Yoga

Postpartum Depression is Improved With Virtual Reality Mindfulness and Yoga Training

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Fig. 1

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety in the post COVID era” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11973155/  ) Liu and colleagues examined the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) enhanced mindfulness meditation and yoga training in comparison to traditional training and a no-training control on the symptoms of postpartum depression. They report that the VR enhanced training produced greater decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress and increases in cognitive control than the traditional training or no-treatment controls.

 

Improve postpartum depression symptoms with virtual reality mindfulness and yoga training.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu N, Deng J, Lu F, Xiao J. Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety in the post COVID era. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):11766. Published 2025 Apr 6. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-96165-6

Abstract

The postpartum period has witnessed increasing rates of depression and anxiety, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with these conditions often co-occurring and being exacerbated by the lingering effects of long COVID. Traditional interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and yoga, have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms. However, the limitations of in-person sessions, especially in the context of pandemic-related restrictions, highlight the need for accessible, innovative approaches. Integrating Virtual Reality (VR) technology with these traditional practices presents a novel solution, offering immersive, customizable environments that may enhance engagement and therapeutic outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a VR-enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention in treating postpartum depression and anxiety in women affected by long COVID, with additional examination of underlying physiological stress markers and cognitive control mechanisms. In this randomized controlled trial, 111 postpartum women were randomly assigned to experimental (VR-enhanced intervention), control (traditional in-person sessions), or blank groups using computer-generated randomization. The 8-week intervention involved thrice-weekly 60-minute sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, salivary cortisol measurements, and an emotional Stroop task. The VR-enhanced intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in both depression (EPDS: P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.18) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7: P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.17), with these therapeutic effects significantly greater than those observed in the control and blank groups (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). These improvements were strongly correlated (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). Supporting these primary outcomes, salivary cortisol levels showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.13), and cognitive control improved as evidenced by reduced emotional Stroop task conflict effect (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.37). Correlation analysis revealed robust associations between improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms and changes in physiological markers in both short-term and long-term outcomes. This study demonstrates that integrating VR technology with traditional mindfulness and yoga practices effectively reduces both postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms in the post-COVID era. The parallel improvements in physiological stress markers and cognitive control provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects. These findings underscore the value of immersive technology in enhancing traditional therapeutic approaches for addressing postpartum depression and anxiety in the post-pandemic context.

 

Yoga Meditation Improves Mental Health in Female College Students

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Why should college students go for Yoga & Meditation? - Blog | Graphic Era

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11931514/ ) Liu and colleagues studied the effects of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students. They report that yoga meditation improved the women’s mental health including significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress and increased emotional regulation and self-awareness.

 

Improve mental health with yoga meditation.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Liu L, Liu C, Tang L, Wang X, Feng Q. From contemplation to serenity: how yoga meditation improves the mental health of female college students?. Front Psychol. 2025;16:1545943. Published 2025 Mar 10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1545943

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of yoga meditation on the mental health of female college students, focusing on how meditation improves emotional regulation, alleviates stress and strengthens psychological resilience.

Methods

Employing a combination of quantitative assessment and qualitative analysis, the study measured participants’ emotional states, stress levels, and psychological resilience across multiple time points to track participants’ mental health changes dynamically. In-depth interviews and analysis of meditation journals were also conducted.

Results

Yoga meditation significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and perceived stress while enhancing emotional regulation and self-awareness. Meditation positively influenced neuroplasticity, inducing beneficial changes in brain regions associated with emotional control and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, improved autonomic nervous system function was observed, with increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic response. Meditation strengthened psychological resilience in female college students, improved stress-coping strategies, and sustained positive mental health benefits even after the intervention.

Conclusion

Yoga meditation is an effective mental health intervention, bolstering emotional regulation and reducing stress among female college students. Integrating yoga meditation into campus mental health programs is recommended to provide students with greater practice opportunities and personalized guidance.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms are Improved by Meditation or Yoga

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Parkinson's Disease | Contemplative Studies

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Effects of Meditation and Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Inflammation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11965853/ ) Kwok and colleagues studied the effects of meditation and yoga practice on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. They found that these practices significantly relieved a wide variety of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, inflammation, movement problems, and improved quality of life.

 

Meditation and yoga relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Jojo Yan Yan Kwok, Lily Man Lee Chan, Charis Ann Lai, Philip Wing Lok Ho, Zoe Yuen-kiu Choi, Man Auyeung, Shirley Yin Yu Pang, Edmond Pui Hang Choi, Daniel Yee Tak Fong, Doris Sau Fung Yu, Chia-chin Lin, Richard Walker, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Rainbow Tin Hung Ho. Effects of Meditation and Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Inflammation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Psychother Psychosom. 2025 Feb 28;94(2):101–118.

