Effect of YOCAS yoga on circadian rhythm, anxiety, and mood: A URCC CCOP randomized, controlled clinical trial among 410 cancer survivors. Rapid stress reduction and anxiolysis among distressed women as a consequence of a three-month intensive yoga program. A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Working Memory Capacity in Adolescents. Yoga on Our Minds: A Systematic Review of Yoga for Neuropsychiatric Disorders Effects of yoga versus walking on mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study. The effects of an 8-week Hatha yoga intervention on executive function in older adults. Physiological and psychological effects of Hatha-Yoga exercise in healthy women. A comprehensive approach to rehabilitation interventions following breast cancer treatment - a systematic review of systematic reviews Treating major depression with yoga: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial Overview of Systematic Reviews: Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention for Adults with Acute and Chronic Health Conditions Effect of an office worksite-based yoga program on heart rate variability: outcomes of a randomized controlled trial Effects of weekly one-hour Hatha yoga therapy on resilience and stress levels in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: an eight-week randomized controlled trial. Effect of Exercise Therapy on Lipid Parameters in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis Effects of hatha yoga and african dance on perceived stress, affect, and salivary cortisol Effects of Hatha Yoga on Stress in Middle-Aged Women The influence of Hatha yoga as an add-on treatment in major depression on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis activity: a randomized trial. Hatha Yoga Practice Improves Attention and Processing Speed in Older Adults: Results from an 8-Week Randomized Control Trial. Yoga and exercise for symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with poststroke disability: a randomized, controlled pilot trial. Pharmacotherapy of impaired affect in recovering schizophrenic patients.
9034 Background : Cancer treatments disrupt circadian rhythm exacerbating the anxiety and mood disorders experienced by survivors , ultimately , impairing recovery and quality of life . We conducted a nationwide , multi-site , phase III r and omized , controlled , clinical trial examining the efficacy of yoga for improving circadian rhythm , anxiety and mood among cancer survivors through the University of Rochester ( UR ) Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program ( CCOP ) Research Base . METHODS Cancer survivors with non-metastatic disease , between 2 - 24 months post adjuvant therapy who reported no participation in yoga during the prior 3 months were r and omized into 2 arms : 1 ) st and ard care , and 2 ) st and ard care plus the 4-week ( wk ) yoga intervention ( 2 x's/wk ; 75 min./session ) . The yoga intervention utilized the UR Yoga for Cancer Survivors ( YOCAS ) program consisting of pranayama ( breathing exercises ) , 18 gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga asanas ( postures ) and meditation .  Circadian rhythm , anxiety and mood were assessed pre- and post-intervention . RESULTS 410 survivors were accrued ( 96 % female , mean age = 54 , 75 % breast cancer ) . Multi-oscillator modeling revealed a 12-hour , ultradian rhythm model fit the circadian rhythm better than a single-oscillator , 24-hour model and demonstrated significant rhythm differences between groups post-intervention ( p<0.05 ) with a more favorable rhythm in the yoga group . ANCOVAs showed a lower 24-hour amplitude and a delayed 12-hour acrophase in the yoga group ( all p<0.05 ) . ANCOVAs with baseline values as covariates revealed significant differences between groups on anxiety and mood ( p<0.05 ) with yoga participants demonstrating greater improvements in anxiety ( CS=-0.80 , SE=0.21 ) and mood ( CS=-6.7 , SE=1.08 ) from pre- to post-intervention compared to controls ( anxiety CS=-0.20 , SE=0.24 ; mood CS=-1.6 , SE=0.96 ) . CONCLUSIONS The brief community-based YOCAS intervention favorably alters circadian rhythm and improves anxiety and mood among survivors . Clinicians should consider prescribing the YOCAS program for survivors reporting anxiety and mood disorders . FUNDING NCI U10CA37420 and K07CA120025 BACKGROUND Emotional distress is an increasing public health problem and Hatha yoga has been cl aim ed to induce stress reduction and empowerment in practicing subjects . We aim ed to evaluate potential effects of Iyengar Hatha yoga on perceived stress and associated psychological outcomes in mentally distressed women . MATERIAL / METHODS A controlled prospect i ve non-r and omized study was conducted in 24 self-referred female subjects ( mean age 37.9+/-7.3 years ) who perceived themselves as emotionally distressed . Subjects were offered participation in one of two subsequential 3-months yoga programs . Group 1 ( n=16 ) participated in the first class , group 2 ( n=8 ) served as