Effects of yoga on functional capacity and well being

Yoga Pose Estimation Using Angle-Based Feature Extraction

OBJECTIVE

This research addresses the challenges of maintaining proper yoga postures, an issue that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shift to virtual platforms for yoga instruction. This research aims to develop a mechanism for detecting correct yoga poses and providing real-time feedback through the application of computer vision and machine learning (ML) techniques.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This study utilized computer vision-based pose estimation methods to extract features and calculate yoga pose angles. A variety of models, including extremely randomized trees, logistic regression, random forest, gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting, and deep neural networks, were trained and tested to classify yoga poses. Our study employed the Yoga-82 dataset, consisting of many yoga pose images downloaded from the web.

RESULTS

The results of this study show that the extremely randomized trees model outperformed the other models, achieving the highest prediction accuracy of 91% on the test dataset and 92% in a fivefold cross-validation experiment. Other models like random forest, gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting, and deep neural networks achieved accuracies of 90%, 89%, 90%, and 85%, respectively, while logistic regression underperformed, having the lowest accuracy.

CONCLUSION

This research concludes that the extremely randomized trees model presents superior predictive power for yoga pose recognition. This suggests a valuable avenue for future exploration in this domain. Moreover, the approach has significant potential for implementation on low-powered smartphones with minimal latency, thereby enabling real-time feedback for users practicing yoga at home.

Incredible Combination of Lifestyle Modification and Herbal Remedies for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Management

A relatively frequent endocrine-metabolic illness called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by polycystic ovaries, persistent anovulation, and hyperandrogenism, which cause symptoms such as irregular menstruation, infertility, and hirsutism. PCOS is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and increased amounts of androgens, or male hormones. The sedentary lifestyle, dietary fluctuations, inactivity, and stress are other contributing variables. According to estimates from India in 2021, around 22.5% of women, or one in five Indian women, suffer from PCOS. Evidence-based medical care for PCOS places a strong focus on a multidisciplinary approach, as standard pharmacological treatment frequently targets a single symptom, may be contraindicated, has adverse effects, and is ineffective in certain circumstances. However, long-term treatments have drawbacks and are likely to be ineffective, making complementary and alternative therapies a worthwhile choice. Yoga science is a thorough treatment plan for a healthy body and mind that may eradicate PCOS's primary causes, stress and obesity. Some common herbal remedies, including Foeniculum vulgare, Tinospora cordifolia, Asparagus racemosus, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Areca catechu, and Lepidium meyenii, have been highly regarded sources that have the benefits of lowering PCOS as well as having hypoglycemic and antiobesity effects. In light of existing literature, women with PCOS experienced symptomatic relief, improvement in hormonal balance, and the quality of life by utilizing yoga practices as well as herbal remedies. In conclusion, combining lifestyle modifications with herbal remedies can be used in the management of PCOS as a holistic approach. Therefore, this review opens a new window for researchers all across the world to validate such findings.

Effect of yoga and mindfulness on psychological correlates in young athletes: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis planned to assess the impact of yoga and mindfulness practice in reducing stress and anxiety to improve athletes' sports performance.

METHODS

Several databases were electronically searched for eligible articles till September 2022. Participants aged 18-45 yrs, male and female, and recreational athletes from different sports were included. Athletes' stress, competitive anxiety, and sports performance were measured. The mean difference or standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated in RevMan software 5.4. The fixed effect model was applied to test the statistical significance difference and heterogeneity (p < 0.05). The GRADE pro evidence was also created to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Results were analyzed with pooled data from fifteen articles. Forest plots showed an overall significant effect of yoga and mindfulness on Mindfulness [Z = 4.13 (p < 0.0001)] [(I2 = 48%), MD -2.6, (95% CI, -3.85, -1.37)] and flow state [Z = 9.49 (p < 0.00001)] [(I2 = 85%), SMD 3.13, (95% CI, 2.48, 3.77)]. The insignificant effects were noted on attention and awareness [Z = 1.51 (p = 0.13)] [(I2 = 25%), SMD -0.26, (95% CI, -0.60, 0.80)], and action and acceptance [Z = 0.43 (p = 0.67)] [(I2 = 0%), MD 0.20, (95% CI, -0.69, 1.08)]. We also observed a significant effect for the comparison of stress [Z = 6.56 (p < 0.00001)] [(I2 = 76%), SMD -0.74, (95% CI, -0.97, 0.52)] and an insignificant effect for comparing anxiety [Z = 1.62 (p = 0.11)] [(I2 = 14%), SMD -0.31, (95% CI, -0.69, 0.07)].

CONCLUSION

The findings of this meta-analysis provides valuable insights to the beneficial or complementary effects of yoga and mindfulness on athletes' psychological health and sports performance.

Yoga Meets Intelligent Internet of Things: Recent Challenges and Future Directions

The physical and mental health of people can be enhanced through yoga, an excellent form of exercise. As part of the breathing procedure, yoga involves stretching the body organs. The guidance and monitoring of yoga are crucial to ripe the full benefits of it, as wrong postures possess multiple antagonistic effects, including physical hazards and stroke. The detection and monitoring of the yoga postures are possible with the Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT), which is the integration of intelligent approaches (machine learning) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Considering the increment in yoga practitioners in recent years, the integration of IIoT and yoga has led to the successful implementation of IIoT-based yoga training systems. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on integrating yoga with IIoT. The paper also discusses the multiple types of yoga and the procedure for the detection of yoga using IIoT. Additionally, this paper highlights various applications of yoga, safety measures, various challenges, and future directions. This survey provides the latest developments and findings on yoga and its integration with IIoT.

Effects of Temperature and Tempo: Evaluating How Much Time in a Typical Community-Based Yoga Class Is Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Activity

The 2nd edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG) recommends, in part, 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. The PAG states that yoga may be able to help meet the guidelines for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for adults and older adults. Our study aims to objectively measure the proportion of time participants' activity that is categorized as moderate-intensity aerobic activity based on heart rate data and to subjectively measure rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Participants completed the Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical item to establish baseline PAG aerobic activity compliance. Participants then completed four separate 1-h yoga sessions at different tempos (cadence) and temperatures while wearing heart rate monitors. During and directly after the session they also marked their RPE on a modified 10-point scale. All participants reached moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least some portion of a yoga session based on heart rate monitor data and RPE. The average duration of moderate intensity was 32.75% of the class across all four class types, with no significant differences by condition. Age was a significant factor in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for only the thermo-neutral Hatha classes (p = 0.010). Tempo, temperature, and baseline activity levels were not significant factors in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity based on Pearson Correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Hatha and Vinyasa yoga classes, at room or hot temperatures, can be used to meet a portion of the PAG moderate-intensity activity recommendations.

Effects of Yoga on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Without Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a worldwide public health problem. Although it has been empirically established that physical activity is a promising therapeutical approach to the prevention and management of T2DM, the effectiveness of yoga on T2DM has not yet reached an agreement across studies and also needs an updated synthetic examination.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of yoga training on diabetes-related indicators compared with usual care.

Methods

The review protocol of this study has been registered in the PROSPERO with a registration number CRD42021267868. A systematic literature search through electronic databases was conducted to identify yoga-based intervention (i.e., randomized controlled trial [RCT]; e.g., yogic postures, movements, breathing, and meditation) studies reporting outcomes on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and body mass index (BMI). A number of two researchers manually reviewed and assessed each article using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. The literature search identified 296 eligible entries, of which 13 were finalized after screening using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The extracted data (group mean and standard deviation at posttest) were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses. Finally, potential moderators were explored using subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis.

Results

The standardized mean difference for the effects of yoga was significant on HbA1c (MD = -0.47; 95%CI: -0.77, -0.16; Z = 3.02, p = 0.003), FBG (SMD = -0.92; 95%CI: -1.55, -0.29; Z = 2.87, p = 0.004), PPBG (SMD = -0.53; 95%CI: -0.86, -0.21; Z = 3.20, p = 0.001), and TG (SMD = -0.32; 95%CI: -0.54, -0.10; Z = 2.86, p = 0.004). However, yoga effect was not observed on TC (SMD = -0.84; 95%CI: -1.71, 0.04; Z = 1.87, p = 0.06) and BMI (MD = -0.63; 95%CI: -1.42, 0.16; Z = 1.57, p = 0.12).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that yoga can improve the biochemical indices of blood glucose and the lipid profile of patients with T2DM. Therefore, yoga can be prescribed as an effective and active complementary treatment for T2DM. However, this study only tested yoga as a short-term treatment. In the future, rigorous RCTs with a larger sample size may be carried out to examine the long-term effect of yoga on T2DM.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=267868, identifier: CRD42021267868.

Effect of yoga mudras in improving the health of users: A precautionary measure practice in daily life for resisting the deadly COVID-19 disease

COVID-19 is a deadly disease that affected millions of people around the world. Vaccines are presently being made available for curtailing the disease. However, many people lost their lives because of breathing problems associated with the virus infection. Science and technology have advanced a lot in the identification of the COVID-19 virus through RT-PCR tests and CT imaging. The ashtanga yoga focuses on the moral, intellectual, and health aspect improvement of individuals. This study notes that the role of Yoga (mudras) is inevitable in improving the health conditions of both the infected and noninfected persons. The effects of mudras in health care were scientifically proven, and many reputed works are there highlighting the merits of mudras. To this end, this research work proposed a set of mudras with a breathing exercise that focuses on the improvement of immunity and minimizes respiratory issues. A consistent practice of mudras with a breathing exercise for 30 min each (morning and evening) paves the way toward a healthy life. The breathing exercise proposed in this research work is Nadi Shuddi Pranayama in Virasana position and the following mudras: garuda mudra, aswini mudra, adhi mudra, prana mudra, bronchial mudra, and apana vayu mudra. The chapter comprises of the following: introduction to yoga and its scientific evidence in improving health care, related works in improving health care by mudras, and a universal practice system comprising of breathing exercise and mudras for resisting COVID-19. In theory, the outcome of this chapter focuses on the holistic improvement of health care of people particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of the Web-Based WeActive and WeMindful Interventions on Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being

This study is aimed at examining the feasibility and effectiveness of aerobic and resistance training (WeActive) and mindful exercise (WeMindful) interventions in improving physical activity (PA), psychological well-being (PWB), and subjective vitality among college students. Participants in this study were 77 college students who were randomly assigned to either the WeActive group (n = 43) or the WeMindful group (n = 28). The WeActive group attended two 30-minute aerobic and resistance training sessions per week, and the WeMindful group attended two 30-minute yoga and mindful exercise sessions per week for eight weeks. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, and the Subjective Vitality Scale before and after the intervention, as well as the Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability Questionnaire at the end of the intervention. The primary study outcome measures were PA, PWB, and subjective vitality. A repeated-measures ANCOVA indicated a significant main effect of time for total PA (F = 7.89, p = 0.006, η ² = 0.049), vigorous PA (F = 5.36, p = 0.024, η ² = 0.022), and walking (F = 7.34, p = 0.009, η ² = 0.042) in both intervention groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group for PWB (F = 11.26, p = 0.001, η ² = 0.022), where the WeActive group experienced a decrease in PWB scores while participants in the WeMindful group experienced an increase in PWB scores over time. There was a main effect of group for subjective vitality (F = 8.91, p = 0.007, η ² = 0.088), indicating that the WeMindful group experienced a greater increase in subjective vitality than the WeActive group. Further, the participants in both groups indicated that the synchronized and asynchronized Zoom-based WeActive and WeMindful interventions were acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for participants. This study demonstrated that mindful exercise is effective in increasing PA, PWB, and subjective vitality while aerobic and resistance training may only be effective in increasing PA.

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health of the Surgeon

Surgeons face hazardous working conditions due to ergonomic deficiencies found throughout the operating room. More than 80% of surgeons have succumbed to a work-related injury or illness as a consequence of sustaining awkward or static positions throughout lengthy operations over a career. While the focus of the procedure is directed to the patient, there is little concurrent regard for proper posture or spinal stability. Even when symptoms of discomfort are experienced, they are often ignored. This results in decreased production and may ultimately threaten surgical careers. Surgeons are often unaware of recommendations or guidelines designed to improve their comfort while operating. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of any formal ergonomic education, especially for minimally invasive procedures. Several modifiable risk factors can be adjusted in the operating room to provide a safer working environment. In addition, strengthening, stability, and exercise programs directed by a trained therapist may be employed to improve the surgeon's musculoskeletal health.

The Use of Yoga to Manage Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze and summarize the current knowledge regarding the use of yoga to manage and prevent stress and burnout in healthcare workers. In February 2017, a literature search was conducted using the databases Medline (PubMed) and Scopus. Studies that addressed this topic were included. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies were clinical trials that analyzed yoga interventions and evaluated effectiveness by gauging stress levels, sleep quality and quality of life. A study on Chinese nurses showed statistical improvement in stress levels following a six-month yoga program (χ2 = 16.449; p < 0.001). A population of medical students showed improvement in self-regulation values after an 11-week yoga program (from 3.49 to 3.58; p = 0.04) and in self-compassion values (from 2.88 to 3.25; p = 0.04). Four of the included articles were observational studies: They described the factors that cause stress in the work environment and highlighted that healthcare workers believe it is possible to benefit from improved physical, emotional and mental health related to yoga activity. According to the literature, yoga appears to be effective in the management of stress in healthcare workers, but it is necessary to implement methodologically relevant studies to attribute significance to such evidence.

Increased Mental Well-Being and Reduced State Anxiety in Teachers After Participation in a Residential Yoga Program

BACKGROUND Reducing stress in the workplace improves mental health. Teaching is of social importance, but it may receive inadequate recognition and rewards. The present study compared mental well-being and state anxiety in primary school teachers who practiced 15 days of yoga in a residential setting with those who continued their usual routine. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 236 primary school teachers to participate in the study. We assigned 118 primary school teachers (group mean ±S.D., age 41.5±6.0 years, 74 females) to the experimental group; they underwent 15 days of yoga training for 6 hours/day) in a residential yoga center. The non-yoga control group (group mean ±S.D., age 42.3±6.0 years, 79 females) consisted of 118 teachers who continued with their normal teaching routine. RESULTS After 15 days in the residential yoga program, there was an increase in overall mental well-being (p<.001) and lower state anxiety (p<.01) (repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by post hoc multiple comparison tests). At baseline, the non-yoga control group had higher levels of state anxiety, presumably related to their remaining in the workplace. CONCLUSIONS The study was a 15-day, comparative, controlled trial. The results show that after 15 days of participation in the residential yoga program, primary school teachers increased all aspects of mental well-being and had reduced state anxiety.

Regular consumption of HolisFiit, a polyphenol-rich extract-based food supplement, improves mind and body well-being of overweight and slightly obese volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, parallel trial

Modern lifestyles face growing demands for natural solutions to help improve general well-being. Accordingly, mind-body activities such as yoga have considerably grown. However, beneficial effects require regular workout. Besides, literature suggests that polyphenols may demonstrate positive effects on both mental and physical health. Overweight and obese volunteers, for which well-being might be perceived degraded, were included in a 16-week double-blind, randomized and parallel trial with a daily supplementation of HolisFiit^®, a polyphenol-rich food supplement. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology; well-being was evaluated with both, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and components from Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Body composition significantly rebalanced by 7.7% (p = .019) of the lean-to-fat mass ratio. Also, sleep quality significantly improved by 43% (p = .00015) as well as both physical and mental components from SF-36, respectively by 10% (p = .004) and 7% (p = .021). These data altogether, suggest that regular consumption of HolisFiit^®, might significantly improve mind and body well-being.

Impact of 10-weeks of yoga practice on flexibility and balance of college athletes

Background:

With clearer evidence of its benefits, coaches, and athletes may better see that yoga has a role in optimizing performance.

Aims:

To determine the impact of yoga on male college athletes (N = 26).

Methods:

Over a 10-week period, a yoga group (YG) of athletes (n = 14) took part in biweekly yoga sessions; while a nonyoga group (NYG) of athletes (n = 12) took part in no additional yoga activity. Performance measures were obtained immediately before and after this period. Measurements of flexibility and balance, included: Sit-reach (SR), shoulder flexibility (SF), and stork stand (SS); dynamic measurements consisted of joint angles (JA) measured during the performance of three distinct yoga positions (downward dog [DD]; right foot lunge [RFL]; chair [C]).

Results:

Significant gains were observed in the YG for flexibility (SR, P = 0.01; SF, P = 0.03), and balance (SS, P = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the NYG for flexibility and balance. Significantly, greater JA were observed in the YG for: RFL (dorsiflexion, l-ankle; P = 0.04), DD (extension, r-knee, P = 0.04; r-hip; P = 0.01; flexion, r-shoulder; P = 0.01) and C (flexion, r-knee; P = 0.01). Significant JA differences were observed in the NYG for: DD (flexion, r-knee, P = 0.01: r-hip, P = 0.05; r-shoulder, P = 0.03) and C (flexion r-knee, P = 0.01; extension, r-shoulder; P = 0.05). A between group comparison revealed the significant differences for: RFL (l-ankle; P = 0.01), DD (r-knee, P = 0.01; r-hip; P = 0.01), and C (r-shoulder, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Results suggest that a regular yoga practice may increase the flexibility and balance as well as whole body measures of male college athletes and therefore, may enhance athletic performances that require these characteristics.

Yoga, bioenergetics and eating behaviors: A conceptual review

Yoga is an ancient oriental discipline that emerged from mystical and philosophical concepts. Today it is practiced in the west, partly due to the promotion of its benefits to improve the lifestyle and overall health. As compared to non-Hatha Yoga (HY) practitioners, healthier and better-eating patterns have been observed in those who practice it. Agreement with the brought benefits, HY can be used as a therapeutic method to correct abnormal eating behaviors (AEB), obesity, and some metabolic diseases. However, the energy expenditure during traditional protocols of HY is not high; hence, it is not very effective for reducing or maintaining body weight or to improve cardiovascular conditioning. Even so, several observational studies suggest significant changes in eating behaviors, like a reduction in dietary fat intake and increments in that of fresh vegetables, whole grains and soy-based products, which in turn may reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Given the inconsistency of the results derived from cross-sectional studies, more case–control studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of HY as an alternative method in the clinical treatment of disordered eating and metabolic diseases.

Positive effect of yoga on cardiorespiratory fitness: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. An integral part of primary prevention is physical activity. One form of physical activity to be potentially used is yoga, but this activity is associated with lower energy expenditure than that recommended for prevention. The study aimed at assessing the effect of regular yoga sessions on the aerobic capacity of the practitioners and comparing it with the normal population performing physical activity recommended by guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight persons (16 males) with a mean age of 50.0 ± 11.06 years comprising the yoga group practiced yoga for at least 1 h a day for over 2 years. They underwent spiroergometry under maximal exercise testing to assess basic performance parameters. Their results were compared with those in 54 age-matched controls (16 males mean age of 48 ± 11.86 years performing a regular aerobic physical activity for at least 7 h a week.

RESULTS

The yoga group had statistically significantly higher maximum performance per kilogram (P = 0.007) and maximum oxygen consumption per kilogram per minute (P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low energy expenditure, yoga practices are better in some cardiorespiratory fitness parameters than other aerobic activities recommended by current guidelines for CVD prevention.

Do 12-week yoga program influence respiratory function of elderly women?

Aging produces several respiratory limitations and reduces tolerance to physical efforts, sometimes leading to pulmonary diseases in the elderly. The literature draws attention to the possible benefits of Yoga practice among the elderly, presenting evidence for significant improvements in quality of life. It was hypothesized that yoga practice can improve respiratory function in the elderly. The effects of a yoga program on pulmonary volumes and respiratory muscle strength were verified in 36 elderly women divided into a yoga group [YG] (63.1 ± 13.3 years of age) and a control group (61.0 ± 6.9 years of age). Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP) were assessed by a manovacuometer and tidal volume (VT), vital capacity (VC) and minute ventilation (VE) were measured by a ventilometer. The program comprised 65 min sessions, 3 times/week during 12 weeks. The heart rate and respiratory rate decreased significantly in the YG (76-39 ± 8-03 vs. 74-61±10.26 bpm and 18.61 ± 3.15 vs. 16.72 ± 3.12 resp/min, respectively). In the YG, VT and VE increased significantly (0.55 ± 0.22 vs. 0.64 ± 0.2 ml and 9.19 ± 2.39 vs. 10.05 ± 2.11 ml, respectively), as well as VC (1.48 ± 0.45 vs. 2.03 ± 0.72 ml). Improvements were also found in MIP and MEP in the YG (62.17 ± 14.77 vs. 73.06 ± 20.16 cmH2O and 80.56 ± 23.94 vs. 86.39 ± 20.16 cmH2O, respectively). It was concluded that a 12-week yoga program significantly improves pulmonary function of aged women.