, as were more than two in three women with overweight/obesity. The most common weight control methods included exercising (82.7%), cutting down meal sizes (76.8%), and cutting down sugars or fats (71.9%). Yoga/meditation was practiced frequently by 688 women (8.6%) and occasionally by 1176 women (14.7%). Yoga/meditation users with normal BMI were less likely dissatisfied with body weight and shape. All yoga/meditation users more likely exercised and followed a low glycemic diet or diet books; and women with obesity occasionally using yoga/meditation also more likely used fasting or smoking to lose weight.

CONCLUSION

Yoga/meditation users with normal BMI appear to be more satisfied with their body weight and shape than non-yoga/meditation users. While women with normal BMI or overweight tend to rely on healthy weight control methods, women with obesity occasional using yoga/meditation may more likely utilize unhealthy weight control methods.

SECTION ON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE. Mind-Body Therapies in Children and Youth

Mind-body therapies are popular and are ranked among the top 10 complementary and integrative medicine practices reportedly used by adults and children in the 2007-2012 National Health Interview Survey. A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of mind-body therapies in pediatrics. This clinical report outlines popular mind-body therapies for children and youth and examines the best-available evidence for a variety of mind-body therapies and practices, including biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, meditation, and yoga. The report is intended to help health care professionals guide their patients to nonpharmacologic approaches to improve concentration, help decrease pain, control discomfort, or ease anxiety.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of yoga on weight-related outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Overweight and obesity are among the most important modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases and premature death. The aim of this review was to systematically assess and analyze the effects of yoga on weight-related outcomes.

METHODS

Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were screened through March 2015 for randomized controlled trials on yoga for weight-related outcomes in the general population or overweight/obese individuals. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool on the following domains: selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other bias.

RESULTS

Out of 445 records identified during literature search, 30 trials with a total of 2173 participants were included. No effects on weight, body mass index, body fat percentage or waist circumference were found. In studies with healthy adult participants an effect of yoga compared to usual care was found regarding waist/hip ratio (SMD=--1.00; 95% CI=--1.44, -0.55; p<0.001). In studies with overweight/obese participants only, effects relative to usual care were found for body mass index (SMD=-0.99; 95% CI=-1.67, -0.31; p=0.004). Effects however were not robust against selection bias; and publication bias could not be ruled out. No intervention-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite methodological drawbacks, yoga can be preliminarily considered a safe and effective intervention to reduce body mass index in overweight or obese individuals.

Increased BMR in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes may result from an increased fat-free mass

The study aimed to determine the relationships between the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body composition of overweight and obese Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This cross-sectional clinical study enrolled 193 Chinese adults with type 2 DM who were overweight (24 kg/m(2)=BMI≤28 kg/m(2), n=99), or obese (BMI ≥28 kg/m(2), n=94). Ninety-seven adults with normal BMIs, including 50 DM patients and 47 healthy adults, were recruited as a control group. BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry; predicted BMR was calculated according to the Schofield equation; and the relationships between BMR, body composition, and biochemical results were determined by the Pearson correlation. The results showed that obese DM patients had significantly higher BMRs than both overweight patients (P<0.05) and patients with normal BMI did (P<0.05). The measured BMR was significantly lower than the predicted BMR (P<0.05) in all groups. Obese and overweight DM patients had significantly greater weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, body surface area, body fat percentage, fat mass, and fat-free mass than patients with normal BMI. Except for waist circumference, these body composition measurements were significantly increased in obese DM patients when compared with those in overweight DM patients (P<0.05). Fat-free mass was closely correlated with BMR in both DM patients (r=0.874, P<0.01) and in healthy controls (r=0.902, P<0.01). It was concluded that overweight and obese Chinese adults with type 2 DM had increased BMRs compared with normal-weight controls, which may result from the difference in fat-free mass.

Effects of 1-year yoga on cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, which is associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions applied to people with MetS has considerable beneficial effects on disease preventive outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effects of 1-year of yoga exercise on the cardiovascular risk factors including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in middle-aged and older Hong Kong Chinese adults with MetS.

METHODS

Adults diagnosed with MetS using National Cholesterol Education Program criteria (n = 182; mean ± SD age = 56 ± 9.1) were randomly assigned to a 1-year yoga intervention group or control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were examined at baseline, midway, and on completion of the study. Physical activity level and caloric intake were assessed and included in the covariate analyses.