a waiting list control . During the yoga course , subjects attended two-weekly 90-min Iyengar yoga classes . Outcome was assessed on entry and after 3 months by Cohen Perceived Stress Scale , State-Trait Anxiety Inventory , Profile of Mood States , CESD-Depression Scale , Bf-S/Bf-S ' Well-Being Scales , Freiburg Complaint List and ratings of physical well-being . Salivary cortisol levels were measured before and after an evening yoga class in a second sample . RESULTS Compared to waiting-list , women who participated in the yoga-training demonstrated pronounced and significant improvements in perceived stress ( P<0.02 ) , State and Trait Anxiety ( P<0.02 and P<0.01 , respectively ) , well-being ( P<0.01 ) , vigor ( P<0.02 ) , fatigue ( P<0.02 ) and depression ( P<0.05 ) . Physical well-being also increased ( P<0.01 ) , and those subjects suffering from headache or back pain reported marked pain relief . Salivary cortisol decreased significantly after participation in a yoga class ( P<0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Women suffering from mental distress participating in a 3-month Iyengar yoga class show significant improvements on measures of stress and psychological outcomes . Further investigation of yoga with respect to prevention and treatment of stress-related disease and of underlying mechanism is warranted PURPOSE To investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness meditation intervention on working memory capacity ( WMC ) in adolescents via a r and omized controlled trial comparing mindfulness meditation to hatha yoga and a waitlist control group . METHODS Participants ( N = 198 adolescents ) were recruited from a large public middle school in southwest United States and r and omly assigned to mindfulness meditation , hatha yoga , or a waitlist control condition . Participants completed a computerized measure of WMC ( Automated Operational Span Task ) and self-report measures of perceived stress ( Perceived Stress Scale ) and anxiety ( Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders ) at preintervention and postintervention/waitlist . A series of mixed- design analyses of variance were used to examine changes in WMC , stress , and anxiety at preintervention and postintervention . RESULTS Participants in the mindfulness meditation condition showed significant improvements in WMC , whereas those in the hatha yoga and waitlist control groups did not . No statistically significant between-group differences were found for stress or anxiety . CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide support for the benefits of short-term mindfulness practice , specifically mindfulness meditation , in improving WMC in adolescents . Results highlight the importance of investigating the components of mindfulness-based interventions among adolescents given that such interventions may improve cognitive function . More broadly , mindfulness interventions may be delivered in an abridged format , thus increasing their potential for integration into school setting s and into existing treatment protocol Background : The dem and for clinical ly efficacious , safe , patient acceptable , and cost-effective forms of treatment for mental illness is growing . Several studies have demonstrated benefit from yoga in specific psychiatric symptoms and a general sense of well-being . Objective : To systematic ally examine the evidence for efficacy of yoga in the treatment of selected major psychiatric disorders . Methods : Electronic search es of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the st and ard bibliographic data bases , MEDLINE , EMBASE , and PsycINFO , were performed through April 2011 and an up date d in June 2011 using the keywords yoga AND psychiatry OR depression OR anxiety OR schizophrenia OR cognition OR memory OR attention AND r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) . Studies with yoga as the independent variable and one of the above mentioned terms as the dependent variable were included and exclusion criteria were applied . Results : The search yielded a total of 124 trials , of which 16 met rigorous criteria for the final review . Grade B evidence supporting a potential acute benefit for yoga exists in depression ( four RCTs ) , as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia ( three RCTs ) , in children with ADHD ( two RCTs ) , and Grade C evidence in sleep complaints ( three RCTs ) . RCTs in cognitive disorders and eating disorders yielded conflicting results . No studies looked at primary prevention , relapse prevention , or comparative effectiveness versus pharmacotherapy . Conclusion : There is emerging evidence from r and omized trials to support popular beliefs about yoga for depression , sleep disorders , and as an augmentation therapy . Limitations of literature include inability to do double-blind studies , multiplicity of comparisons within small studies , and lack of replication . Biomarker and neuroimaging studies , those comparing yoga with st and ard pharmaco- and psychotherapies , and studies of long-term efficacy are needed to fully translate the promise of yoga for enhancing mental health OBJECTIVES Yoga and exercise have beneficial effects on  mood and anxiety .  γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic activity is reduced in mood and anxiety disorders . The practice of yoga postures is associated with increased brain GABA levels . This study addresses the question of whether changes in mood , anxiety , and GABA levels are specific to yoga or related to physical activity . METHODS Healthy subjects with no significant medical/psychiatric disorders were r and omized to yoga or a metabolically matched walking intervention for 60 minutes 3 times a week for 12 weeks . Mood and anxiety scales were taken at weeks 0 , 4 , 8 , 12 , and before each magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan . Scan 1 was at baseline . Scan 2 , obtained after the 12-week intervention , was followed by a 60-minute yoga or walking intervention , which was immediately followed by Scan 3 . RESULTS The  yoga subjects ( n = 19 ) reported greater improvement in mood and greater decreases in anxiety than the walking group ( n = 15 ) . There were positive correlations between improved mood and decreased anxiety and thalamic GABA levels . The yoga group had positive correlations between changes in mood scales and changes in GABA levels . CONCLUSIONS The 12-week yoga intervention was associated with greater improvements in mood and anxiety than a metabolically matched walking exercise . This is the first study to demonstrate that increased thalamic GABA levels are associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety . It is also the first time that a behavioral intervention ( i.e. , yoga postures ) has been associated with a positive correlation between acute increases in thalamic GABA levels and improvements in mood and anxiety scales . Given that pharmacologic agents that increase the activity of the GABA system are prescribed to improve mood and decrease anxiety , the reported correlations are in the expected direction . The possible role of GABA in mediating the beneficial effects of yoga  on mood and anxiety warrants further study BACKGROUND Few scientific studies have examined movement-based embodied contemplative practice s such as yoga and their effects on cognition . The purpose of this r and omized controlled trial was to examine the effects of an 8-week Hatha yoga intervention on executive function measures of task switching and working memory capacity . METHODS Community-dwelling older adults ( N = 118 ; mean age = 62.0 ) were r and omized to one of two groups : a Hatha yoga intervention or a stretching-strengthening control . Both groups participated in hour-long exercise classes 3 × /week over the 8-week study period . All participants completed established tests of executive function including the task switching paradigm , n-back and running memory span at baseline and follow-up . RESULTS Analysis of covariances showed significantly shorter reaction times on the mixed and repeat task switching trials ( partial η(2 ) = .04 , p < .05 ) for the Hatha yoga group . Higher accuracy was recorded on the single trials ( partial η(2 ) = .05 , p < .05 ) , the 2-back condition of the n-back ( partial η(2 ) = .08 , p < .001 ) , and partial recall scores ( partial η(2 ) = .06 , p < .01 ) of running span task . CONCLUSIONS Following 8 weeks of yoga practice , participants in the yoga intervention group showed significantly improved performance on the executive function measures of working memory capacity and efficiency of mental set shifting and flexibility compared with their stretching-strengthening counterparts . Although the underlying mechanisms need to be investigated , these results dem and larger systematic trials to thoroughly examine effects of yoga on executive function as well as across other domains of cognition , and its potential to maintain or improve cognitive functioning in the aging process Hatha-Yoga has become increasingly popular in western countries as a method for coping with stress . However , little is known about the physiological and psychological effects of yoga practice . We measured heart rate , blood pressure , the hormones cortisol , prolactin and growth hormone and certain psychological parameters in a  yoga practicing group and a control group of young female volunteers reading in a comfortable position during the experimental period . There were no substantial differences between the groups concerning endocrine parameters and blood pressure . The course of heart rate was significantly different , the yoga group had a decrease during the yoga practice . Significant differences between both groups were found in psychological parameters . In the personality inventory the yoga group showed markedly higher scores in life satisfaction and lower scores in excitability , aggressiveness , openness , emotionality and somatic complaints . Significant differences could also be observed concerning coping with