Abstract

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend a holistic approach to Parkinson’s disease (PD) care, yet randomized trials examining mindfulness-based interventions in this context are scarce. This study investigated the effects of two mindfulness practices – meditation and yoga – on biopsychosocial outcomes in PD patients, including anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, motor/nonmotor symptoms, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL), mindfulness, and stress and inflammation biomarkers, compared to usual care.

Methods

159 participants with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD and a Hoehn and Yahr stage of 1, 2, and 3, were randomized into meditation (n = 53), yoga (n = 52), and control (n = 54). Meditation and yoga were delivered in 90-min groups for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included motor and nonmotor symptoms, HRQOL, mindfulness, and serum levels of interleukin-6, cortisol and TNF-alpha. Assessments were done at baseline (T0), 2 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Linear mixed models were conducted following intention-to-treat principle.

Results

Compared to control, both meditation, and yoga groups had significant improvements in anxiety symptoms (meditation: mean difference [MD] = −1.36, 95% CI: −2.46 to−0.26; yoga: MD = −1.61, CI: −2.70 to −0.52), motor symptoms (meditation: MD = −5.35, CI: −8.61 to−2.09; yoga: MD = −6.59, CI: −9.82 to−3.36), HRQOL (meditation: MD = −2.01, CI: −3.41 to−0.62; yoga: MD = −1.45, CI: −2.83 to−0.08), and describing skills (meditation: MD = 0.97, CI: 0.04–1.89; yoga: MD = 0.92, CI: 0.01–1.84) at T1, and significant reductions in serum interleukin-6 levels (meditation: MD = −1.14, CI: −2.18 to−0.10; yoga: MD = −1.11, CI: −2.09 to−0.13) at T2. Only meditation significantly reduced depression (MD = −1.44, CI: −2.57 to−0.30) at T1 and sustained the motor and HRQOL improvements at T2.

Conclusion

Meditation and yoga significantly improved anxiety symptoms, chronic inflammation, motor symptoms, mindfulness-describing facet, and HRQOL in PD patients. Meditation provided additional benefits in reducing depressive symptoms and sustaining motor and HRQOL improvements.

 

Yoga is Associated with Lower Rates of Multimorbidity in Adults over 45

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Flexibility exercises, like yoga, can help maintain mobility as you age.

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Association between yoga and multimorbidity: a nationwide study of 279,885 middle-aged and older adults” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11884150/ ) Wang and colleagues examined practice of yoga and the likelihood of adults over 45 years of age having multiple diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. They found that the higher the duration and frequency of yoga practice the less the likelihood that the adult will have multiple diseases simultaneously.

 

Yoga practice is associated with lower risk of multimorbidity in older adults.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Wang K, Wang P, Li Y, Wang C, Veldheer S, Wang F, Na M, Sun L, Gao X. Association between yoga and multimorbidity: a nationwide study of 279,885 middle-aged and older adults. BMC Public Health. 2025 Mar 6;25(1):888. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22035-5. PMID: 40050815; PMCID: PMC11884150.

Abstract

Background

The health benefits of exercise have been well-established, but the specific role of yoga in multimorbidity was less understood. This study aimed to examine the association between yoga and multimorbidity in comparison with other exercises or non-exercise.

Methods

This cross-sectional study pooled nationally representative surveys from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2015, 2017, and 2019), and classified 279,885 participants aged 45 + years as yoga practitioners, other exercisers, and non-exercisers. Multinominal and binary logistic regressions were separately used for association of yoga with multimorbidity (coexistence of ≥ 2 conditions) and individual chronic conditions. Potential effect modification by age, sex, education level, and race/ethnicity was examined. We further assessed the dose-response association of duration and frequency of yoga practice with multimorbidity.

Results

The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for yoga practitioners (n = 5081) vs. other exercisers (n = 192,718) were 0.69 (95% CI 0.55–0.86) for coexistence of two conditions, and 0.72 (95%CI 0.58–0.89) for coexistence of ≥ 3 conditions. The associations were stronger (ORs ranged from 0.43 to 0.52; P < 0.0001 for all) when comparing yoga practitioners with non-exercisers (n = 82,086), which were more pronounced in women relative to men (P-interaction < 0.05). Increased duration or frequency of yoga practice was associated with lower odds of multimorbidity in a dose-response manner (P for trend<0.0001 for all). Similar inverse associations were observed between yoga and individual chronic conditions.

Conclusion

Yoga was associated with lower odds of multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults, relative to other exercises or non-exercise.

 

Yoga improves physiological and psychological states

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Yoga for Exercise - The Nutrition Source

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11884082/ ) Campelo and colleagues review and summarize the effects of long-term yoga practice on the physiological and psychological states of yoga practitioners. They report that yoga practice produces long-term changes in brain systems underlying sensorimotor, interoceptive, emotion regulation, and executive functions and in the periphery increases in parasympathetic-driven autonomic, hormonal and immune responses. Yoga practice also reduces negative emotions, psychopathology, and emotional reactivity as well as improved memory and cognition.

 

Long-term yoga practice positively alters the physiological and psychological state of the practitioners.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Campelo G, de Araújo JR, Aristizabal JP, de Souza W, de Castilho GM. Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Mar 6;25(1):92. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04825-x. PMID: 40050913; PMCID: PMC11884082.

 

Abstract

Background

Compared with short-term practices, long-term yoga might promote differential qualitative and quantitative outcomes. Following JBI’s and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review followed an apriori and systematic protocol to document the long-term effects of yoga on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes, provide evidence maps for each yoga component, and summarize results identifying knowledge gaps and promising directions.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, and PubPsych) were last searched in March 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated adults with > 1 year of practice, specified yoga-based practice(s) of interest, measured neural, cognitive, psychological, and/or physiological outcomes, were written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, presented original data, and mentioned search terms in the title/abstract. Evidence maps for each yoga component followed a 4-level structure of outcome category, method, study design and literature size. Qualitative summaries followed the same structure, to facilitate information retrieval.

Results

Out of 2270 screened studies, 65 were included (meditative studies = 36, predominantly postural studies = 25, breathing practice studies = 8). Physiologicaland neural outcomes were the most common, followed by psychological and cognitive outcomes. Although heterogeneous, neural results reveal structural and functional changes related to sensorimotor, interoceptive, emotion regulation, and executive functions. Physiologically, most studies have associated long-term practice with parasympathetic-driven autonomic, hormonal and immune responses, but some studies revealed sympathetic-driven or mixed responses, maybe due to the specific technique or individual differences. Psychological outcomes included lower levels of negative affect, psychopathological symptoms, and emotional reactivity. Cognitive measures have shown improved memory/cognition for older adults, but mixed or null effects for other constructs. Commonly, however, long-term practitioners demonstrated improved neural or physiological efficiency while performing cognitive tasks.

Conclusions

Future research should provide clear descriptions of the investigated yoga practice, employ more experimental paradigms, and refine statistical reports and models. We encourage researchers to work with specific overarching theoretical frameworks to refine research predictions, such as the neurovisceral integration model or predictive coding models; to consider motivational, cultural, and contextual factors that might influence long-term outcomes; and to develop systematic reviews and meta-analyses as next steps of evidence summary.

 

Yoga Reduces Inflammation in Breast Cancer Patients

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer Yoga Series Part 1By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Yoga Intervention and Inflammatory Homoeostasis in Breast Cancer Patients” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11866663/ ) Kaje and colleagues provided a 3-days yoga intervention to patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. They found that the yoga practice reduced the levels of inflammatory markers in the patients.

 

Yoga decreased inflammation in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Kaje KC, Dsilva F, Shetty PK, Mohan R, Kumar S, Dsouza N, D’souza C, Kalladka SS, Alagundagi DB, Kalladka K. Yoga Intervention and Inflammatory Homoeostasis in Breast Cancer Patients. Indian J Palliat Care. 2025 Jan-Mar;31(1):1–7. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_181_2024. Epub 2025 Feb 15. PMCID: PMC11866663.

Abstract

Objectives:

Yoga, renowned for its ability to maintain physical, mental and spiritual well-being, has recently gained prominence as a supportive therapy during conventional breast cancer (BC) treatment. This paradigm shift reflects a growing trend of people embracing yoga to enhance their overall health and aid in managing BC. The objective of this study was to determine the yoga intervention and inflammatory homoeostasis in newly diagnosed BC patients.

Materials and Method:

This study recruited 44 newly diagnosed BC patients at stages II, III and IV (without distant metastasis or other inflammatory diseases), all admitted for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. A prospective non-randomised control design was employed. Baseline assessments were conducted before the first chemotherapy cycle, with follow-ups before the 2nd and 3rd chemotherapy cycles, before surgery, and 2 months post-surgery. The outcome was compared with the control group.

Results:

The study showed significant within-subject effects in the yoga intervention group on serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1-beta and IL-6 levels, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Although between groups did not show statistically significant, the mean values indicated a consistent downregulation of proinflammatory markers over time in the yoga group.

Conclusion:

Incorporating yoga as a complementary therapy alongside conventional BC treatment significantly improved the health outcomes of BC patients by modulating proinflammatory markers.

 

Online Yoga Improves the Psychological Health of Cancer Patients

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The pros and cons of online yoga - Ekhart Yoga

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11817149/ ) Gatti and colleagues reviewed and summarized the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga practice presented online to alleviate the psychological sequala of a cancer diagnosis. They report that online yoga significantly increases sleep quality and quality of life and reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients with a diagnosis of cancer.

 

Yoga practice improves the psychological health of cancer patients.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Gatti F, Perego G, Milano F, Calleri G, Giurioli B, Di Mattei VE. The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jan 23;13(3):225. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13030225. PMID: 39942415; PMCID: PMC11817149.

 

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with 9.7 million deaths in 2022. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, many cancer patients experience side effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cancer-related fatigue. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, have gained attention for their potential to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, barriers such as fatigue, pain, and transportation issues limit access to in-person yoga, leading to the growing adoption of online yoga as a viable alternative. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes research on the effectiveness of online yoga for cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases on 24 October 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the CASP Checklist. Of 6266 articles initially identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising qualitative (n = 4) and quantitative (n = 10) studies. Results: The results suggest that online yoga can improve stress and sleep quality, with moderate effects on anxiety, depression, and fatigue. However, variability in study designs and methodological limitations complicate the evaluation of its overall effectiveness. Conclusions: Online yoga offers a practical, accessible option for cancer patients unable to attend in-person sessions, showing the potential to enhance mental and physical health outcomes. Nevertheless, the variability in study methodologies highlights the need for more standardized research to establish its role as a supportive intervention in oncology care.

 

Yoga Lessens Depression in Pregnant Women

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Yoga in pregnancy: Many poses are safer than once thought - Harvard Health

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “. Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in women with pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11758411/ ) Punsuwun and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on the effectiveness of yoga practice on the mood of pregnant women. They found that the research reports that yoga practice significantly reduces depression in pregnant women.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Punsuwun S, Oerther S, Reangsing C. Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms in women with pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2025 Jan 3;11(1):e41664. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41664. PMID: 39866491; PMCID: PMC11758411.

Abstract

Background

While electroconvulsive therapy and antidepressants are standard treatments for depressed pregnant women, they are not without threats. The objective of this study was to quantitative synthesis of the literature regarding the effect of yoga interventions on depressive symptoms in pregnant women.

Methods

Nine electronic databases were searched for primary studies with pregnant women with depression measured as outcomes and written in English. Based on the random-effects model, we used Hedges’ g to compute the effect size and examined the subgroup analysis.

Results

We found twelve primary studies which included 738 participants who were 28.43 ± 1.92 years old across studies. The overall effect size using random-effects model was g = 1.120 (95%CI .52, 1.72, p < .001). Providing yoga to pregnant women with mood disorder had a lesser effect size (g = .10) than providing yoga to pregnant women without a mood disorder (g = 1.45). Funded studies had a lesser ES (g = .51) than those with unfunded (g = 1.98). Proving yoga in Eastern countries had a greater ES (g = 1.82) than providing yoga in Western (g = .40). No quality indicators showed moderator effects.

Conclusion

When compared to controls, pregnant women who practiced yoga reported significantly improved depressive symptoms. Yoga might be an alternative complementary therapy that clinicians and other healthcare professionals might think about utilizing to help pregnant women who are depressed.

 

Improve Alzheimer’s Patients Quality of Life with Yoga

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FAU | Online Chair Yoga Viable for Isolated Older Adults with Dementia

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Impact of Yoga in Transformation of Quality of Life of Alzheimer’s disease cases” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11712740/pdf/ALZ-20-e095088.pdf )  Kaushik and colleagues found that a 12-week yoga practice significantly improved the quality of life and cognitive function while reducing depression in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease patients.

 

Yoga practice improves the lives of Alzheimer’s Disease patients.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

Kaushik M. Impact of Yoga in Transformation of Quality of Life of Alzheimer’s disease cases. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Jan 9;20(Suppl 8):e095088. doi: 10.1002/alz.095088. PMCID: PMC11712740.

 

Abstract

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) constitutes a formidable challenge, profoundly affecting the fabric of individuals’ lives and intricately entwined with disturbances in their quality of life. This study embarks on a mission to unravel the transformative potential of a carefully crafted 12‐week yoga intervention, specifically tailored to address the multifaceted dimensions of quality of life. Our aim is to unravel the impact of a yoga intervention on their overall quality of life with AD and mild cognitively impairment subjects.

