Psychological effects of yoga nidra in women with menstrual disorders: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of yoga nidra on psychological problems in women with menstrual disorders.MethodsA search was conducted using CINAHL, the Cochrane library, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed electronic databases, and using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in any language up to and including July 2016, which reported the psychological effects of yoga nidra in women with menstrual disorders.ResultsTwo potential trials were identified and both were included in the review. A significant difference was observed between experimental and control groups in that anxiety and depression were significantly decreased in the experimental group when compared with the control group.ConclusionsThere is evidence from two RCTs that yoga nidra may have favorable effects in terms of reducing psychological problems in women with menstrual disorders.     

Effects of a prenatal yoga programme on the discomforts of pregnancy and maternal childbirth self-efficacy in Taiwan

Objectiveto evaluate a yoga programme provided to primigravidas in the third trimester of pregnancy with the aim of decreasing the discomforts associated with pregnancy and increasing childbirth self-efficacy.Designnon-randomised controlled experimental study.Settinga hospital in northern Taiwan.Participantsthe target population was primigravidas at 26–28 weeks of gestation (no high-risk pregnancies) who had not engaged in regular exercise or yoga for at least one year. The study included 88 individuals; 43 in the control group and 45 in the experimental group who took part in the prenatal yoga programme.Interventionthe duration of the prenatal yoga programme was 12–14 weeks, with at least three sessions per week. Each workout lasted for 30 minutes.Measurements and findingswomen who took part in the prenatal yoga programme reported significantly fewer pregnancy discomforts than the control group (38.28 vs 43.26, z=?2.58, p=0.01) at 38–40 weeks of gestation. The subjects who participated in the yoga programme exhibited higher outcome and self-efficacy expectancies during the active stage of labour (104.13 vs 83.53, t=3.24, p=0.002; 99.26 vs 77.70, t=3.99, p?0.001) and the second stage of labour (113.33 vs 88.42, t=3.33, p=0.002; 102.19 vs 79.40, t=3.71, p?0.001) compared with the control group.Key conclusionsthe provision of booklets and videos on yoga during pregnancy may contribute to a reduction in pregnancy discomforts and improved childbirth self-efficacy.Implications for practicethis yoga programme provides health-care professionals with an evidence-based intervention.     

Effects of yoga practice on muscular endurance in young women

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of a systematized yoga practice on muscular endurance in young women. Twenty six women (24 ± 3.5 years old) participated in six weeks of yoga classes, and twenty one women (25 ± 5.1 years old) participated as the control group. The yoga intervention was composed of eighteen sessions, three times per week, at 1 h per session. The muscular endurance of upper limbs (push-up) and abdominal (sit-up) was assessed through the protocol suggested by Gettman (1989) [1] and Golding, Myers and Sinning (1989) [2] to the maximum repetitions performed in 1 min. To verify the significant differences intra groups and between groups a SPANOVA was performed, and the level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. The findings suggest that yoga provides improvement in upper limb and in abdominal muscular endurance.     

Effect of integrated yoga on stress and heart rate variability in pregnant women

Objective

To study the effect of integrated yoga practice and guided yogic relaxation on both perceived stress and measured autonomic response in healthy pregnant women.

Method

The 122 healthy women recruited between the 18th and 20th week of pregnancy at prenatal clinics in Bangalore, India, were randomized to practicing yoga and deep relaxation or standard prenatal exercises 1-hour daily. The results for the 45 participants per group who completed the study were evaluated by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Perceived stress decreased by 31.57% in the yoga group and increased by 6.60% in the control group (P = 0.001). During a guided relaxation period in the yoga group, compared with values obtained before a practice session, the high-frequency band of the heart rate variability spectrum (parasympathetic) increased by 64% in the 20th week and by 150% in the 36th week, and both the low-frequency band (sympathetic), and the low-frequency to high-frequency ratio were concomitantly reduced (P < 0.001 between the 2 groups). Moreover, the low-frequency band remained decreased after deep relaxation in the 36th week in the yoga group.

Conclusion

Yoga reduces perceived stress and improves adaptive autonomic response to stress in healthy pregnant women.     

Effectiveness of yoga training program on the severity of autism

This study examines the effect of yoga training program (YTP) on the severity of autism in children with High Function Autism (HFA). Twenty-nine children aged 7 to 15 (mean = 11.22, SD = 2.91) years were randomly allocated to either yoga or control group. The participants in the yoga group received an 8-week (24-session) Yoga Training Program (YTP). Parents or caregivers of participants completed autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) at baseline and the end of the intervention. The results of the analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups with regards to all ATEC sub-scores except ATEC I (speech/language/communication). This study provides support for the implementation of a yoga training program and identifies specific procedural enhancements to reduce the severity of symptoms in children with autism.     