stress and the mood at the end of the experiment . The yoga group had significant higher scores in high spirits and extravertedness Background Breast cancer ( BC ) is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide . Post-treatment , patients suffer from side effects and have various rehabilitation needs , which means that individualization is fundamental for optimal rehabilitation . This systematic review ( SR ) of SRs aims to evaluate the current evidence on rehabilitation interventions in female patients following BC treatment . Methods Full-text SRs published in English from 2009 were search ed in Embase , PubMed , Cinahl Complete , PsycINFO , AMED , SCOPUS , and Cochrane Library . Inclusion criteria : SRs of r and omized or non-r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of  rehabilitation interventions in women following BC treatment . All outcomes were considered . Method ological quality was evaluated using the AMSTAR 2 tool and interrater agreement was evaluated . Out of 1269 citations retrieved , 37 SRs were included . Results Five rehabilitation areas were identified : exercise and physical activity ( PA ) , complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) , yoga , lymphoedema treatment , and psychosocial interventions . The most solid evidence was found in exercise/PA and yoga . Exercise interventions improved outcomes such as shoulder mobility , lymphoedema , pain , fatigue and quality of life ( QoL ) . Effects of yoga were shown on QoL , anxiety , depression , sleep disturbance , fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms . The effect of CAM was shown on nausea , pain , fatigue , anger and anxiety but these results need to be interpreted with caution because of low method ological quality in included studies in the SRs . Among the lymphoedema treatments , positive effects were seen for resistance training on volume reduction and muscle strength and psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy had positive effects on QoL , anxiety , depression and mood disturbance . Conclusions This SR of SRs show solid positive effects of exercise/PA and yoga for women following BC treatment , and provides extended knowledge of the effects of CAM , yoga , lymphoedema treatment and psychosocial interventions . It is evident that more than one intervention could have positive effects on a specific symptom and that the effects depend not only on intervention type but also on how and when the intervention is provided . The results can be used as a foundation for individualized rehabilitation and aid health care professionals in meeting patients ’ individual needs and preferences . Trial registration PROSPERO ( CRD42017060912 ) Background Conventional pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies for major depression are associated with limited adherence to care and relatively low remission rates . Yoga may offer an alternative treatment option , but rigorous studies are few . This r and omized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors examined an 8-week hatha yoga intervention as mono-therapy for mild-to-moderate major depression . Methods Investigators recruited 38 adults in San Francisco meeting criteria for major depression of mild-to-moderate severity , per structured psychiatric interview and scores of 14–28 on Beck Depression Inventory-II ( BDI ) . At screening , individuals engaged in psychotherapy , antidepressant pharmacotherapy , herbal or nutraceutical mood therapies , or mind-body practice s were excluded . Participants were 68 % female , with mean age 43.4 years ( SD = 14.8 , range = 22–72 ) , and mean BDI score 22.4 ( SD = 4.5 ) . Twenty participants were r and omized to 90-minute hatha yoga practice groups twice weekly for 8 weeks . Eighteen participants were r and omized to 90-minute attention control education groups twice weekly for 8 weeks . Certified yoga instructors delivered both interventions at a university clinic . Primary outcome was depression severity , measured by BDI scores every 2 weeks from baseline to 8 weeks . Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy and self-esteem , measured by scores on the General Self-Efficacy Scale ( GSES ) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale ( RSES ) at baseline and at 8 weeks . Results In intent-to-treat analysis , yoga participants exhibited significantly greater 8-week decline in BDI scores  than controls ( p-value = 0.034 ) . In sub-analyses of participants completing final 8-week measures , yoga participants were more likely to achieve remission , defined per final BDI score ≤ 9 ( p-value = 0.018 ) . Effect size of yoga in reducing BDI scores was large , per Cohen ’s d = -0.96 [ 95%CI , -1.81 to -0.12 ] . Intervention groups did not differ significantly in 8-week change scores for either the GSES or RSES . Conclusion In adults with mild-to-moderate major depression , an 8-week hatha yoga intervention result ed in statistically and clinical ly significant reductions in depression severity . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Objectives . Overview the quality , direction , and characteristics of yoga interventions for treatment of acute and chronic health conditions in adult population s. Methods . We search ed for systematic review s in 10 online data bases , bibliographic references , and h and - search es in  yoga-related  journals . Included review s satisfy Oxman criteria and specify yoga as a primary intervention in one or more r and omized controlled trials for treatment in adults . The AMSTAR tool and GRADE approach evaluated the method ological quality of review s and quality of evidence . Results . We identified 2202 titles , of which 41 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 26 systematic review s satisfied inclusion criteria . Thirteen systematic review s include quantitative data and six papers include meta- analysis . The quality of evidence is generally low . Sixteen different types of health conditions are included . Eleven review s show tendency towards positive effects of yoga intervention , 15 review s report unclear results , and no , review s report adverse effects of yoga . Yoga appears most effective for reducing symptoms in anxiety , depression , and pain . Conclusion . Although the quality of systematic review s is high , the quality of supporting evidence is low . Significant heterogeneity and variability in reporting interventions by type of yoga , setting s , and population characteristics limit the generalizability of results Background Chronic work-related stress is an independent risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and associated mortality , particularly when compounded by a sedentary work environment . The purpose of this study was to determine if an office worksite-based hatha yoga program could improve physiological stress , evaluated via heart rate variability ( HRV ) , and associated health-related outcomes in a cohort of office workers . Methods Thirty-seven adults employed in university-based office positions were r and omized upon the completion of baseline testing to an experimental or control group . The experimental group completed a 10-week yoga program prescribed three sessions per week during lunch hour ( 50 min per session ) . An experienced instructor led the sessions , which emphasized asanas ( postures ) and vinyasa ( exercises ) . The primary outcome was the high frequency ( HF ) power component of HRV . Secondary outcomes included additional HRV parameters , musculoskeletal fitness ( i.e. push-up , side-bridge , and sit & reach tests ) and psychological indices ( i.e. state and trait anxiety , quality of life and job satisfaction ) . Results All measures of HRV failed to change in the experimental group versus the control group , except that the experimental group significantly increased LF : HF ( p = 0.04 ) and reduced pNN50 ( p = 0.04 ) versus control , contrary to our hypotheses . Flexibility , evaluated via sit & reach test increased in the experimental group versus the control group ( p < 0.001 ) . No other adaptations were noted . Post hoc analysis comparing participants who completed ≥70 % of yoga sessions ( n = 11 ) to control ( n = 19 ) yielded the same findings , except that the high adherers also reduced state anxiety ( p = 0.02 ) and RMSSD ( p = 0.05 ) , and tended to improve the push-up test ( p = 0.07 ) versus control . Conclusions A 10-week hatha yoga intervention delivered at the office worksite during lunch hour did not improve HF power or other HRV parameters . However , improvements in flexibility , state anxiety and musculoskeletal fitness were noted with high adherence . Future investigations should incorporate strategies to promote adherence , involve more frequent and longer duration s of yoga training , and enrol cohorts who suffer from higher levels of work-related stress . Trial registration OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of Hatha yoga therapy on resilience , brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) levels , and salivary alpha amylase ( SAA ) activity in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders . DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Single-blinded , r and omized controlled study in which out patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders ( according to International Classification of Diseases , 10th Revision ) were r and omly assigned to a yoga or a control group . SETTING November 2012-April 2013 at Yamanashi Prefectural Kita Hospital , Japan . INTERVENTIONS In the yoga group , patients received weekly 1-hour Hatha yoga sessions , in addition to regular treatment , for 8 weeks . Those in the control group underwent regular treatment , which included a daycare rehabilitation program . OUTCOME MEASURES Assessment s included the 25-item Resilience Scale ( RS ) , Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale ( PANSS ) , plasma and salivary BDNF level , and SAA activity . RESULTS Fifty patients participated ( 25 in each group ; mean age±st and ard