RESULTS

A reduction of the number of diagnostic components for MetS was found to be associated with the yoga intervention. Waist circumference was significantly improved after the 1-year yoga intervention. A trend towards a decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed following yoga intervention.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that yoga exercise improves the cardiovascular risk factors including central obesity and blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults with MetS. These findings support the complementary beneficial role of yoga in managing MetS.

Ursolic Acid-induced elevation of serum irisin augments muscle strength during resistance training in men

Ursolic acid (UA), a type of pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid purified from natural plants, can promote skeletal muscle development. We measured the effect of resistance training (RT) with/without UA on skeletal muscle development and related factors in men. Sixteen healthy male participants (age, 29.37±5.14 years; body mass index=27.13±2.16 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to RT (n=7) or RT with UA (RT+UA, n=9) groups. Both groups completed 8 weeks of intervention consisting of 5 sets of 26 exercises, with 10~15 repetitions at 60~80% of 1 repetition maximum and a 60~90-s rest interval between sets, performed 6 times/week. UA or placebo was orally ingested as 1 capsule 3 times/day for 8 weeks. The following factors were measured pre-and post-intervention: body composition, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), irisin, and skeletal muscle strength. Body fat percentage was significantly decreased (p<0.001) in the RT+UA group, despite body weight, body mass index, lean body mass, glucose, and insulin levels remaining unchanged. IGF-1 and irisin were significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the RT+UA group (p<0.05). Maximal right and left extension (p<0.01), right flexion (p<0.05), and left flexion (p<0.001) were significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the RT+UA group. These findings suggest that UA-induced elevation of serum irisin may be useful as an agent for the enhancement of skeletal muscle strength during RT.

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.

A yoga intervention for type 2 diabetes risk reduction: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem in many countries including India. Yoga may be an effective type 2 diabetes prevention strategy in India, particularly given its cultural familiarity.

METHODS

This was a parallel, randomized controlled pilot study to collect feasibility and preliminary efficacy data on yoga for diabetes risk factors among people at high risk of diabetes. Primary outcomes included: changes in BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and cholesterol. We also looked at measures of psychological well-being including changes in depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect and perceived stress. Forty-one participants with elevated fasting blood glucose in Bangalore, India were randomized to either yoga (n = 21) or a walking control (n = 20). Participants were asked to either attend yoga classes or complete monitored walking 3-6 days per week for eight weeks. Randomization and allocation was performed using computer-generated random numbers and group assignments delivered in sealed, opaque envelopes generated by off-site study staff. Data were analyzed based on intention to treat.

RESULTS

This study was feasible in terms of recruitment, retention and adherence. In addition, yoga participants had significantly greater reductions in weight, waist circumference and BMI versus control (weight -0.8 ± 2.1 vs. 1.4 ± 3.6, p = 0.02; waist circumference -4.2 ± 4.8 vs. 0.7 ± 4.2, p < 0.01; BMI -0.2 ± 0.8 vs. 0.6 ± 1.6, p = 0.05). There were no between group differences in fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, insulin resistance or any other factors related to diabetes risk or psychological well-being. There were significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, anxiety, depression, negative affect and perceived stress in both the yoga intervention and walking control over the course of the study.

CONCLUSION

Among Indians with elevated fasting blood glucose, we found that participation in an 8-week yoga intervention was feasible and resulted in greater weight loss and reduction in waist circumference when compared to a walking control. Yoga offers a promising lifestyle intervention for decreasing weight-related type 2 diabetes risk factors and potentially increasing psychological well-being.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identified NCT00090506.

