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Yoga for control of epilepsy
Abstract
Yoga is an age-old traditional Indian psycho-philosophical-cultural method of leading one's life, that alleviates stress, induces relaxation and provides multiple health benefits to the person following its system. It is a method of controlling the mind through the union of an individual's dormant energy with the universal energy. Commonly practiced yoga methods are 'Pranayama' (controlled deep breathing), 'Asanas' (physical postures) and 'Dhyana' (meditation) admixed in varying proportions with differing philosophic ideas. A review of yoga in relation to epilepsy encompasses not only seizure control but also many factors dealing with overall quality-of-life issues (QOL). This paper reviews articles related to yoga and epilepsy, seizures, EEG, autonomic changes, neuro-psychology, limbic system, arousal, sleep, brain plasticity, motor performance, brain imaging studies, and rehabilitation. There is a dearth of randomized, blinded, controlled studies related to yoga and seizure control. A multi-centre, cross-cultural, preferably blinded (difficult for yoga), well-randomized controlled trial, especially using a single yogic technique in a homogeneous population such as Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is justified to find out how yoga affects seizure control and QOL of the person with epilepsy.
... Com o aumento da população de idosos e das possíveis alterações cognitivas decorrentes do avançar da idade, a Ioga surge como uma possível estratégia a fim de proporcionar melhoria em sua qualidade de vida (Oken et al, 2006). Ioga é um método psico-filosófico-cultural milenar que entende o homem holisticamente e busca seu equilíbrio físico e mental através de técnicas de posturas físicas (asanas), respiração (pranayamas) e meditação (dhyana) (Yardi, 2001;Silva & Lage, 2006). Há diversas escolas de Ioga, com diferentes idéias filosóficas e que enfatizam diferentemente tais aspectos, como Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga e Raja Yoga, que são algumas das abordagens tradicionais (Yardi, 2001). ...
... Ioga é um método psico-filosófico-cultural milenar que entende o homem holisticamente e busca seu equilíbrio físico e mental através de técnicas de posturas físicas (asanas), respiração (pranayamas) e meditação (dhyana) (Yardi, 2001;Silva & Lage, 2006). Há diversas escolas de Ioga, com diferentes idéias filosóficas e que enfatizam diferentemente tais aspectos, como Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga e Raja Yoga, que são algumas das abordagens tradicionais (Yardi, 2001). Há escolas contemporâneas com práticas que podem ser extenuantes, que fogem aos objetivos deste estudo e, portanto, não serão abordadas. ...
... Estudos sobre os efeitos da Ioga têm demonstrado sua influência positiva para a melhora de funções psíquicas, cognitivas e afetivas, incluindo memória, atenção e concentração, coordenação psicomotora, redução de tensão emocional, depressão, ansiedade, irritabilidade, sintomas relacionados ao estresse, além de neuroses, estados psicóticos e pré-psicóticos, promove relaxamento, aumento da consciência corporal, sentimento de autodomínio e independência (Yardi, 2001;Andrade e Pedrão, 2008;Sharma, Das, Mondal, Goswami e Gandhi, 2006;Chattha, Nagarathana, Padmalatha e Nagendra, 2008). ...
Introduction: Aging may cause cognitive and behavioral alterations. Considering the high rate of aging in Brazilian population, it is important to implement strategies to provide this population with better quality of life. Objective: To investigate the cognitive functioning of healthy elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of Yoga. Method: A total of 20 participants was divided into two groups: practitioners and non-practitioners of Yoga. Results: Based on the analysis of average of percentiles and standard deviations of the two groups results concerning evaluated cognitive functions, it appears that there was no significant difference between the performances of the groups. However, the group of practitioners had an average of percentile considerably higher than the other group in immediate recall verbal episodic memory and intellectual functioning. Conclusion: The findings of the study, that indicate an improvement in these functions are supported by the literature
... Moreover, subjects who practiced Sahaja yoga for 6 months reported a 62% decrease in seizure frequency at 3 months and a further decrease of 86% at 6 months of intervention. Power spectral analysis of their electroencephalography (EEG) showed a shift in frequency from 08 Hz toward 8-20 Hz, indicating that Sahaj yoga practice brings about seizure reduction and EEG changes [61,62]. It was reported to be due to modulation of limbic system activity by meditation through modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity via hypothalamus and regulate endocrine secretions. ...
... It was reported to be due to modulation of limbic system activity by meditation through modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity via hypothalamus and regulate endocrine secretions. Conditioning of these regions by practice of meditation was reported to help in maintaining the normal homeostatic conditions [62]. Subjects who practiced Sahaja yoga has reported to produce a significant changes in galvanic skin resistance, blood lactate and urinary vinyl mandelic acid, indicative of reduction in stress following Sahaja yoga practice [63]. ...
