Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence

Kirkwood, Graham; Rampes, Hagen; Tuffrey, Veronica; Richardson, Janet; Pilkington, Karen

doi:10.1136/bjsm.2005.018069

Cited by 380 publications

(280 citation statements)

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“…4 Positive results after yoga have been reported in the general population for stress, 25 depression 26 and anxiety. 27 It has also been suggested that simply modifying patterns of improper breathing can lead to significant improvements in psychological symptoms. 28 Yogic breathing is a technique yielding benefits for psychological distress such as stress, anxiety, depression as well as sleep.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Yoga for persons with severe visual impairment: a feasibility study

et al. 2012

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This exploratory study aims to establish the feasibility of an Ashtanga-based Yoga Therapy (AYT) program for improving sleep disturbances, balance, and negative psychosocial states, which are prevalent issues for visually impaired (VI) individuals. Ten legally blind adult participants were randomized to an 8-week AYT program. Four subjects in the 1 st cohort and three in the 2 nd cohort successfully completed the AYT program. They convened for one session per week with an instructor and performed two home-based sessions per week using an audio CD. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered at baseline and post-intervention. A Timed One-Leg balance measure, respiratory rate (RR), and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) were assessed in the 2 nd cohort. Both groups completed a qualitative exit survey. Positive exit survey responses (all subjects were extremely or mostly satisfied, and wanted to continue AYT) and good participation rates (7 subjects attended at least 7 of the 8 weekly sessions) support the feasibility of the AYT. PSQI, PSS, BAI and BDI scores changed in the direction of reduced negative symptoms after AYT for the 1 st cohort. Changes in PSQI and PSS for the 2 nd cohort were varied. Balance, RR and PHLMS awareness trended toward improvement for each individual. This preliminary study provides proof of concept for potential benefits of AYT that may be observed in VI subjects. Larger studies and an active control group are needed to determine efficacy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Yoga for persons with severe visual impairment: a feasibility study

et al. 2012

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“…17 Yoga may also boost confidence and reduce anxiety. [18][19][20] To investigate these benefits, outcome measures are needed that probe objective and subjective qualities of balance if they are to be useful in future clinical settings. Despite yoga's popularity, very few studies have been conducted on the purported benefits of yoga for balance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Systematic Review of Yoga for Balance in a Healthy Population

Jeter

Nkodo

Moonaz

et al. 2014

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

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Objective: A systematic review was done of the evidence on yoga for improving balance. Design: Relevant articles and reviews were identified in major databases (PubMed, MEDLINE Ò , IndMed, Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, EBSCO, Science Direct, and Google Scholar), and their reference lists searched. Key search words were yoga, balance, proprioception, falling, fear of falling, and falls. Included studies were peerreviewed articles published in English before June 2012, using healthy populations. All yoga styles and study designs were included. Two (2) raters individually rated study quality using the Downs & Black (DB) checklist. Final scores were achieved by consensus. Achievable scores ranged from 0 to 27. Effect size (ES) was calculated where possible. Results: Fifteen (15) of 152 studies (age range 10-93, n = 688) met the inclusion criteria: 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 4 quasi-experimental, 2 cross-sectional, and 4 single-group designs. DB scores ranged from 10 to 24 (RCTs), 14-19 (quasi-experimental), 6-12 (cross-sectional), and 11-20 (single group). Studies varied by yoga style, frequency of practice, and duration. Eleven (11) studies found positive results ( p < 0.05) on at least one balance outcome. ES ranged from -0.765 to 2.71 (for 8 studies) and was not associated with DB score. Conclusions: Yoga may have a beneficial effect on balance, but variable study design and poor reporting quality obscure the results. Balance as an outcome is underutilized, and more probing measures are needed.

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“…Research indicate Asanas increase patient's physical flexibility, strength and coordination while the Pranayama and Meditation practices calm and focus the mind to enhance higher selfawareness and lessen anxiety, that result in better quality of patients life. Some other beneficial and therapeutic effects reported by Yang such as reduction in level of distress, blood pressure, and improvement in mood, resilience and metabolic regulation [9,10]. Studies also indicate yoga is…”

Section: Yoga and Mental Healthmentioning

confidence: 98%

Global Mental Health, Peace and Sustainability: Does Yoga Show the Way?

Das¹

2017

J Depress Anxiety

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Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence

Cited by 380 publications

References 20 publications

Yoga for persons with severe visual impairment: a feasibility study

Yoga for persons with severe visual impairment: a feasibility study

A Systematic Review of Yoga for Balance in a Healthy Population

Global Mental Health, Peace and Sustainability: Does Yoga Show the Way?

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