deviation , 50.9±11.3 years ; mean duration of illness , 25.0±10.3 years ; mean total PANSS score , 78.2±17.3 ) . No significant differences in changes in any variable from baseline to week 8 were found between the two groups ( changes in the yoga group versus the control group : RS score , -1.6±19.9 versus 0.3±17.2 ; PANSS score , 0.5±12.0 versus 5.0±15.6 ; plasma BDNF , 41.6±377.0 pg/dl versus 73.4±346.0 pg/dl ; SAA , -26.2±72.6 kU/l versus -13.8±68.0 kU/l , respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS Adjunct yoga therapy showed no positive changes in resilience level or stress markers . Duration and intensity of yoga sessions and the focus on patients with chronic illness may explain the negative observations in light of past positive evidence regarding yoga therapy Background : Dyslipidemia has been established as a well-known traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease patients . Aim : This study investigated the impact of Hatha yoga exercise on lipid parameters in patients with end-stage renal disease ( ESRD ) on hemodialysis . Material s and Methods : This prospect i ve r and omized study consisted of 33 ESRD patients in the Hatha yoga exercise group  that was matched with 35 ESRD patients in the control group .  Serum total cholesterol , triglycerides , low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol , and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were determined at baseline ( 0 month ) and after 4 months . Results : Comparing values after 4 months versus baseline in the prehemodialysis Hatha yoga exercise group , there was found a significant decrease in total cholesterol from 5.126 ± 0.092 mmol/l to 4.891 ± 0.072 mmol/l ( -4.58 % ; P = 0.0001 ) , triglycerides from 2.699 ± 0.078 mmol/l to 2.530 ± 0.063 mmol/l ( -6.26 % ; P = 0.0001 ) , LDL-cholesterol from 2.729 ± 0.083 mmol/l to 2.420 ± 0.066 mmol/l ( -11.32 % ; P = 0.0001 ) , and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio from 5.593 ± 0.119 mmol/l to 4.907 ± 0.116 mmol/l ( -12.26 % ; P = 0.047 ) . For patients in the Hatha yoga exercise group , 51.5 % had normal total cholesterol at 0 month while 70.0 % had normal total cholesterol ( P < 0.05 ) after 4 four months and 54.5 % of patients had normal LDL-cholesterol at 0 month while 84.9 % had normal LDL-cholesterol after 4 months ( P < 0.05 ) . Conclusion : These findings suggest that Hatha yoga exercise has preventive and beneficial effects and may be a safe therapeutic modality in ESRD patients Background : Dance and yoga have been shown to produce improvements in psychological well-being . Purpose : The aim of this study was to examine some of the psychological and neuroendocrine responses to these activities . Methods : Sixty-nine healthy college students participated in one of three 90-min classes : African dance ( n = 21 ) , Hatha yoga ( n = 18 ) , or a biology lecture as a control session ( n = 30 ) . Before and after each condition participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale ( PSS ) , completed the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule , and provided a saliva sample for cortisol . Results : There were significant reductions in PSS and negative affect ( ps < .0001 ) and Time × Treatment interactions ( ps < .0001 ) such that African dance and Hatha yoga showed significant declines , whereas there was no significant change in biology lecture . There was no significant main effect for positive affect ( p = .53 ) , however there was a significant interaction effect ( p < .001 ) such that positive affect increased in African dance , decreased in biology lecture , and did not change significantly in Hatha yoga . There was a significant main effect for salivary cortisol ( p < .05 ) and a significant interaction effect ( p < .0001 ) such that cortisol increased in African dance , decreased in Hatha yoga , and did not change in biology . Changes in cortisol were not significantly related to changes in psychological variables across treatments . There was 1 significant interaction effect ( p = .04 ) such that change in positive affect and change in cortisol were negatively correlated in Hatha yoga but positively correlated in African dance and biology . Conclusions : Both African dance and Hatha yoga reduced perceived stress and negative affect . Cortisol increased in African dance and decreased in Hatha yoga . Therefore , even when these interventions produce similar positive psychological effects , the effects may be very different on physiological stress processes . One factor that may have particular salience is the amount of physiological arousal produced by the intervention Background : Stress is considered a crucial trigger for physical and mental illness . Stress reduction is a known long-term benefit of regular Hatha yoga practice . The efficacy of a single-session Hatha yoga class on stress reduction is not currently known . Purpose : This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of a single 90-minute Hatha yoga class and an 8-week , 90-minute-class-per-week course . Methods : We used a quasiexperimental design and recruited 63 female community residents in New Taipei City aged 40–60 years . Participants were r and omly divided into an experimental group ( n = 30 ) and a control group ( n = 33 ) . The experimental group received the 8-week Hatha yoga course . The control group received no intervention .  