... Subjects who practiced Sahaja yoga has reported to produce a significant changes in galvanic skin resistance, blood lactate and urinary vinyl mandelic acid, indicative of reduction in stress following Sahaja yoga practice [63]. Hence, it was reported that the fundamental effect of stress reduction might be the important factor contributing to the clinical improvement such as seizure reduction and EEG changes in patients with epilepsy [62]. In a study, nearly 33.7% of the respondents reported that yoga is beneficial in managing epilepsy. ...
Though yoga is one of the widely used mind-body medicine for health promotion, disease prevention and as a possible treatment modality for neurological disorders, there is a lack of evidence-based review. Hence, we performed a comprehensive search in the PubMed/Medline electronic database to review relevant articles in English, using keywords “yoga and neurological disorder, yoga and multiple sclerosis, yoga and stroke, yoga and epilepsy, yoga and Parkinson's disease, yoga and dementia, yoga and cerebrovascular disease, yoga and Alzheimer disease, yoga and neuropathy, yoga and myelopathy, and yoga and Guillain-Barre syndrome”. A total of 700 articles published from 1963 to 14th December 2016 were available. Of 700 articles, 94 articles were included in this review. Based on the available literature, it could be concluded that yoga might be considered as an effective adjuvant for the patients with various neurological disorders.
... Yoga has been indicated as potentially effective in promoting female reproductive health and improving pregnancy outcomes (Fields, 2005;Narendran et al., 2005;Rhodes, 1997), reducing menstrual symptoms (Sridevi & Krishna Rao, 1996), and preventing menopausal discomfort (Adams, 2003). Yoga was also found to help with management of symptoms in individuals with specific diseases and chronic conditions, such as epilepsy (Panjwani et al., 2000, Yardi, 2001, organ transplant acceptance (Kreitzer, Gross, Ye, Russas, & Treesak, 2005), chronic urologic disorders (Ripoll, & Mahowald, 2002), arthritis (Garfinkel & Schumacher, 2000) and even intractable hiccups (Naug, 1983). Taneja et al. (2004) indicated that yoga (asana and pranayama) is a beneficial treatment protocol for the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). ...
... Evidence also supports yoga's usage for respiratory conditions (Birkel & Edgren, 2000;Telles et al., 2000;Vempati & Telles, 2002), including asthma (Goyeche et al., 1982;Nagendra & Nagarathna, 1986;Ram et al., 2003;Sathyaprabha et al., 2001;Vedanthan et al., 1998;Vijayalakshmi et al., 1988). Finally, yoga has been identified as useful for a wide variety of clinical populations, including cancer (Bower et al., 2005), epilepsy (Panjwani et al., 2000, Yardi, 2001, and HIV (Bonadies, 2004). ...
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a yoga intervention on psychological health in older adults.
A randomized controlled trial study, conducted at two North Florida facilities for older adults. Subjects were 98 older adults, ages 65 - 92. Participants were randomly assigned to chair yoga, chair exercise, and control groups and assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up on the State Anger Expression Inventory, State Anxiety Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale, Lawton's PGC Morale Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scales, and Self-Control Schedule.
Yoga participants improved more than both exercise and control participants in anger (Cohen's d = 0.89 for yoga versus exercise, and 0.90 for yoga versus control, pretest to posttest; and d = 0.90 and 0.72, pretest to follow-up), anxiety (d = 0.27, 0.39 and 0.62, 0.63), depression (d = 0.47, 0.49 and 0.53, 0.51), well-being (d = 0.14, 0.49 and 0.25, 0.61), general self-efficacy (d = 0.63, 1.10 and 0.30, 0.85), and self-efficacy for daily living (d = 0.52, 0.81 and 0.27, 0.42). Changes in self-control moderated changes in psychological health.
Over a six-week period, our findings indicate yoga's potential for improving psychological health in older adults.
... On positron emission tomography (PET) scan, characteristic patterns of neural activity are observed with the practice of yoga meditation and indicate changes in cerebral glucose metabolism. 5 In a pilot study, a 27% increase in brain gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) levels was found in healthy volunteers after a 60-min yoga (Asana) session versus no change in GABA levels in a comparator group after a 60-min reading session. 6 Two randomized controlled studies of yoga, one in healthy patients (n = 19) and one in individuals with major depressive disorder (n = 30), both found associations of yoga, increased GABA and improved mood. ...