Obesity-related inflammation & cardiovascular disease: efficacy of a yoga-based lifestyle intervention

Obesity is a global health burden and its prevalence is increasing substantially due to changing lifestyle. Chronic adiposity is associated with metabolic imbalance leading to dyslipidaemia, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ releasing several adipocytokines, and is associated with increased levels of tissue and circulating inflammatory biomolecules causing vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. Further, inflammation is also associated independently with obesity as well as CVD. Keeping this in view, it is possible that a reduction in weight may lead to a decrease in inflammation, resulting in CVD risk reduction, and better management of patients with CVD. Lifestyle intervention has been endorsed by several health authorities in prevention and management of chronic diseases. A yoga-based lifestyle intervention appears to be a promising option in reducing the risk for CVD as well as management of patients with CVD as it is simple to follow and cost-effective with high compliance. The efficacy of such lifestyle intervention programmes is multifaceted, and is achieved via reduction in weight, obesity-related inflammation and stress, thereby culminating into risk reduction towards several chronic diseases including CVD. In this review, the association between obesity-related inflammation and CVD, and the role of yoga-based lifestyle intervention in prevention and management of CVD are discussed.

A comparative controlled trial comparing the effects of yoga and walking for overweight and obese adults

Background

Walking and yoga have been independently evaluated for weight control; however, there are very few studies comparing the 2 with randomization.

Material/Methods

The present study compared the effects of 90 minutes/day for 15 days of supervised yoga or supervised walking on: (i) related biochemistry, (ii) anthropometric variables, (iii) body composition, (iv) postural stability, and (v) bilateral hand grip strength in overweight and obese persons. Sixty-eight participants, of whom 5 were overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and 63 were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²; group mean age ±S.D., 36.4±11.2 years; 35 females), were randomized as 2 groups – (i) a yoga group and (ii) a walking group – given the same diet.

Results

All differences were pre-post changes within each group. Both groups showed a significant (p<0.05; repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc analyses) decrease in: BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, lean mass, body water, and total cholesterol. The yoga group increased serum leptin (p<0.01) and decreased LDL cholesterol (p<0.05). The walking group decreased serum adiponectin (p<0.05) and triglycerides (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Both yoga and walking improved anthropometric variables and serum lipid profile in overweight and obese persons. The possible implications are discussed.

Oxygen Consumption Changes With Yoga Practices

Oxygen consumption varies with physical and mental activity as well as pathological conditions. Although there is a strong relationship between yoga and metabolic parameters, the relationship between yoga and oxygen consumption has not yet been formally reviewed. This systematic review attempted to include all studies of yoga that also measured oxygen consumption or metabolic rate as an outcome. A total of 58 studies were located involving between 1 and 104 subjects (average 21). The studies were generally of poor methodological quality and demonstrated great heterogeneity with different experimental designs, yoga practices, time periods, and small sample sizes. Studies report yoga practices to have profound metabolic effects producing both increase and decrease in oxygen consumption, ranging from 383% increase with cobra pose to 40% decrease with meditation. Compared to nonpractitioners, basal oxygen consumption is reported to be up to 15% less in regular yoga practitioners, and regular yoga practice is reported to have a training effect with oxygen consumption during submaximal exercise decreasing by 36% after 3 months. Yoga breathing practices emphasize breathing patterns and retention ratios as well as unilateral nostril breathing, and these factors appear critical in influencing oxygen consumption. A number of studies report extraordinary volitional control over metabolism in advanced yoga practitioners who appear to be able to survive extended periods in airtight pits and to exceed the limits of normal human endurance. More rigorous research with standardized practices is required to determine the mechanisms of yoga’s metabolic effects and the relevance of yoga practices in different clinical populations.

Yoga in the Management of Overweight and Obesity

Although yoga may help manage conditions comorbid with overweight and obesity, such as low back pain, whether yoga helps with weight loss or maintenance beyond that which can be achieved with diet and exercise remains unclear. A search of multiple databases through September 2012 was undertaken identifying peer-reviewed studies on yoga, meditation, mindfulness, obesity, and overweight. Studies on yoga and weight loss are challenged by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of control groups. In addition, there is little consistency in terms of duration of formal group yoga practice sessions, duration of informal practices at home, and frequency of both. Studies do however suggest that yoga may be associated with weight loss or maintenance. Mechanisms by which yoga may assist with weight loss or maintenance include the following: (a) energy expenditure during yoga sessions; (b) allowing for additional exercise outside yoga sessions by reducing back and joint pain; (c) heightening mindfulness, improving mood, and reducing stress, which may help reduce food intake; and (d) allowing individuals to feel more connected to their bodies, leading to enhanced awareness of satiety and the discomfort of overeating. Thus, yoga appears promising as a way to assist with behavioral change, weight loss, and maintenance.