The effect of laughter yoga on perceived stress,burnout, and life satisfaction in nurses during the pandemic: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundA randomized controlled study was conducted on the effects of laughter yoga in reducing the perceived stress and burnout levels in nurses during the pandemic and in increasing their life satisfaction.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted with 101 (51 in the experimental group, and 50 in the control group) nurses providing care for patients with COVID-19. A total of eight sessions of laughter yoga were applied to the nurses in the experimental group for four weeks, twice a week. The Introductory Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Life Satisfaction Scale were used during data collection.ResultsThe difference between the pre- and posttest Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Life Satisfaction Scale score averages of the nurses in the experimental group were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05), whereas the difference between the pre- and posttest score averages of the nurses in the control group was not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionLaughter yoga is an effective method to reduce perceived stress and burnout while also increasing life satisfaction.Clinicaltrials.gov idNCT05317091.     

Effects of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and health behaviour on neonatal outcomes in a population-based Hungarian sample

Objective

To investigate possible associations of maternal antenatal depression, anxiety and self-esteem with negative neonatal outcomes controlling for the effects of demographic covariates and health behaviour in a Hungarian sample.

Study design

A population-based monitoring system was established in 10 districts of health visitors in Szombathely, Hungary, covering every woman registered as pregnant between February 1, 2008 and February 1 2009. Three hundred and seven expectant women in the early stage of their pregnancy were surveyed using the Short Form of Beck Depression Inventory for the measurement of depression and the Spielberger Trait-Anxiety Inventory for the measurement of anxiety. Self-esteem was evaluated by the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. At the end of the follow-up period, data on 261 mothers and their singleton neonates were available. The relationship between the explanatory and outcome variables (birth weight, length, chest circumference, gestational age, and 1- and 5-min Apgar score) was tested in girls and boys separately by multiple linear regression analysis (Forward method). Categorical variables were used as “dummy variables”.

Results

Maternal depression, anxiety and health behaviour did not show any association with neonatal outcomes. Higher level of maternal self-esteem was associated with higher birth weight and birth length in boys and higher birth length in girls. Maternal education positively correlated with birth length, gestational age and chest circumference in boys, and with birth length in girls. In girls, maternal socioeconomic status showed a positive association with birth weight and gestational age, while common law marriage had a negative effect on birth weight and chest circumference.

Conclusions

Lower level of maternal self-esteem possibly leads to a higher level of maternal stress which may reduce fetal growth via physiologic changes. Gender differences in associations between demographic factors and neonatal outcome measures indicate differences in fetal development between boys and girls.     

Effects of a chair-yoga exercises on stress hormone levels,daily life activities,falls and physical fitness in institutionalized older adults

The aim of this study was to assess the changes mediated by exercise on activities of daily life and falls, physical fitness, salivary cortisol and alpha amylase in older adults living in social and health care givers centers.MethodsSample consisted in 35 women (83.81 ± 6.6 years old) were divided into two groups: chair-yoga exercises group (CY, n = 20) and control group (CG, n = 15). All subjects were evaluated before and after 14-weeks. CY was involved in exercise classes two times per week, while the GC did not participate in any exercise.ResultsFear of falling decreased in both groups, cortisol increased and alpha-amylase decreased in the CG. No significant changes occurred in physical fitness outcomes. Conclusion: CY practice was able to maintain the physical fitness scores and stress hormone levels, but was not able to improve the subject's perception on the ability to perform the instrumental activities of daily life.     

Effects of yoga on the quality of life in cancer patients

ObjectiveThis study sought to investigate the effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.DesignTwenty patients between 30 and 50 years of age presently under treatment for breast cancer were included in the study. The physical characteristics of the patients were recorded and general physiotherapy assessments performed. Eight sessions of a yoga program including warming and breathing exercises, asanas, relaxation in supine position, and meditation were applied to participants.Main outcome measuresThe pre- and post-yoga quality of life assessments for the patients were conducted using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patients' stress levels were assessed using the STAI-I and STAI-II anxiety inventory. Their satisfaction levels about the yoga program was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsIt was found that patients' quality of life scores after the yoga program were better than scores obtained before the yoga program (p < 0.05). After sessions, there was a statistically significant decrease in their STAI-I (measuring the reactions of anxiety) scores and STAI-II (measuring the permanence of anxiety) scores (p < 0.05). It was found out that the satisfaction score concerning the yoga program was considerably increased after the yoga program (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIt can be concluded that yoga is valuable in helping to achieve relaxation and diminish stress, helps cancer patients perform daily and routine activities, and increases the quality of life in cancer patients. This result was positively reflected in patients satisfaction with the yoga program.     

