BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathies constitute a diverse array of disorders impacting the peripheral nervous system. Despite extensive research on the therapeutic potential of yoga for various health conditions, its spec...BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathies constitute a diverse array of disorders impacting the peripheral nervous system. Despite extensive research on the therapeutic potential of yoga for various health conditions, its specific effects on peripheral neuropathy remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to comprehensively investigate the effects, including potential adverse events, of yoga on peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline electronic database from inception to March 5, 2024. The search strategy involved a combination of relevant Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords related to peripheral neuropathy and yoga. The primary outcome measures assessed in the included studies were the improvement in symptoms and clinical indicators of peripheral neuropathy following yoga interventions. Out of 101 articles initially screened, 16 were considered eligible for inclusion in this review. RESULTS: The synthesized literature suggests that yoga may serve as a beneficial adjunct in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, lumbar disc herniation-induced neuropathy, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and Carpal tunnel syndrome. However, caution is warranted as reported instances of yoga asanas precipitate adverse events such as progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy, bilateral sciatic nerve neuropathy, and acute loss of motor function due to acute ulnar neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga holds promise as an adjunctive therapy for the management of peripheral neuropathy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in sample size, type of yoga, and intervention duration across studies underscore the need for larger-scale investigations incorporating standardized long-term yoga interventions and objective outcome measures. To mitigate risks of adverse events, patients should practice yoga under the supervision and guidance of institutionally qualified yoga physicians.
Yadav A, Kumari R, Goel A
… +3 more, Sindhwani G, Singh N, Khanduri R
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2024 · PMID 38837777
CONTEXT: Asthma is a chronic disease and its chronicity demands therapy with minimal harm and a good impact on the quality of life of asthmatics. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of structured yoga interventi...CONTEXT: Asthma is a chronic disease and its chronicity demands therapy with minimal harm and a good impact on the quality of life of asthmatics. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of structured yoga intervention integrated with routine care on asthma patients in improving their pulmonary function and quality of life. DESIGN: The study was a single-blind (outcome assessor) hospital-based randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Adults between 18 to 60 years, diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma as per Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, with no exacerbation in the past month before screening, were included in the study. INTERVENTION: A thirty-minute structured yoga intervention was delivered daily by a qualified yoga instructor through a virtual platform. OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaires were utilized to assess the quality of life, and Breath-o-meter equipment was used to measure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). It was tested at baseline and then at 15 days, 45 days, and 90 days, whereas the quality of life was evaluated once a month. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Intention to treat analysis was performed to compare the mean outcome between the yoga and control groups using an independent sample t test and repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The yoga group significantly improved their PEFR and asthma-related quality of life scores compared to the control group (P < .001). A significant difference (F = 539.72, degree of freedom = 1.1618; P < .001) was detected between PEFR values at several time intervals (baseline, day 15, day 45, day 90) in the intervention group on repeated measures analysis of variance. The difference in quality-of-life scores between yoga and control was also statistically significant (P < .001), with an improvement in the quality-of-life domain of external stimuli. CONCLUSION: When combined with normal asthma treatment, the findings of this study show that structured yoga intervention integrated with routine care is more beneficial than traditional breathing exercises in increasing PEFR and quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to explore whether there is a relationship between the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzymes and physical activity and diet from the perspective o...OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to explore whether there is a relationship between the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzymes and physical activity and diet from the perspective of Iranian traditional medicine to achieve enzymatic balance. METHOD: The research design is quasi-experimental with three experimental groups and one control group, and includes pre-test and post-test assessments. The sample population consisted of 60 young men aged between 20-40 years attending Asou Sports Club in Ahvaz, who were randomly divided into four 15-member groups, including aerobic exercise, nutrition, combined aerobic exercise and nutrition, and control. The aerobic group received eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, consisting of 3 sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes at 64%-76% of maximum heart rate. Participants were recommended to take mood assessment tests and a personalized diet plan. Individuals with a cold temperament were eligible to participate in the study. The exercise and nutrition group received both interventions, while the control group received no intervention. Blood levels of ALT and AST were measured at a laboratory. Descriptive indices and statistical tests such as multiple and multivariate covariate analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results showed that eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and nutrition with traditional Iranian medicine approach had a significant effect on ALT and AST levels in young boys, resulting in an improved regulation of these enzymes (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The implementation of dietary restrictions and substitutes, along with appropriate aerobic activities, can be effective in regulating liver enzymes.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Executive function (EF) is essential for a myriad of functional tasks where deficits in EF can impair school/career success, relationship quality, and overall life satisfaction. As such, interventions for...BACKGROUND/AIM: Executive function (EF) is essential for a myriad of functional tasks where deficits in EF can impair school/career success, relationship quality, and overall life satisfaction. As such, interventions for improving EF are crucial. Research on utilizing mindfulness-body exercise (MBE) as an intervention for deficits in executive function (EF) is quickly accumulating. However, no consensus has been reached as to the mechanisms involved, which is consequential in the disparate results found for the efficacy of MBE in improving EF. As such, a review of the literature on the impact of three major MBEs on EF is needed. This review aims to systematically detail the current research investigating MBE as an intervention for improving EF in adults and to discuss proposed mechanisms to anchor future research in this area. METHODS: A comprehensive search through PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, and PsycINFO was performed. Inclusion criteria for studies included in this review consisted of randomized control trials testing either Qi Gong, tai chi, or yoga as an intervention for improving EF in adults. Studies were excluded if they did not use two or more measures of core EF's, did not examine MBE, and were not published in English. Measurements of EF consist of either multiple core components or a higher-order function. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies fit the criteria and are presented. A majority of the research reports MBE had a positive effect on EF. Possible mechanisms, observations, and directions for future research are then described. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the effectiveness of MBE as a treatment option for improving EF, where MBE should be considered as a treatment option for individuals with deficits in EF. Future research should aim to ascertain the components and duration of MBE interventions that provide the greatest benefit.
BACKGROUND: The landscape of healthcare for medical professionals is undergoing significant changes during a global rise in obesity and mental health issues, particularly in the context of eating disorders. The COVID-19...BACKGROUND: The landscape of healthcare for medical professionals is undergoing significant changes during a global rise in obesity and mental health issues, particularly in the context of eating disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with sedentary lifestyles and job loss, has exacerbated food obsession and mental health challenges, highlighting the need for effective treatments. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to explore the impact of supportive interventions in managing eating disorders within the evolving landscape of medical professionals' approaches, focusing on the adoption of new tools and approaches. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis of current literature and data sources was conducted to examine the healthcare landscape's transformation and its implications for treating eating disorders. Various treatment modalities, including therapy, education, medication, and support groups, were evaluated in light of recent changes in medical practice. RESULTS: The review identified a growing body of research highlighting the effectiveness of supportive interventions, such as cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and participation in peer support groups in improving emotional eating patterns and facilitating long-term weight management. The findings underscore the growing prevalence of obesity and mental health issues, with a significant portion of individuals experiencing food obsession and overeating. Despite this, recognition and treatment of obesity-related psychological issues remain inadequate, partly due to a shortage of mental health professionals. Treatment options for eating disorders may include bariatric surgery, therapy, education, medication, and supportive interventions. Support groups such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA) have shown promise in helping individuals manage eating disorders and achieve healthier lifestyles. CONCLUSIONS: The shifting healthcare landscape necessitates a proactive approach from medical professionals to address the complex relationship between obesity, mental health, and eating disorders. Integrating peer support groups and holistic treatment approaches alongside traditional medical interventions can enhance outcomes and promote long-term weight management.