Method

A case control yoga interventional study was conducted on 30 subjects (male‐18 and female‐12) were enrolled from the department of neurology and neurocognitive assessments were done in department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. All the participants, aged >60 years were recruited. The 12‐week yoga intervention entailed daily hour‐long sessions over 6 days. The multifaceted evaluation encompassed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) including the evaluation of 15 questions and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale including for overall quality of life assessment with measuring language, memory, attention, visuospatial, naming, delayed recall, abstraction, and orientation for quality‐of‐life of the AD subjects.

Result

The AD subjects cohort exhibited statistically significant enhancements (P < 0.001) in quality‐of‐life scores (GDS & MoCA) pre and post Yoga intervention. GDS scores of 15 questions experienced a remarkable transition from pre‐yoga (8.36 ± 2.7) to post‐yoga (5.13 ± 3.0). While total MoCA scores ascended from pre yoga (18.65 ± 4.13) to post yoga (25.06 ± 6.3). MoCA scores of individual points pre yoga includes language (1.10 ± 0.2), memory (no points), attention (3.54 ± 1.8), visuospatial (4.0 ± 1.30), naming (2.16 ± 0.4), delayed recall (3.55 ± 0.25), abstraction (0.50 ± 0.0), and orientation (3.80 ± 0.18). MoCA scores of individual points post yoga includes language (2.16 ± 0.6), memory (no points), attention (4.60 ± 1.3), visuospatial (4.90 ± 2.50), naming (2.85 ± 0.75), delayed recall (4.85 ± 0.50), abstraction (1.40 ± 0.20), and orientation (4.30 ± 0.45).

Conclusion

This discerning study illuminates the transformative potential of a 12‐week yoga program, showcasing significant enhancements in the quality of life of individuals grappling with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Yoga is an Effective Adjunct Practice for Mental Illness

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Yoga is an Effective Adjunct Practice for Mental Illness

 

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

“Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living in the most full and whole way. With yoga, we become aware of how and where we are restricted — in body, mind, and heart — and how gradually to open and release these blockages. As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed. We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves. Our lives begin to flow — or we begin to flow more in our lives.” – Cybele Tomlinson

 

There are vast numbers of people who suffer with mental illnesses. In the United States it has been estimated that in any given year 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness. Many are treated with drugs. But drug treatment can produce unwanted side effects, don’t work for many patients, and often can lose effectiveness over time. Mindfulness practices provide a safe alternative treatment. They have been found to be helpful with coping with these illnesses and in many cases reducing the symptoms of the diseases. Yoga practice is a mindfulness practice that includes beneficial exercise. There is accumulating research that mindfulness and yoga practices may be beneficial for patients with major mental illnesses. Hence it makes sense to step back and summarize what has been learned regarding the effectiveness of yoga practice as an adjunct therapy for mental illnesses.

 

In today’s Research News article “Integration of hatha yoga and evidence-based psychological treatments for common mental disorders: An evidence map.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9546402/ ) O’Shea and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies of the effectiveness of adding yoga practice to other evidence based therapies for mental illness. They identified 15 published research studies.

 

They report that the research used mainly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as the evidence-based therapy. They found that either incorporating yoga practice into the therapeutic technique or adding it as an adjunct therapy produced significant improvement in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although, there are only a small number of research studies, they suggest that yoga added to other evidence-based therapies improves the outcomes for patients with mental illnesses.

 

“The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body.” – Jason Crandell

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on Twitter @MindfulResearch

 

Study Summary

 

O’Shea M, Capon H, Evans S, Agrawal J, Melvin G, O’Brien J, McIver S. Integration of hatha yoga and evidence-based psychological treatments for common mental disorders: An evidence map. J Clin Psychol. 2022 Sep;78(9):1671-1711. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23338. Epub 2022 Mar 21. PMID: 35315071; PMCID: PMC9546402.

 

Abstract

Background

Interest in the use of yoga to enhance engagement with and augment the benefits of psychological treatment has grown. However, a systematic approach to reviewing existing research examining the use of yoga with psychological treatment is lacking.

Materials and Methods

This mapping review identified and synthesised research trialling yoga as an integrated or adjunct therapy with evidence‐based psychological interventions for the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Results

Overall, the review identified ten published and three unpublished studies, representing either single group or small quasi‐experimental research designs.

Discussion

Limited but promising findings were shown for yoga with CBT for anxiety and depression, and the integration of yoga within intensive treatment models for PTSD.

Conclusions

Future research is encouraged to focus on controlled trials that enable examination of the component effect of yoga when applied with evidence‐based psychological treatment and acceptability and feasibility data to further knowledge regarding a role for yoga in clinical practice.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9546402/