The effect of prenatal Hatha yoga on affect,cortisol and depressive symptoms

Perinatal depression impacts maternal and child health, and little is known about effective interventions. The effects of prenatal Hatha yoga on cortisol, affect and depressive symptoms were investigated in 51 women. Twice during pregnancy, yoga group participants reported on affect and provided a saliva sample before and after a 90-min prenatal Hatha yoga session. Corresponding measures were obtained from yoga and control group participants on days of usual activity. Depressive symptoms were assessed in pregnancy and post partum. Cortisol was lower (p < .01) and positive affect higher (p < .001) on yoga compared to usual activity days. Negative affect and contentment (p < .05) improved more in response to the yoga session. Yoga group participants showed fewer postpartum (p < .05) but not antepartum depressive symptoms than control group participants. Findings indicate that prenatal Hatha yoga may improve current mood and may be effective in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms.     

General psychopathology,anxiety, depression and self-esteem in couples undergoing infertility treatment: a comparative study between men and women

Objective

To compare measures of psychological distress between men and women undergoing ART in the Unit of Reproductive Medicine “UMR” in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at “Farhat Hached” Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia.

Study design

We conducted a gender comparative study of psychological profile in infertile couples. Recruitment was done during period from January to May 2009. 100 infertile couples with primary infertility were recruited. Scores of general psychopathology, depression, anxiety and self-esteem were evaluated. We administrated questionnaires on psychological factors among infertile couples before starting a new infertility treatment cycle. Psychological factors included the symptom check-list (SCL-90-R), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD-S) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE).

Result(s)

Infertile women had higher scores than their spouses in the three global scores of the SCL-90-R and in several items such as somatisation, obsessive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity and phobias. Scores of HADS were higher among women for both depression and anxiety. Scores of self-esteem were lower among women.

Conclusion(s)

Women endorsed higher psychological distress than men across multiple symptoms domains: general psychopathology, anxiety, depression and self esteem.     

Staff perspectives regarding the implementation of a yoga intervention with chronic pain self-management in a clinical setting

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can be addressed through multiple modalities, interventions, and strategies. Yoga and self-management have been proven effective in treating chronic pain, but little research has been conducted on the feasibility and implementation barriers related to these alternative intervention forms. In our qualitative study, we examined staff perceptions regarding the feasibility of implementing yoga along with established self-management at a pain management clinic in Colorado. We utilized the Implementation Drivers of Competency, Organizational, and Leadership, and our added Hypothetical Driver to explore barriers and facilitators related to project implementation. Our findings suggest that positive staff and patient attitudes were crucial for successful implementation. We also identified physical space, transportation, and supportive leadership as necessary components of project implementation. Further research is needed to examine barriers such as funding to ensure intervention sustainability and the need for adequate staffing.     

Perceived relaxation as a function of restorative yoga combined with Reiki for cancer survivors

Aims & objectivesTwenty-six cancer survivor volunteers participated in a study of the efficacy of perceived relaxation after performing restorative yoga combined with Reiki.ResultsSubjects scoring high ratings of Meaning and Peace in life demonstrated greater perception of depth of relaxation. A comparison of subjects receiving concurrent Reiki (19) and restorative yoga with those who only received restorative yoga (7) showed that Reiki subjects experienced greater perceived depth of relaxation than subjects who were not afforded the Reiki intervention. Non-Reiki participants also showed more difficulty overcoming intrusive fearful thoughts than the Reiki group.ConclusionsClinical implications suggest that patients should be screened and treated for trauma-like symptoms including intrusive thoughts linked to anxiety and depression before referral to complementary programs that offer meditative or relaxation interventions.     