Lifestyle interventions are strategies used to self‐manage medical conditions, such as epilepsy, and often complement traditional pharmacologic and surgical therapies. The need for integrating evidence‐based lifestyle interventions into mainstream medicine for the treatment of epilepsy is evident given that despite the availability of a multitude of treatments with medications and surgical techniques, a significant proportion of patients have refractory seizures, and even those who are seizure‐free report significant adverse effects with current treatments. Although the evidence base for complementary medicine is less robust than it is for traditional forms of medicine, the evidence to date suggests that several forms of complementary medicine including yoga, mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise and memory rehabilitation, and music therapy may have important roles as adjuncts in the treatment armamentarium for epilepsy. These topics were discussed by a diverse group of medical providers and scientists at the “Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)” symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic.
Plain Language Summary
There are many people with epilepsy who continue to have seizures even though they are being treated with medication or brain surgery. Even after seizures stop, some may experience medication side effects. There is research to suggest that certain lifestyle changes, such as yoga, mindfulness, exercise, music therapy, and adjustments to diet, could help people with epilepsy, when used along with routine treatment. Experts discussed the latest research at the “Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)” symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic.
... Reducing stress, a key benefit of meditation, may significantly contribute to reducing seizures and altering 8 EEG patterns. [26] Consequently, individuals may choose yoga as one of the tools to manage their chronic conditions, potentially empowering them to adapt to their condition and achieve optimal well-being. [25] Yoga in pregnancy. ...
Introduction: Yoga is well-regarded for its diverse health benefits, potentially impacting psychiatric, asthma, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and neurological conditions. It is also associated with broader positive effects such as improving quality of life, fitness levels, and psychosocial outcomes for individuals. Hatha yoga, widely practiced and studied worldwide, emphasizes physical postures (asana) and breathing exercises (pranayama), both of which contribute positively to overall mental and physical health. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to review the benefits of practicing yoga based on the latest scientific research. Both physical benefits, such as improved flexibility, strength, and balance, and psychological benefits, including stress reduction, anxiety relief, and enhanced overall well-being, will be analyzed. This paper aims to demonstrate how regular yoga practice can contribute to an improved quality of life and support the treatment of various health conditions.The mechanisms through which yoga impacts health will also be discussed, and the effectiveness of yoga will be compared with other forms of physical activity and relaxation techniques. Material and methods: We have gathered the available materials and scientific reports, analyzing and summarizing them in a single study. Conclusions: Yoga's diverse health benefits, supported by extensive research, highlight its potential as a valuable therapy for improving overall health and well-being across various medical conditions.
... This asana leads to decreased size of amygdala which is over stimulates in high stress condition [86]. e. Hatha-Yogic-Exercises affects electrical activity of the several area of the brain by implying the strong stimulation of somatic and splanchnic receptors leading to specific cortical representation areas localized around anterior and central parietal areas [88,91]. ...
Technology has become almost an integral part of our lives. The development and use of modern gadgets has also increased with the technological advancement. Technology and electronic gadgets have become near indispensable in our daily lives and almost everyone is addicted to these. Today"s youth are putting technology to varied use, from texting, tweeting, chatting, online gaming, social media etc. The high dependency and unregulated use of electronic gadgets has led to serious health (mental and physical) implications. Yoga and meditation have proved to be effective practices to mitigate these health implications and find recommendation as therapeutic intervention not only in India but worldwide. This paper discusses the adverse health implications of unregulated overuse of electronic devices and the solutions offered by the Yoga to mitigate these through electronic detoxification. This article is of special significance to academia especially adolescent school going children since they comprise most vulnerable target group. Various health complications, addiction to electronic gadgets, can lead to and yoga postures to handle these have been discussed.
... Yoga practice has been used by clinicians for the management of epilepsy. [35,52] Sahaj yoga meditation was found to be a beneficial intervention against epilepsy as shown in some of the electrophysiological responses of patients. There was a significant reduction found in seizure frequency, improvement in EEG, with an increase in percent Alpha frequency, reduction in Delta frequency, increase in ratios of Alpha/Delta, Alpha + Beta/ Delta + Theta, increased Galvanic Skin Response response, improved Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS), reduced urinary catecholaminergic metabolites following meditation practice. ...
Stress is one of the major problems globally, associated with poor sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction. Modern society is plagued by sleep disturbances, either due to professional demands or lifestyle or both the aspects, often leading to reduced alertness and compromised mental function, besides the well documented ill effects of disturbed sleep on physiological functions. This pertinent issue needs to be addressed. Yoga is an ancient Indian science, philosophy and way of life. Recently, yoga practice has become increasingly popular worldwide. Yoga practice is an adjunct effective for stress, sleep and associated disorders. There are limited well controlled published studies conducted in this area. We reviewed the available literature including the effect of modern lifestyle in children, adolescents, adults and geriatric population. The role of yoga and meditation in optimizing sleep architecture and cognitive functions leading to optimal brain functioning in normal and diseased state is discussed. We included articles published in English with no fixed time duration for literature search. Literature was searched mainly by using PubMed and Science Direct search engines and critically examined. Studies have revealed positive effects of yoga on sleep and cognitive skills among healthy adults as well as patients of some neurological diseases. Further, on evaluating the published studies, it is concluded that sleep and cognitive functions are optimized by yoga practice, which brings about changes in autonomic function, structural changes, changes in metabolism, neurochemistry and improved functional brain network connectivity in key regions of the brain.