The Perceived Stress Scale ( PSS ) and heart rate variability ( HRV ) assessed stress reduction effectiveness . Chi-square , independent t test , paired t test , and generalized estimating equations were used for data analysis . Results : After a single 90-minute class of Hatha yoga , experimental group PSS scores were significantly less than those of the control group ( p = .001 ) . Although experimental group HRV ( low-frequency norm and high-frequency norm ) had improved , these changes were not statistically significant ( p = .059 ) . PSS scores for the single 90-minute class and 8-week course did not significantly differ ( p = .157 ) and HRV of statistics is significant ( p = .005 ) . Generalized estimating equations analyzed changes in the effectiveness over time of stress reduction ( HRV and PSS ) after the Hatha yoga intervention . Results showed the postintervention HRV and PSS of the experimental group decreased significantly ( p < .001 ) more than the control group . Conclusions / Implication s for Practice : Our findings support the position that regular , long-term practice of Hatha yoga provides clear and significant health benefits . Participation in a single 90-minute Hatha yoga class can significantly reduce perceived stress . Doing Hatha yoga regularly can reduce perceived stress even more significantly OBJECTIVES The impact of Hatha yoga as add-on treatment to quetiapine fumarate extended release ( QXR ) or escitalopram ( ESC ) in depressed patients on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal ( HPA ) axis activity was assessed . METHODS 60 in patients suffering from major depressive disorder ( MDD ) according to DSM-IV were r and omized for a 5 week treatment with Yoga or not ( control group ) and with either QXR ( 300 mg/day ) or ESC ( 10 mg/day ) . Serial dexamethasone/corticotropin releasing hormone ( DEX/CRH ) tests were performed to assess HPA axis function . The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( 21-HAMD ) was used weekly . RESULTS A more pronounced down regulation of the HPA axis activity due to yoga could not be detected . The stepwise long term cortisol reduction was seen in both medication groups , irrespectively of yoga add-on treatment . In addition , cortisol improvers in week 1 of therapy ( reduction in cortisol peak value within the DEX/CRH test ) reached significant greater amelioration of depressive symptoms after 5 weeks . CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that antidepressant agents down regulate HPA axis function to a greater extent than additional Hatha yoga treatment . Moreover , an early reduction of HPA system hyperactivity after one week of pharmacological treatment seems to raise the possibility of a favorable treatment response BACKGROUND Age-related cognitive decline is well documented across various aspects of cognitive function , including attention and processing speed , and lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity play an important role in preventing cognitive decline and maintaining or even improving cognitive function . PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week Hatha yoga intervention on attention and processing speed among older adults . METHODS Participants ( n = 118 ; mean age , 62 ± 5.59 ) were r and omly assigned to an 8-week Hatha yoga group or a stretching control group and completed  cognitive assessment s-Attention Network Task , Trail Making Test parts A and B , and Pattern Comparison Test-at baseline and after the 8-week intervention . RESULTS Analyses of covariance revealed significantly faster reaction times for the yoga group on the Attention Network Task 's neutral , congruent , and incongruent conditions ( p ≤ 0.04 ) . The yoga intervention also improved participants ' visuospatial and perceptual processing on the Trail Making Test part B ( p = 0.002 ) and pattern comparison ( p < 0.001 ) tests . CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that yoga practice that includes postures , breathing , and meditative exercises lead to improved attentional and information processing abilities . Although the underlying mechanisms remain largely speculative , more systematic trials are needed to explore the extent of cognitive benefits and their neurobiological mechanisms CONTEXT Mood disorders are prevalent in people after stroke , and a disorder 's onset can exacerbate stroke-related disabilities . While evidence supports the mental-health benefits of participation in exercise and yoga , it is unknown whether such benefits extend to a population with poststroke hemiparesis . OBJECTIVE The study investigated whether supplementing exercise with participation