Barriers and facilitators to yoga use in a population of individuals with self-reported chronic low back pain: A qualitative approach

Yoga has been found to be efficacious in treating chronic low back pain, yet biomedical treatments are most commonly used for pain. Promoting yoga as part of integrative care would reduce exclusive reliance on high-cost, higher-risk biomedical treatments. Attitudes toward yoga play a role in consideration of it as a treatment. The current study examined attitudes toward yoga in adults with chronic low back pain and compared these results to those found in a 2009 general population study. Participants completed a semi-structured interview where they responded to items about perceptions of potential barriers and facilitators to trying yoga. Participant responses were analyzed qualitatively and several common themes emerged. Themes identified by participants indicated there is mixed information about yoga in the public domain and that clarification of what yoga is, how it can be beneficial, and what it requires one to do physically may help promote its use.     

Integrating yoga into psychotherapy: The ethics of moving from the mind to the mat

Given the rise in attention to client preferences in medical treatment and the shift in focus toward health promotion, it is not surprising that the use of complementary health approaches have increased in the past several years. Yoga is among the most prominent complementary health approaches. Recently, both qualitative and quantitative work has emerged supporting its use for a variety of medical and psychological disorders. However, there is a critical gap in knowledge regarding how to most optimally and ethically integrate complementary therapies (i.e., yoga) into current psychology practices. Moreover, it remains unclear which clients are the best candidates for receiving such complementary treatments and which therapists should provide them. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the history of yoga, the scientific evidence in support of its use for mental health issues, and an ethical framework to guide psychologists interested in integrating yoga into psychotherapy.     

The effect of caesarean section on self-esteem amongst primiparous women in South-Western Nigeria: A case-control study

Objective.?This study aims to assess the level of self-esteem of newly delivered mothers who had caesarean section (CS) and evaluate the sociodemographic and obstetrics correlates of low self-esteem in them.

Methods.?Newly delivered mothers who had CS (n?=?109) and who had spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) (n?=?97) completed questionnaires on sociodemographic and obstetrics variables within 1 week of delivery. They also completed the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.

Results.?Women with CS had statistically significant lower scores on the self-esteem scale than women with SVD (p?=?0.006). Thirty (27.5%) of the CS group were classified as having low self-esteem compared with 11 (11.3%) of the SVD group (p?=?004). The correlates of low self-esteem in the CS group included polygamy (odd ratio (OR) 4.99, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.62–15.33) and emergency CS (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.55–16.75).

Conclusions.?CS in South-Western Nigerian women is associated with lowered self-esteem in the mothers.     

Effect of yoga and working memory training on cognitive communicative abilities among middle aged adults

Several studies have reported improvements in cognitive communicative abilities with working memory training and alternative therapeutic methods conducted separately. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of combining yoga and working memory training among healthy middle aged adults. A total of 45 participants were randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 received both yoga and working memory training, group 2 received only working memory training and group 3 served as the control group. Working memory training was provided on six tasks. Yoga training involved pranayamas and mudras. Effects of training were assessed along with the self-perceptual rating of the participants towards training. Results reveal greater training effects among group 1 participants, followed by group 2 and group 3. Group 1 also reported better perception of training (p < 0.05) than group 2. The study highlights that yoga is not only an alternative approach, but also augmentative in improving cognitive communicative abilities.     

Prenatal yoga and excessive gestational weight gain: A review of evidence and potential mechanisms

PurposeTo review the evidence of the potential mechanisms (behavioral, psychological/emotional, and physical factors) of prenatal yoga for preventing excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnant women to guide future research.Main bodyPrenatal yoga is a common form of physical activity during pregnancy and includes a combination of physical postures, breath control and meditation. This review theorizes how combining physical activity (i.e., prenatal yoga postures) with the add-ons brought by prenatal yoga (e.g., breath control, meditation), might provide a more comprehensive and effective strategy to prevent excessive GWG than physical activity alone. This article a) summarizes the literature on potential mechanisms of prenatal yoga to prevent excessive GWG specifically focusing on behavioral (diet, physical activity, and sleep), psychological/emotional (self-awareness, emotion regulation, stress, mood, mindfulness) and physical factors (pregnancy discomforts), b) highlights limitations of current studies, and c) provides suggestions for future research. The findings demonstrate there is insufficient evidence that prenatal yoga improves behavioral, psychological/emotional and physical factors in pregnant women and more research is needed. Though these factors have been more strongly linked to improved weight outcomes in non-pregnant populations, further testing in pregnant women is necessary to draw definitive conclusions for the efficacy of prenatal yoga to prevent excessive GWG.ConclusionEffective strategies are needed to prevent excessive GWG to encourage optimal maternal and child health outcomes. More research is warranted to evaluate the impact of prenatal yoga on weight outcomes during pregnancy and design studies to test the proposed mechanisms discussed in this review.