CONTEXT: Healthy lifestyle practices among young adults are vital in preventing the deterioration of quality of life and mental health disorders. Tele-yoga can be a tool to reduce stress and promote healthy lifestyle beh...CONTEXT: Healthy lifestyle practices among young adults are vital in preventing the deterioration of quality of life and mental health disorders. Tele-yoga can be a tool to reduce stress and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors but there are barriers to its wide-scale applications. AIM: This study aims to identify barriers to implementing tele-yoga intervention for stress management among post-graduate university students studying management in Bengaluru, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: 55 university students, aged 20 - 30 years, who dropped out within one month from a free 45-minute tele-yoga program offered by the college were enrolled. Out of these dropouts, 38 consenting participants were interviewed individually to understand the barriers to completing tele-yoga program. METHODS: A qualitative study was designed with an individual one-on-one interview to gain an in-depth understanding of barriers to tele-yoga practice. A thematic representation of the discussion was arrived at. The barrier score for each concern was computed by adding the count of responses which was then converted to percentile. RESULTS: Out of 12 barriers, stress due to exams (34%) was the top-most barrier followed by time constraints (26%), network issues (9%), issues waking up in the morning (7%), and space constraints (7%). CONCLUSION: Barriers to implementing tele-yoga intervention for stress management are predominant among young adults. Future tele-yoga studies in this population should consider addressing these barriers.
Correa TL, Ferreira ICP, de Oliveira GD
… +1 more, de Carvalho RT
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2024 · PMID 38787680
OBJECTIVE: Recent scientific literature points out that religiosity and spirituality play a relevant role in many aspects of life, including health issues. We aimed to evaluate the healthcare students' perceptions about...OBJECTIVE: Recent scientific literature points out that religiosity and spirituality play a relevant role in many aspects of life, including health issues. We aimed to evaluate the healthcare students' perceptions about approaching spirituality in their training and patient care in Brazilian universities. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. Through an anonymous online survey, adult healthcare students from two universities in the city of Pelotas (Brazil) answered a questionnaire about their perceptions on approaching spirituality in their training and patient care. Chi-squared tests were performed, and P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 163 students were included in the analysis. Most believed that spirituality is important for their training (74.8%) and patient care (84%). However, a minority had had contact with the theme of spirituality during their training (48.5%) or had experienced a situation in which the spiritual aspects of a patient were addressed (47.2%). The students from the private university had more contact with the theme of spirituality in healthcare during their training. Nursing students had significantly more contact with the theme of spirituality in healthcare (P = .008) and had experienced more situations in which the spiritual aspects of a patient were addressed (P = .031) than other students. CONCLUSION: Most students believed that the theme of spirituality in healthcare is important for their training and patient care. However, they still had insufficient contact with it during their education. More studies with greater statistical power are needed to better understand this situation globally.
Durocher JJ, Phelan HL, Toorongian CA
… +2 more, Vyas AP, Morin BE
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Spring · PMID 37315230
CONTEXT: Anxiety is a common mental health concern in the USA that is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular disease. Therapists have used eight-week programs for mindfu...CONTEXT: Anxiety is a common mental health concern in the USA that is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular disease. Therapists have used eight-week programs for mindfulness meditation to treat anxiety; however little is known about the psychophysiological effects of a single meditation session. OBJECTIVE: The study intended to assess the effects of a one-hour, mindfulness-meditation session on anxiety symptomology and cardiovascular function, including aortic pulsatility. DESIGN: The research team performed a prospective, single-group study. SETTING: The study took place at Michigan Technological University. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 14 young adults with an initial Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score of 8 to 26, showing mild to moderate anxiety. INTERVENTION: Participants took part in a single, one-hour, guided, mindfulness-meditation session. OUTCOME MEASURES: The research team: (1) administered the BAI during an orientation session and at 60-minutes post intervention, and (2) measured the cardiovascular variables of qualified participants at the orientation, at baseline prior to the intervention, immediately post intervention, and at 60 minutes post intervention, including systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP), heart rate (HR), aortic pulse pressure (aPP), aortic pulsatility, aortic augmentation index (AIx) at 75 bpm, carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), and respiratory rate. RESULTS: Participants had a significant decrease in the BAI scores between baseline and 60-minutes post intervention (P = .01) and a significant reduction in aortic pulsatility-aPP x HR-between baseline and immediately post intervention and between baseline and 60-minutes post intervention (both P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest that one hour of introductory mindfulness meditation can have both psychological and cardiovascular benefits for anxious individuals.
Chidananda K, Singh D, Amit K
… +2 more, Mahadevappa V, Krishna D
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Spring · PMID 37315229
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cognitive decline. Lifestyle behaviors such as yoga practices play a significant role in preventing cognitive decline. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to...BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cognitive decline. Lifestyle behaviors such as yoga practices play a significant role in preventing cognitive decline. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of yoga intervention on working memory and prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation in T2DM patients. METHODS: Twenty T2DM participants, aged between 40 and 60 years, volunteered for a 6-week study. Participants were randomized into a yoga practice (n = 10) and a waitlist control group (n = 10). The n-back task was administered to evaluate working memory before and after the intervention. While performing the working memory task, PFC oxygenation was monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: The yoga group showed a significant improvement in working memory performance. The accuracy improved in 1-back (mean difference of 4.73%, 95% CI[0.69,8.77], P = .026) and 2-back (8.0%, 95% CI[1.89,14.1], P = .016) task conditions. The reaction time improved in 0-back (mean difference of -79.07 milliseconds, 95% CI[-128.3,-29.8]), 1-back (mean difference of -119.17 milliseconds, 95% CI[-217.5,-20.8] ) and 2-back (-76.06 milliseconds, 95% CI[-148.8,-3.3]) task conditions. In the yoga group, at post-intervention, higher oxygenation was observed during 0-back and 1-back task conditions (Beta coefficient mean difference of 211.3, 95% CI[2.8, 420.0], P = .048 and 80.5, 95% CI [3.7,157.2], P = .042 respectively) in the left PFC region compared to the pre-intervention values. The control group showed no significant change in working memory performance and PFC oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that yoga practice may improve working memory performance and facilitate higher PFC oxygenation in T2DM patients. Further studies with a larger sample and a longer intervention period are required to strengthen the findings.
Liu J, Yang Y, Zhu Y
… +4 more, Hou X, Li S, Chen S, Yang J
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Spring · PMID 37315228
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to comprehensively review empirical evidence on the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise, one type of mind-body focused qigong exercise, on individuals' physical, cognitive, and mental...OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to comprehensively review empirical evidence on the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise, one type of mind-body focused qigong exercise, on individuals' physical, cognitive, and mental well-being; outline potential mechanisms; and, suggest potential implication strategies for using Baduanjin in clinical practices and for future research. METHODS: Recent randomized-controlled studies and systematic reviews/meta-analyses published in English were searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to July 2022. The search terms include Baduanjin and sleep, chronic illness, cognition, mental health, etc. We only selected papers that specifically studied the health effects of Baduanjin, excluding those that involved other forms of Qigong or other traditional Chinese medical practices. Since many RCT studies have already been included in the review papers that we selected, only those not covered in the review papers were selected to avoid repetition. RESULTS: 19 recent randomized-controlled studies and 8 systematic reviews were identified. In general, the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on individuals' physical, cognitive, and mental health is evident. Baduanjin has proven to be effective in improving sleep quality, including reducing difficulties in getting asleep and reducing daytime sleepiness. It also reduces fatigue and improves the quality of life for patients with other physical health issues, such as cancer, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic illnesses. The effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise is also evident in cognition, improving executive functions, and slowing down age-related cognitive deterioration. Similarly, Baduanjin alleviates various types of mental illnesses, increases patients' social competence, and enhances emotional regulation. CONCLUSION: There is initial evidence on the safety and efficacy of Baduanjin in improving individuals' various aspects of health and well-being, suggesting that Baduanjin may serve as an effective adjunct to conventional treatments for a variety of clinical health benefits. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin in other non-Chinese ethnic populations.
CONTEXT: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Yoga has been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. However, there is limited research on the effec...CONTEXT: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Yoga has been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. However, there is limited research on the effects of specific yoga poses on blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single yoga asana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, on random blood glucose (RBG) levels in patients with T2DM. Specifically, we aimed to investigate whether a 15-minute practice of Ardha Matsyendrasana could reduce RBG levels in patients with T2DM. DESIGN: This study employed a self-controlled design to evaluate the effect of Ardha Matsyendrasana on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PARTICIPANTS: 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited for this study. INTERVENTIONS: All participants underwent two sessions: a control session (CS) and an asana session (AS), each lasting 15 minutes. During the CS, participants rested in a sitting pose, while during the AS, they practiced Ardha Matsyendrasana. The order of the sessions was randomized, with half the participants undergoing the CS on day 1, the AS on day 2, and the other half undergoing the sessions in reverse order. OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured participants' random blood glucose (RBG) levels immediately before and after each intervention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The statistical package for the social sciences, version 16, was used to perform a paired t-test to compare RBG levels before and after each intervention. RESULTS: The study demonstrated a significant reduction in random blood glucose (RBG) levels in the Ardha Matsyendrasana session compared to the control session. This trend was observed in both males and females with T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of Ardha Matsyendrasana for 15 minutes can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM. However, further studies are required to determine the long-term effects of this asana on glycemic control.
Belal M, Mallikarjunappa MB, Nagaraj S
… +2 more, Salagame KKK, Jois SN
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Winter · PMID 37119543
Prana is the driving and organizing force of the entire universe, and essential for survival. It can be experimental and experiential. This is a retrospective analysis of the pranic energy perception data collected for a...Prana is the driving and organizing force of the entire universe, and essential for survival. It can be experimental and experiential. This is a retrospective analysis of the pranic energy perception data collected for an exploratory study conducted in 2014 using the convenience sampling method. This paper describes the experiences of 100 participants during a hand sensitization practice. Participants were guided to feel the prana between their hands according to prescribed steps in the pranic healing technique, taught by Master Choa Kok Sui. The experiences reported by participants were analyzed by three independent judges and one expert using the qualitative content analysis technique introduced by Strauss and Corbin. Responses were first grouped according to nine elements. These elements were categorized under four major properties - positive experience, experience of awareness, energy experience, and feedback on the study program. These properties were further divided into two categories - experiences and feedback - based on the theme they cover. Participants experienced various sensations, which demonstrates that energy can be felt, and can benefit one's affective and physical state. Because of this qualitative content analysis, we have a better understanding of the various ways people perceive, experience, and benefit from pranic energy experiences.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common lifestyle disorder that has become a major international public health concern affecting young women of reproductive age. Homeopathy aims to provide an individual with optim...Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common lifestyle disorder that has become a major international public health concern affecting young women of reproductive age. Homeopathy aims to provide an individual with optimal health on all levels-emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. Homeopathy's goal is to promote an individual's overall well-being rather than just treat symptoms. Dr. Boenninghausen's unique contribution to the promotion of scientific prescribing in homeopathic practice is the concept of remedy relationship and its reportorial analysis. Homeopathy takes into account a person's natural environment and lifestyle. Then, a homeopathic physician provides treatment that closely matches individual symptoms and recommends homeopathy remedies for the same. A 22-year-old female came into the homeopathic outpatient department (OPD) with complaints of irregular menses, pustular acne and constipation. An ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis was done to confirm the diagnosis of POCS. Other investigations were performed, including thyroid function tests and hormonal assays, to rule out the presence of other disorders. The case was managed with homeopathic medicines, which were prescribed per Hahnemannian guidelines after referring relationship of remedies.
Veerabrahmachar R, Bista S, Bokde R
… +3 more, Jasti N, Bhargav H, Bista S
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Winter · PMID 37119541
CONTEXT: Nada Yoga is a branch of yoga philosophy that means "union through sound." The practice involves the resonance of energy centers in the body through specific sound frequencies. These subtle effects of yogic soun...CONTEXT: Nada Yoga is a branch of yoga philosophy that means "union through sound." The practice involves the resonance of energy centers in the body through specific sound frequencies. These subtle effects of yogic sound resonance on the subtle energy systems of the body have not been assessed before. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effect of Nada Yoga meditation on the energy levels and alignment of the seven chakras in healthy volunteers. DESIGN: Randomized controlled crossover design. SETTING: Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India. PARTICIPANTS: 15 healthy volunteers (5 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 28.40 ± 5.63 were randomized to one of the two groups: group A (n = 8) and group B (n = 7). INTERVENTION: On day 1, group A performed 45 minutes of Nada Yoga meditation (NYM) and group B performed 45 minutes of supine rest (SR). On day 2, the interventions were interchanged for the group. OUTCOME MEASURES: The assessment was done using the electro-photonic imaging (EPI) technique just before and immediately after each session on both days. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in muladhara chakra energy (P = .012), manipura chakra energy (P = .008), anahata chakra energy (P = .011), vishuddha chakra energy (P = .001), and index energy (average chakra energy) (P = .001) after a 45-minute Nada Yoga meditation session as compared to the supine rest session.
Amit K, Singh D, Kaligal C
… +2 more, Mahadevappa V, Krishna D
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Winter · PMID 37119540
CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia compared to healthy individuals. Lifestyle practices such as yoga can have a vital role in preventing and manag...CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia compared to healthy individuals. Lifestyle practices such as yoga can have a vital role in preventing and managing T2DM. Some studies have found that yoga can positively impact cognitive function in T2DM. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the benefits of short-term yoga practice on heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive function for T2DM patients, without a matched control group, to address the paucity of data on the effectiveness of yoga practice on cognitive health on T2DM individuals. DESIGN: Current study is a single group pre post design. SETTING: The study took place in the Department of Yoga and Life Sciences at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) in Bangalore, India. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 21 T2DM patients from various hospitals, clinics and community setups, in different parts of Bengaluru city in India. INTERVENTION: The participants took part in one month of yoga practice. OUTCOME MEASURES: The research team used the Madrid card sorting test (MCST) to assess participants' executive function (EF) at baseline and postintervention. In addition, the team monitored participants' heart rate variability (HRV) in a resting phase and during task performance. RESULTS: Between baseline and postintervention: (1) participants' reaction time for the MCST decreased for overall task performance (P = .01) and during rule shifting (P = .03); (2) a significant reduction occurred in participants' random errors (REs) and incorrect responses, at P = .02 for both, whereas a significant increase occurred in correct responses and efficient errors (EEs), at P = .03 and P = .01, respectively; (3) the low frequency (LF) and LF/high frequency (HF ) ratio for the HRV decreased; HF increased but the difference wasn't statistically significant; and (4) a statistically significant decrease occurred in LF and LF/HF and an increase in HF occurred during task performance. CONCLUSION: Yoga therapy had beneficial effects on cognitive performance for the T2DM participants. The yoga practice also positively affected autonomic functions during task performance and suggesting that it can reduce task-induced stress. It's important for the future studies to validate the current findings with a randomized controlled trial.
Telles S, Sharma SK, Patel KD
… +4 more, Bouderlique E, Nicolai V, Kumar A, Balkrishna A
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Fall · PMID 38466050
Heartfulness meditation (HM) trains the practitioner's attention as they progress towards reaching a super-conscious state. The process is supported by guided "Heartfulness cleaning," which helps clear the mind. This stu...Heartfulness meditation (HM) trains the practitioner's attention as they progress towards reaching a super-conscious state. The process is supported by guided "Heartfulness cleaning," which helps clear the mind. This study aimed to examine the short-term effects of HM on affect and cognition and determine whether performing Heartfulness cleaning beforehand influenced the meditation outcome. Forty-eight experienced meditators (age range: 19-71 years and a male-to-female ratio: 27:21) were randomly assigned to 3 sessions: (i) HM, (ii) Heartfulness meditation preceded by cleaning, and (iii) quiet rest as a control. Mood state and emotional well-being were assessed before and after each intervention using established scales such as the Brief Mood Introspection Scale, Global Vigor and Affect Scale, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Digit Letter Substitution Test. After engaging in both HM and Heartfulness cleaning meditation (HCM) practices, there was a noticeable increase in feelings of pleasantness (7.3%, 7.0%, respectively) and positivity (7.5%, 7.8%, respectively), accompanied by a decrease in negative affect (14.4%, 16.5%, respectively). Additionally, HM and HCM increased in the net and total scores on a substitution test designed to measure associative learning. In contrast, there were no changes observed after 30 minutes of non-meditation. In summary, the findings of this study provide support for the positive impact of Heartfulness meditation and Heartfulness cleaning meditation on emotions, as well as their ability to enhance performance in tasks involving complex attention and associative learning. It should be noted that preceding Heartfulness meditation with 5 minutes of Heartfulness cleaning did not significantly alter the overall outcome of the meditation practice.
Compared to non-Hispanic White individuals, non-Hispanic Black Individuals report worse chronic pain from a variety of medical issues. Among the options for non-pharmacological pain treatment, mind-body interventions (MB...Compared to non-Hispanic White individuals, non-Hispanic Black Individuals report worse chronic pain from a variety of medical issues. Among the options for non-pharmacological pain treatment, mind-body interventions (MBI) are a promising modality to help Black individuals manage their chronic pain effectively. MBIs such as mindfulness meditation improve chronic pain and chronic pain-related outcomes by shifting the individual's perception of pain away from stress-related cognitive appraisals, emotional reactions, and behaviors. MBIs may also address disparities in chronic pain outcomes between Black and White individuals because of their contextual overlap with (1) centering and contemplative prayer, (2) racial empowerment, and (3) social support. Despite this overlap, the demand for MBIs among Black individuals has generally been low due to lingering access and acceptability barriers. To reduce these barriers for Black individuals with chronic pain, we must adopt a community-engaged approach and culturally adapt MBIs for the specific historic, environmental, financial, and psychosocial needs of Black individuals. Example adaptations include increasing Black representation among MBI instructors, reducing geographical access barriers, accommodating the financial and personal realities of Black adults, and explicitly allowing relevant attitudes, practices, and terms.
Şen E, Günaydın S, Yilmaz T
… +1 more, Dinç Kaya H
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2023 Fall · PMID 38466048
CONTEXT: The use of music in obstetrics increases every day, and it is extensively used in the control of labor pain. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of music on labor pain and duration. DESIG...CONTEXT: The use of music in obstetrics increases every day, and it is extensively used in the control of labor pain. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of music on labor pain and duration. DESIGN AND SETTING: This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out between October 15 and November 15, 2022. The search was done in the PubMed and ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Ovid, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Library databases. OUTCOMES MEASSURES: According to the inclusion criteria, 12 studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis were determined. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the RoB 2 tool. RESULTS: Twelve articles were included in this study. According to the study results, listening to music was revealed to be statistically significantly effective in reducing pain intensity in terms of relieving labor pain (SMD:-0.98, Z=8.33, P < .001). Listening to music in the active phase was found to further decrease pain intensity compared to the latent phase (latent phase: SMD:-0.56 and active phase: SMD:-1.26), but it did not affect labor duration (MD:-0.76, Z=1.72, P = .09). CONCLUSION: Listening to music was determined to be effective in reducing pain intensity. The music genre selected by the researchers was found to further reduce pain intensity during labor compared to pregnant women's own choices, and it was elucidated that listening to music with headphones was effective in pain control but listening to music did not affect labor duration. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NO: CRD42022367480.