... These findings provide suggestive evidence of the utility of Yoga asanas in improving mood. Yardi (2001) viewed that Yoga alleviates stress, induces relaxation and provides multiple health benefits to practitioners. ...
The present study was conducted with the aim to find out the effect of yoga (Pranayam) on stress among undergraduate students, C.M.P. Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj. Sheldon Cohen (1994) Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure perceived stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the perception of stress. It is a measure of the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful. The demographic variables comprised 3 items such as age, gender and class of participants. The study was conducted on a sample of 9 participants, 6 were male and 3 were female undergraduate student. The data have been collected among undergraduate student, C.M.P. Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj and analyzed by using SPSS 16 software. Results showed that out of total 9 participants, 8 participants perceived stress score was decrease after Pranayam training. Results also showed that there were significant differences in perceived stress score before and after Pranayama training (t=2.64; p<.05). The participants mean score of perceived stress score by before and after Pranayam was 23.44 and 19.88 respectively. It was also observed that perceived stress score was decrease after Pranayam training. In Conclusion, Yoga (Pranayam) helps to reduce stress among undergraduate students. INTRODUCTION Yoga: Yoga is an art form which helps in attaining good health and is for living a holistic life. It has been developed and perfected over the centuries by the sages and wise men of ancient India. Yoga is not a religion, a metaphysical doctrine or a philosophy. It can make amazing improvement in our health, appearance and youthfulness. Yoga has many benefits for both mind and body. Yogic exercise can be done by any age group and even by the most unfit people. Yoga is also the most comprehensive of all exercises as it benefits each part of the body.
... Yoga has been increasingly used for therapeutic purposes although it has a spiritual inclination. It is often used in a variety of conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, low back pain, migraine, and epilepsy (Alyson, Rosett, Harris, Patel, Hall, and Judith, 2007;Yardi, 2001). ...
... Yoga may have an effect on the probability of seizure occurrence because of the effect it has on brain wave activity and arousal level. [15,16] Brown and Gerbarg [17] suggested that yoga training stimulates the vagus nerve, and stimulation of the vagus nerve has been shown to decrease the seizure frequency by 28%-38%. [18,19] ...
Context
Majority of epilepsy begins in childhood. Twenty to thirty percent of patients may not respond to antiepileptic drugs. Yoga as a complementary therapy has been found to be beneficial in adults, but has not yet been studied in children with epilepsy.
Aim
To study the effect of yoga on seizure and electroencephalogram (EEG) outcome in children with epilepsy.
Setting and Design
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the pediatric neurology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Materials and Methods
Twenty children aged 8–12 years with an unequivocal diagnosis of epilepsy on regular antiepileptic drugs were enrolled. Yoga therapy was provided to 10 children (study group) and 10 children formed the control group. Yoga therapy was given as 10 sessions of 1h each. We compared seizure frequency and EEG at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was carried out using standard statistical tests. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results
No children had seizures at the end of 3 and 6 months in the study group. In the control group, at 3 and 6 months, four and three children, respectively, had seizures. Eight children each in both the groups had an abnormal EEG at enrollment. At the end of 6 months, one EEG in the study group and seven in the control group were abnormal (P = 0.020).
Conclusion
Yoga as an additional therapy in children with epilepsy leads to seizure freedom and significant improvement in EEG at 6 months.
... Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy of life aimed at achieving the highest possible functional harmony between body and mind, which involves control of posture, breathing and meditation. Yoga may have an effect on the probability of seizure occurrence due to its effect on brain wave activity and arousal levels (39). It has been further suggested that yoga may stimulate the vagus nerve which may in turn decrease seizure frequency (40). ...