in a yoga program would provide further improvements in self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety in a chronic poststroke population , and it also assessed trial feasibility for future studies . DESIGN The research team design ed a r and omized , controlled pilot trial that included an exercise-only group ( EX , control ) and a yoga- and -exercise group ( YEX , intervention ) . SETTING The study took place at the Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing an exercise rehabilitation and activity center at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia . PARTICIPANTS The participants included 14 individuals with chronic poststroke hemiparesis : eight in the intervention group and six in the control group . INTERVENTIONS The YEX group participated in a 6-week st and ardized program that included yoga in weekly group sessions and home practice in addition to exercise in a weekly group class . The EX group participated only in the group exercise class weekly for 6 weeks . OUTCOME MEASURES The research team assessed self-reported symptoms of depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale ( GDS15 ) and symptoms of anxiety and negative affect using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory ( STAI ) . The team based the feasibility evaluation on recruitment outcomes , retention of participants , participants ' compliance with the intervention program , and the safety of the intervention . RESULTS Changes in depression and state and trait anxiety did not significantly differ between intervention groups ( GDS15 P=.749 , STAI-Y1 , P=.595 , STAI-Y2 , P=.407 ) . Comparison of individuals ' case results indicated clinical ly relevant improvements in both groups , although members of the intervention group had greater improvements . Participants reported no adverse events , and the study experienced high retention of participants and high compliance in the yoga program . CONCLUSIONS This pilot study provides preliminary data on the effects of yoga combined with exercise to influence mood poststroke . It is a feasible , safe , and acceptable intervention , and the field requires additional investigations with a larger sample size BACKGROUND Prominent and persistent anxiety , depression , and /or negative features characterize a substantial minority of recovered or residually psychotic schizophrenic out patients and contribute to poor outcome . Because extrapyramidal side effects of typical neuroleptic medications often resemble such features , we first systematic ally studied the contribution of extrapyramidal side effects to these problems and their treatment . For patients who remained distressed , controlled trials of supplemental thymoleptics were undertaken . METHODS In trial 1 , 92 distressed ( depressed and /or anxious ) patients and 36 patients in a defect state ( patients with negative symptoms ) participated in a double-blind , intramuscular challenge that compared central ly acting benztropine mesylate with peripherally acting glycopyrrolate . In trial 2 , 57 distressed patients and 22 patients in a defect state were r and omly assigned to a double-blind , neuroleptic medication dose-reduction group . In trial 3 , 57 chronically distressed patients who were maintained on a low dose of fluphenazine decanoate  were r and omly assigned to a supplemental desipramine hydrochloride , lithium carbonate , or placebo group under double-blind conditions for 12 weeks . RESULTS For patients who were already maintained on antiparkinsonian medication , impaired affect was not resolved by additional benztropine . Only distressed patients with a family history of severe mental disorder ( often affective ) showed improvement with neuroleptic medication dose reduction . Patients in the defect-state group reported less dysphoria on a reduced neuroleptic medication dose , but negative symptoms persisted . Desipramine improved diverse aspects of mood and residual psychoticism , possibly as a prophylaxis against minor affective exacerbations . Depression improved in women only . Lithium positively affected multiple indexes of anxiety and anxious depression . CONCLUSION Most often , persistent affective impairments are neither resistant extrapyramidal side effects nor characterological traits . Thymoleptics improve the nonphasic , chronic types of anxiety and depression in contrast to the acute , episodic forms , for which little support can be found in the literature
With this caveat in mind , the results of the current meta- analysis suggest that hatha yoga does not have effects on acute , chronic and /or treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders compared to treatment as usual or active control groups .
However , when compared to psychoeducation , hatha yoga showed more reductions in depression .
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to systematic ally investigate the effectiveness of hatha yoga in treating acute , chronic and /or treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders .