Effects of yoga on stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and the quality of life among employees of diamond industry: A new approach in employee wellness

BACKGROUND

Diamond industry employees often experience musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and stress, contributing to a low quality of life (QoL). Yoga is an ancient discipline of mind-body practice Yoga has numerous health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the efficacy of workplace yoga in improving stress, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and QoL among employees of the diamond industry.

METHODS

One-hundred sixty-six employees of the diamond industry between the ages of 20 and 60 participated in the study. Participants were assigned to either yoga (n = 84) or waitlist (n = 82) groups. The yoga group received one hour of yoga, four days a week for three consecutive months. Participants in the waitlist group followed their daily routines. Musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, stress, and QoL were assessed at baseline and after three months.

RESULTS

One-hundred fifty-five employees completed the study. The yoga group showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in pain, perceived stress, fatigue, and QoL domains after three months compared to baseline. The waitlist group showed no significant improvement in any of the measures. In the post scores comparison between the groups revealed a significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Workplace yoga found to be a useful, cost-effective and feasible intervention in improving stress, musculoskeletal pain, fatigues and quality of life among employees of the diamond industry. Yoga may be implemented in the workplace as a wellness program at the workplace.

Management of acute calculus cholecystitis with integrated Ayurveda and Yoga intervention: A case report

Acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) is a frequently reported medical condition in general practice. Approximately 20% of patients with gallbladder stones experience ACC in their lifetime. Ayurveda and Yoga are ancient traditional systems of medicine used for treatment of diseases and improving and maintaining health. There has been an increased use of Ayurveda and Yoga in the management of several health conditions in India and worldwide. The present case study is of 34 years female patient who had ACC. Post diagnosis of ACC patient was advised to undergo cholecystectomy; however, she approached alternative therapies with c/o vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and abdominal bloating with deranged liver functions. Ayurveda and Yoga intervention protocol was designed. Ayurveda treatment consisted of mild purgation (mruduvirechana) with trivrittalehyam for consecutive seven days, followed by oral administration of Tab Liv 52, Bhunimbadi Kadha twice daily, and Amalaki Rasayana in the morning for 45 days. Patients received 8 teleyoga sessions over a period of 45 days. A therapeutic diet was advised during treatment period. After two months patient reported complete recovery in symptoms, and all laboratory investigations reached to normal range. This case study suggests the positive role of Ayurveda and yoga intervention in the management of ACC. This case report warrants future clinical studies on integrative medicine in ACC.

Effect of yoga on depression in hypothyroidism: A pilot study

Background

The prevalence of hypothyroidism among Indian women is 15.8%. Depression is frequently reported in hypothyroidism. Yoga is an effective intervention for depression. However, the influence of yoga on depression in patients with hypothyroidism has not been studied.

Aim

The present study investigated the effect of a 3-month integrated yoga intervention (3-IY) on depression, lipid indices, and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (sTSH) levels among female patients having hypothyroidism, and mild-to-moderate depression.

Method

The present single-arm pre-post design study was conducted in thirty-eight women (average age 34.2 ± 4.7 years). Participants received a 3-IY comprising asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques for 60 min daily (5 days a week). Depression, sTSH, lipid profile indices, Body Mass Index (BMI), fatigue, anxiety, and stress were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Thyroid medication was kept constant during the study period. Data were analysed using R Studio software.

Result

A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in depression (58%), sTSH (37%), BMI (6%), fatigue (64%), anxiety (57%), lipid profile indices (HLD increased significanty), and stress (55%) levels was observed after 3 months, compared with the corresponding baseline levels.

Conclusion

The 3-IY is useful for reducing depression, dyslipidemia, and sTSH in women with hypothyroidism and depression. Further studies with a larger sample size and a robust research design using objective variables must be conducted to strengthen the study findings.

Potential Role of Yoga in the Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory spondyloarthropathy with unclear pathogenesis. The inflammatory pain in AS leads to restricted spinal mobility and significant disability. Yoga is a nonpharmacological intervention that has positive effects on various musculoskeletal-related problems. However, its role in AS is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The present retrospective study assessed the efficacy of a two-week residential yoga intervention on spinal flexibility among AS patients.

METHODS

The records for 24 male AS patients within the age range 30 to 50 years (average age 38.3 ± 10.5 years) who underwent a two-week residential yoga retreat between 2015 and 2020 were obtained from a yoga center located in South India. Yoga intervention consisted of yoga postures, breathing practices, meditation, a healthy diet, and devotional sessions. Pre and Post data of the sit-and-reach test, blood pressure, heart rate, and symptom score were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

RESULTS

Compared to the baseline, the post scores of the sit-and-reach test, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were found to be significantly (P < .05) lower. The symptom score and analgesic medication score also showed significant improvement after two-weeks compared to the baseline.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study indicates the positive impact of on and analgesic use among AS patients. However, additional studies using robust research designs are warranted.

Impact of Yoga on cognition and mental health among elderly: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cognitive decline and psychological health problems are the most frequently observed and under-treated issues among the elderly. Many studies have assessed the efficacy of Yoga on cognitive and mental health parameters among the elderly. However, up to date, there is no systematic review done to evaluate the role of Yoga-based interventions on cognition and mental health in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluates the beneficial effect of Yoga in improving cognitive and mental health in the elderly.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive search has performed on Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO electronic database from their inception to January 2019. The literature search was constructed around search term for "mental health", "cognition", "yoga" and "elderly". Out of 3388 records, we were considered only Randomized control trials (RCTs) with Yoga-based interventions on the older people for this review. Risk of bias was assessed using Delphi list and PEDro criteria.

RESULTS

After filtering out irrelevant studies, in our search, we come across 13 RCTs, and they included in this systematic review. Of 13 RCTs, four studies assessed only cognitive parameters and five studies assessed only psychological parameters, and four studies evaluated both. Study quality was fair to moderate of included RCTs on the Delphi list and PEDro criteria. Maximum studied variables in cognition were executive functions, memory, attention, and language while in mental health depression, anxiety, stress, and mood. Yoga-based interventions have some beneficial effects on attention, executive functions among cognitive variables, and depression among mental health parameters among the elderly.

CONCLUSION

The present review indicates that Yoga-based interventions have some positive evidence in improving attention, executive functions and memory of cognition, while depression in mental health compared to active control among the elderly. However, methodological limitations and small number of studies preclude confirming the potential benefits of Yoga-based interventions on cognition and mental health among the elderly. Further, this review strongly recommends more randomized control trials with standard study methodology, use of validated modules of Yoga intervention, and long term follow up to have definite conclusions.

A Randomized Trial Comparing Effect of Yoga and Exercises on Quality of Life in among nursing population with Chronic Low Back Pain

Background:

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) adversely affects quality of life (QOL) in nursing professionals. Integrated yoga has a positive impact on CLBP. Studies assessing the effects of yoga on CLBP in nursing population are lacking. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of integrated yoga and physical exercises on QOL in nurses with CLBP.

Methods:

A total of 88 women nurses from a tertiary care hospital of South India were randomized into yoga group (n = 44; age – 31.45 ± 3.47 years) and physical exercise group (n = 44; age – 32.75 ± 3.71 years). Yoga group was intervened with integrated yoga therapy module practices, 1 h/day and 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Physical exercise group practiced a set of physical exercises for the same duration. All participants were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire.

Results:

Data were analyzed by Paired-samples t-test and Independent-samples t-test for within- and between-group comparisons, respectively, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Within-group analysis for QOL revealed a significant improvement in physical, psychological, and social domains (except environmental domain) in both groups. Between-group analysis showed a higher percentage of improvement in yoga as compared to exercise group except environmental domain.

Conclusions:

Integrated yoga was showed improvements in physical, psychological, and social health domains of QOL better than physical exercises among nursing professionals with CLBP. There is a need to incorporate yoga as lifestyle intervention for nursing professionals.

Development and validation of a yoga module for Parkinson disease

Background Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, affects motor and nonmotor functions, leading to severe debility and poor quality of life. Studies have reported the beneficial role of yoga in alleviating the symptoms of PD; however, a validated yoga module for PD is unavailable. This study developed and validated an integrated yoga module(IYM) for PD. Methods The IYM was prepared after a thorough review of classical yoga texts and previous findings. Twenty experienced yoga experts, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were selected validating the content of the IYM. A total of 28 practices were included in the IYM, and each practice was discussed and rated as (i) not essential, (ii) useful but not essential, and (iii) essential; the content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated using Lawshe's formula. Results Data analysis revealed that of the 28 IYM practices, 21 exhibited significant content validity (cut-off value: 0.42, as calculated by applying Lawshe's formula for the CVR). Conclusions The IYM is valid for PD, with good content validity. However, future studies must determine the feasibility and efficacy of the developed module.

Effect of Yoga on Sleep Quality and Neuroendocrine Immune Response in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Background:

Studies have shown that distress and accompanying neuroendocrine stress responses as important predictor of survival in advanced breast cancer patients. Some psychotherapeutic intervention studies have shown have modulation of neuroendocrine-immune responses in advanced breast cancer patients. In this study, we evaluate the effects of yoga on perceived stress, sleep, diurnal cortisol, and natural killer (NK) cell counts in patients with metastatic cancer.

Methods:

In this study, 91 patients with metastatic breast cancer who satisfied selection criteria and consented to participate were recruited and randomized to receive “integrated yoga based stress reduction program” (n = 45) or standard “education and supportive therapy sessions” (n = 46) over a 3 month period. Psychometric assessments for sleep quality were done before and after intervention. Blood draws for NK cell counts were collected before and after the intervention. Saliva samples were collected for three consecutive days before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance on postmeasures using respective baseline measure as a covariate.

Results:

There was a significant decrease in scales of symptom distress (P < 0.001), sleep parameters (P = 0.02), and improvement in quality of sleep (P = 0.001) and Insomnia Rating Scale sleep score (P = 0.001) following intervention. There was a decrease in morning waking cortisol in yoga group (P = 0.003) alone following intervention. There was a significant improvement in NK cell percent (P = 0.03) following intervention in yoga group compared to control group.

Conclusion:

The results suggest modulation of neuroendocrine responses and improvement in sleep in patients with advanced breast cancer following yoga intervention.

Effect of Long-term Yoga Practice on Psychological outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors

Aim:

Breast cancer has become a pandemic with an ever-increasing incidence. Although better diagnostics and treatment modalities have reduced mortality, a large number of survivors face cancer and treatment-related long-term symptoms. Many survivors are taking up yoga for improving the quality of life (QoL). The present study attempts to evaluate predictors of psychological states in breast cancer survivors with long-term yoga experience.

Materials and Methods:

A case–control study recruited early breast cancer survivors, 30–65 years, completing treatment > 6 months before recruitment, and grouped them based on prior yoga experience (BCY, n = 27) or naïve (BCN, n = 25). Demography, cancer history, diet, exercise habits, and yoga schedule were collected and tools to assess stress, anxiety, depression, general health, and QoL were administered. Multivariate linear regression was done to identify predictors of psychological variables.

Results:

BCY had significantly lower stress, anxiety, depression, better general health, and QoL (P < 0.001). Global QoL and trait anxiety were significantly predicted by Yoga practice; depression was predicted by yoga practice, annual income, and sleep quality; state anxiety was predicted by Yoga practice and income; and stress was predicted by Yoga practice and sleep quality.

Conclusion:

Results indicate that breast cancer survivors, doing yoga, have better psychological profiles and are able to deal with demanding situations better. The psycho-oncogenic model of cancer etiology suggests that a better psychological state in survival has the potential to improve prognosis and survival outcomes and Yoga may be a suitable practice for staying cancer-free for a longer time.

Effect of Integrated Yoga (IY) on psychological states and CD4 counts of HIV-1 infected patients: A randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. Depression has been associated with rapid decline in CD4 counts and worsened treatment outcomes in HIV-infected patients. Yoga has been used to reduce psychopathology and improve immunity.

AIM

To study the effect of 1-month integrated yoga (IY) intervention on anxiety, depression, and CD4 counts in patients suffering from HIV-1 infection.

METHODS

Forty four HIV-1 infected individuals from two HIV rehabilitation centers of Manipur State of India were randomized into two groups: Yoga (n = 22; 12 males) and control (n = 22; 14 males). Yoga group received IY intervention, which included physical postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama), relaxation techniques, and meditation. IY sessions were given 60 min/day, 6 days a week for 1 month. Control group followed daily routine during this period. All patients were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and dosages were kept stable during the study. There was no significant difference in age, gender, education, CD4 counts, and ART status between the two groups. Hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess anxiety and depression, CD4 counts were measured by flow cytometry before and after intervention. Analysis of variance - repeated measures was applied to analyze the data using SPSS version 10.

RESULTS

Within group comparison showed a significant reduction in depression scores (F [1, 21] =4.19, P < 0.05) and non-significant reduction in anxiety scores along with non significant increment in CD4 counts in the yoga group. In the control group, there was a non-significant increase in anxiety and depression scores and reduction in CD4 counts. Between-group comparison revealed a significant reduction in depression scores (F [1, 21] =5.64, P < 0.05) and significant increase in CD4 counts (F [1, 21] =5.35, P < 0.05) in the yoga group as compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

One month practice of IY may reduce depression and improve immunity in HIV-1 infected adults.