Epilepsy is a common, complex and often challenging neurological disorder to treat in the dog, with 20–30% of dogs resistant to conventional medical therapies, and associated with cognitive and behavioral comorbidities and early death. Behavioral interventions are an emerging area of focus in the adjunctive treatment of drug-resistant human epilepsy patients, with studies indicating positive effects of a variety of interventions including relaxation-based techniques and behavioral therapy interventions. Behavioral interventions have the potential not only to improve seizure control, but also improve behavioral comorbidities and general quality of life in this hard to treat patient group. Despite striking similarities between human and canine epilepsy patients, including the recognition of co-morbid anxiety in epilepsy patients, behavioral interventions have yet to be studied in dogs. This is compounded by several licensed psychopharmaceutical agents for dogs being contra-indicated in epilepsy patients. We present evidence from human studies of the efficacy of behavioral interventions to improve seizure control, psychiatric comorbidities and quality of life, and propose that adapting such interventions for canine patients may be a valuable addition to the epilepsy management toolkit. There is a need for multi-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials to confirm the effects of behavioral interventions on seizure frequency in veterinary medicine. In the absence of such evidence to date, the use of established behavioral medicine techniques to reduce stress and improve the mental health of these often sensitive and challenging patients is advocated, with a greater role for behaviorists in the management of epilepsy patients alongside neurologists and general practitioners.
... Since past 3 decades, the number of publications for clinical applications of yoga has greatly increased [31]. In literature there are many articles of use of yoga in variety of condition such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, low back pain, migraine, epilepsy [26,32,[33][34][35]. There are many reviews on the effects of hath yoga in rehabilitation after myocardial infarction, menopausal symptoms, population 2011, 99 million out of 1.21 billion are over the age of 60, which was 77 million in 2001. ...
Background: Geriatric population is defined as population aged 60 years and above. Currently, India has the second largest aged population in the world. Due to aging processes, diseases and inactivity, balance often is impaired among older people. The impairment can lead to dramatic consequences such as dependency in ADL, administration to nursing homes, falls and fractures. Complementary and alternative therapies, such as yoga, are theorized to be more therapeutic than traditional exercise because of the mind-body component. Yoga requires the stretching of major muscle groups to improve physical strength and flexibility. Yoga, with its gentle movements, can address known fall risk factors like poor balance, impaired mobility, reduced strength and flexibility and focus on increased awareness and proprioception, resulting in improved balance in older adult.
Objective: The objective of the study was to see the effects of yoga on balance in geriatric population.
Materials and Methodology: 60 healthy elderly volunteers aged 60 years and above both male and female were selected from different old age homes of ahmedabad city and randomly divided in to 2 groups. Group A: experimental and group B: control. General characteristics (age, gender) were collected. Experimental group performed yoga for 6 weeks,six days in a week for 45 to 50 minutes; including 5-10 minutes of warm up focused on slow dynamic muscle movements with shoulder/arm circling, neck rolling. This was followed by 25-30 minutes of asanas consisting of following poses: pavanmuktasana, sputa matsyendrasana, setu bandha sarvangasana, bhujangasana, ardh-paschimottasana, paschimottasana, parvatasana, marjarasana, trikonasana, virbhadrasana, uttkatasana, and vrikshasana. Session was ended with 5-10 min of relaxation with savasana. Subjects of control group were asked to report after six weeks. BBS and TUG scores were taken as pre and post data.
Result: The result shows that there is statistically significant improvement in balance after 6 week of yoga practice in elderly individuals compared to a control group at 5% significance level.
Conclusion: Yogasana is effective in improving balance in elderly individuals compared to control group. It can be applied clinically for improving balance in geriatric population.
... Meditasyon, sempatik sinir sistem üzerine hipotalamik etkiyi düzenleyerek endokrin sekresyonlar yoluyla limbik sistem aktivitesini düzenlemektedir. [14] Her ne kadar bu tür çalışmalardaki istatistiksel veriler yetersiz ve deney grupları homojen olmasa da, başlıca yoga ile stresin azalması nöbet kontrolünü etkileyen önemli bir faktör olabilir. ...
Epilepsy is a commonly encountered disorder in Turkey and throughout the world. It is widely believed that exercise enhances seizures, and that traumas and accidents occur more frequently in epileptic patients. This belief has created a stigma, restricting the daily lives of patients with epilepsy. Epileptic children and adolescents are socially isolated and prevented from engaging in sports and similar activities in developing countries. The aim of the present article is to demonstrate that exercise, including sports, is not a precipitating factor for seizures, and that this type of activity may be used to control and prevent epilepsy. Özet Epilepsi dünyada ve ülkemizde yaygın görülen bir hastalıktır. Bir inanış olarak, epilepsi hastalarında egzersiz ve sporun nöbetleri artırdığı, kaza ve yaralanmaların daha sık olduğu düşünülmektedir. Bu yaygın inanış epilepsi hastaları için bir stigmaya neden olmakta ve hastaların günlük yaşam aktivitelerini kısıtlamaktadır. Bundan dolayı gelişmekte olan ve az gelişmiş ülkelerde, özellikle oyun ve ergenlik çağındaki bir-çok epilepsili çocuk spor ve benzeri uğraşlardan uzak tutularak sosyal izolasyona maruz kalmaktadır. Bu yazıda egzersizin ve sporun nöbet tetikleyici bir faktör olmadığı, aksine nöbet kontrolünde faydalı ve epilepsi gelişiminde önleyici olabileceği gösterilmeye çalışılmıştır.
... Breath control (pranayama) is so important in yoga and is emphasized in all aforementioned eight methods. 1 It consists of conscious inhalation, retention and exhalation. 2 Aerobic training is a non specific activity that improves physical and respiratory capacities. It is simple to carry out and includes jogging in place, knee ups, short kick, running, marching and so on. 1 The aim of this study was to compare the effect of yoga and aerobics on pulmonary function tests and physical fitness. ...
Objective: We aimed to survey the effect of yoga and aerobic trainings on pulmonary and physical fitness factors of healthy female university students. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study included 60 healthy female students who were randomly assigned into two groups; exercising yoga and aerobics twice a week for three months. Respiratory rate (RR) along with Pulmonary Function Tests such as pulmonary capacities (PEF, PIF, FEV1, FVC), and physical fitness factors including flexibility, balance, and maximal aerobic capacity (vo2max), were measured at baseline and after applying trainings. We used spirometery, sit and Reach, one leg balance stance, and Bruce treadmill protocols for evaluating these variables. The data were analyzed using student (T - test) at P < 0.05 significance level. Results: Participants had a mean +/- SD age of 19.02 +/- 2.19 years, height of 160.48 +/- 5.34 cm and weight of 56.7 +/- 10.7kg with no significant differences between the two groups. After training, in the yoga group; RR decreased, pulmonary and all physical fitness parameters except vo2max increased significantly (P < 0.05). In the aerobic group; PEF and PIF increased significantly. There were no changes in RR, FEV1, FVC, however all physical fitness parameters improved significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that yoga training can lead to significant improvement in most variables except vo2max. Therefore regular practice of yoga seems to improve health related aspects of physical fitness and may enhance wellness.
... Yoga, in general, involves a series of integrative mind-body exercises involving stretching, balance, bodily alignment, relaxation, meditation, and breathing. Thus, yoga may increase bodily awareness, in particular the perception of one's body in space (Yardi, 2001). We chose to study yoga practitioners because of their special expertise in body awareness. ...
In the rod and frame test (RFT), participants are asked to set a tilted visual linear marker (i.e., a rod), embedded in a square, to the subjective vertical, irrespective of the surrounding frame. People not influenced by the frame tilt are defined as field-independent, while people biased in their rod verticality perception are field-dependent. Performing RFT requires the integration of proprioceptive, vestibular and visual signals with the latter accounting for field-dependency. Studies indicate that motor experts in body-related, balance-improving disciplines tend to be field-independent, i.e., better at verticality perception, suggesting that proprioceptive and vestibular expertise acquired by such exercise may weaken the influence of irrelevant visual signals. What remains unknown is whether the effect of body-related expertise in weighting perceptual information might also be mediated by personality traits, in particular those indexing self-focusing abilities. To explore this issue, we tested field-dependency in a class of body experts, namely yoga practitioners and in non-expert participants. Moreover we explored any link between performance on RFT and self-transcendence (ST), a complex personality construct, which refers to tendency to experience spiritual feelings and ideas. As expected, yoga practitioners (i) were more accurate in assessing the rod's verticality on the RFT, and (ii) expressed significantly higher ST. Interestingly, the performance in these two tests was negatively correlated. More specifically, when asked to provide verticality judgments, highly self-transcendent yoga practitioners were significantly less influenced by a misleading visual context. Our results suggest that being highly self-transcendent may enable yoga practitioners to optimize verticality judgment tasks by relying more on internal (vestibular and proprioceptive) signals coming from their own body, rather than on exteroceptive, visual cues.
... Generic stress reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises and breathing, are widely employed in conjunction with other psychobehavioral approaches for epilepsy. Most breathing techniques utilize awareness of breathing rate, rhythm, and volume to achieve a state of calmness and to minimize physiological reactions to stress [36][37][38]. Moreover, they are often used jointly with muscle relaxation exercises, such as Jacobson's progressive muscular relaxation (PMR) and yoga exercises. ...
Growing evidence suggests a bidirectional interaction between epileptic seizures and psychological states, fuelling the interest in the development and application of psychobehavioral therapy for people with epilepsy (PWE). The objective of this article is to review the various psychobehavioral therapies in regard to their application, hypothesized mechanisms, and effectiveness. Most psychobehavioral therapy aims at improving psychological well-being and seizure control. Behavioral approaches, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mind-body interventions are the most widely applied approaches for PWE. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mind-body approaches, and multimodel educative interventions have consistently demonstrated positive effects on enhancing well-being. Nevertheless, the effects on seizure control remain inconsistent, partly attributable to small clinical trials and inadequate control groups. Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trials with sufficient power and carefully defined therapeutic components corresponding with objective and subjective outcome measures are recommended for future trial designs.
... Numerous sudies have validated the efficacy of yoga in diverse fields, both in optimizing normal function and in treating pathological conditions; it is used in physiological, psychological, neurological, gynecological-obstetrical and pulmonary therapy, in geriatrics, and in rehabilitation [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. ...
We describe a fractureseparation of the epiphyseal plate of the distal tibia (Salter-Harris type III, or juvenile fracture of Tillaux) in a 15-year-old girl. The case is of interest, above all, in that the trauma occurred during the execution of a yoga posture. The literature does not speak of complications or traumatic consequences of this type of activity. Analyzing the biomechanics of the traumatic event, it appears that even a physical exercise characterized by slow and gradual movements can cause severe damage, such as the injury described.
... This is especially true in the case of stressand sleep-related behaviors. Although stress is casually referred to as a seizure precipitant, very few empirical trials have assessed the magnitude or conditional variability of this effect (53). Stress reponses may affect some people differently than others-it would be useful to understand the subpopulations in which stress reduction has the greatest clinical effect. ...
The purposes of the work described in this article were to (1) describe a model of predictive relationships among psychosocial variables and lifestyle management, and (2) test the model among people with epilepsy. The variables selected for the model were based on social cognitive theory and the results of previous studies examining psychosocial predictors of self-management among people with chronic physical health conditions. Variables included in the model were self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, depressive symptoms, and social support. Participants for the study were recruited from epilepsy treatment facilities in Boston, MA, and Atlanta, GA, USA. Half of the participants were female, 81% were white, and their mean age was 43.1 years. As predicted by social cognitive theory, self-efficacy was related to lifestyle management and explained 23% of its variation. Depressive symptoms were related to both self-efficacy and social support. Social support was related to self-efficacy. These findings suggest that lifestyle management is influenced by a number of relationships between psychosocial variables, particularly by self-efficacy.
... A multitude of actions could be responsible. For example, beneficial effects of yoga have been recognized in improving muscle tone of lumber region [16], depression [17], hypertension [18] peripheral neuropathy [19], anxiety [20], joint disease [21], stress [22], ischemic heart disease [23], quality of life [24], epilepsy [25], self-care [26], well-being [27], pain [28], addiction [29], psychosomatic disorders [30], and stress management [31]. In the domain of sexual response, yoga has also been touted as a method [32] for improving genital awareness, stimulating genital blood flow, enhancing relaxation of the pelvic floor, reducing vulvodynia, reducing symptoms of premature ejaculation, enhancing erectile capacity, extending the longevity of intercourse, and fundamentally, of enhancing sexual pleasure [7]. ...
Yoga is practiced both in developing and developed countries. Many patients and yoga protagonists claim that it is useful in improving sexual functions and treating sexual disorders.
We wanted to study the effect of yoga on male sexual functioning.
We studied 65 males (age range= 24-60 years, average age=40±8.26 years) who were enrolled in a yoga camp and administered a known questionnaire, i.e., Male Sexual Quotient (MSQ) before and after 12 weeks session of yoga.
MSQ scores before and after yoga sessions.
It was found that after the completion of yoga sessions, the sexual functions scores were significantly improved (P<0.0001). The improvement occurred in scores of all the domains of sexual functions as studied by MSQ (desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, orgasm).
Yoga appears to be an effective method of improving all domains of sexual functions in men as studied by MSQ.
... Although we do not know an exact mechanism by which yoga improves female sexual functions, several postulations could be made about its putative mechanisms of usefulness. Beneficial effects of yoga have been recognized in improving muscle tone of lumber region [20], depression [21], hypertension [22], peripheral neuropathy [23], anxiety [24], joint disease [25], stress [26], ischemic heart disease [27], quality of life [28], labor pain [29], epilepsy [30], self care [31], well-being [32], pain [33], addiction [34], psychosomatic disorders [35], infertility [36], obsessive-compulsive disorders [37], and stress management [38]. ...
Yoga is a popular form of complementary and alternative therapy. It is practiced both in developing and developed countries. Female sexual dysfunctions are common and do not always get adequate clinical attention. Pharmacotherapies for treating female sexual dysfunctions are available but suffer from drawbacks such as poor compliance, low efficacy, and side effects. Many patients and yoga protagonists claim that it is useful in improving sexual functions and treating sexual disorders.
To establish the effect yoga can have on female sexual functions.
We recruited 40 females (age range 22-55 years, average age 34.7 +/- 8.49 years) who were enrolled in a yoga camp and were given a standardized questionnaire named Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and after the 12 weeks session of yoga.
FSFI scores.
It was found that after the completion of yoga sessions; the sexual functions scores were significantly improved (P < 0.0001). The improvement occurred in all six domains of FSFI (i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). The improvement was more in older women (age > 45 years) compared with younger women (age < 45 years).
Yoga appears to be an effective method of improving all domains of sexual functions in women as studied by FSFI.
... Reported relaxation strategies include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, or yoga. 38,62,63 In contrast, some patients report that focusing on a thought, performing mental calculations, or concentrating on a task may be effective in aborting an impending seizure. Specific seizure arrest by activation of an adjacent cortical area has been described; for example, a patient whose seizures began with sensory paresthesias found that clenching his fist at the onset of the symptoms could prevent secondary generalization. ...
This article reviews the epilepsy cycle, distinguishing the interictal, preictal, ictal, and postictal phases. Evidence suggesting that the preictal phase can sometimes be identified based on neurophysiologic signals, premonitory features, the presence of trigger factors, or self-report is also reviewed. Diary studies have shown that seizures are not randomly distributed in time and that a subgroup of persons with epilepsy can predict an impending seizure. Paper diary data and preliminary analysis of electronic diary data suggest that seizure prediction is feasible. Whereas all of this evidence sets the stage for seizure prediction and preemptive therapy, several questions remain unanswered. First, what proportion of persons with epilepsy can predict their seizures? Second, within and among individuals, how accurate is prediction? Third, can prediction be improved through education about group level or individual predictors? And finally, in a group that can make robust predictions what are the most effective interventions for reducing seizure probability at times of high risk? The answers to these questions could reduce the burden of epilepsy by making seizures predictable and setting the stage for preemptive therapy. This work could improve the understanding of epilepsy by providing a context for studying the transitions from the interictal to preictal and ictal states. More prospective studies are needed; challenges certainly exist, but as the studies discussed here demonstrate, the field is rich with promise for improving the lives of patients with epilepsy.
Migraine, a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and debilitating headache, poses a significant health challenge globally. This book chapter delves into the expansive realm of currently available interventions for the management of migraine pain. The exploration encompasses acute and preventive strategies, pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, shedding light on the evolving landscape of migraine care. The chapter begins by elucidating the pharmacological interventions, focusing on acute migraine medications. Triptans, the pioneering class of drugs specifically designed for migraine, are examined in detail, along with their safety profiles and contraindications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, often utilized in acute settings, are also discussed, providing insights into their mechanisms of action and optimal use. Moving beyond pharmacology, the chapter extends its scope to preventive migraine medications. The exploration further navigates the landscape of emerging therapies, such as calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, showcasing the frontier of migraine research and innovation. Non-pharmacological interventions form an integral part of migraine management, and the chapter elucidates lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapies, and alternative approaches that contribute to a holistic treatment paradigm. The safety, efficacy, and patient-centric aspects of each intervention are meticulously examined to provide a comprehensive understanding. Personalized medicine, emerging therapies, and the integration of novel technologies into migraine care are explored as promising avenues for advancement. In essence, this book chapter serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals grappling with migraine, offering a nuanced exploration of the currently available interventions for the management of migraine pain.
Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders, often is not well controlled by current pharmacological and surgical treatments. Sensory neuromodulation, including multi-sensory stimulation, auditory stimulation, olfactory stimulation, is a kind of novel noninvasive mind-body intervention and receives continued attention as complementary safe treatment of epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of sensory neuromodulation, including enriched environment therapy, music therapy, olfactory therapy, other mind-body interventions, for the treatment of epilepsy based on the evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies. We also discuss their possible anti-epileptic mechanisms on neural circuit level and propose perspectives on possible research directions for future studies.
Background:
Yoga is increasingly being used as a complementary mode of treatment for epilepsy along with pharmacotherapy; however, the quality of reporting and bias of studies on yoga in epilepsy is uncertain.
Objective:
This study was performed to systematically evaluate the reporting quality and bias of the published studies on yoga in epilepsy.
Materials and methods:
PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for studies investigating the efficacy of yoga in epilepsy or describing the patients' or caregivers' knowledge, attitude, influence, and practice of yoga in epilepsy. The reporting qualities of the studies were appraised by standard reporting checklists (CONSORT, STROBE, COREQ, and modified CONSORT) and the risks of bias were assessed using standard tools (Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and ROBINS-I tool) according to the study designs.
Results:
Fifteen studies (four randomized control trials, seven observational studies, three non-randomized interventional studies, and one was a mixed-method study) were included. The reporting qualities of the studies which evaluated the role of yoga in epilepsy were comparatively poor from the methodological perspective and the risks of bias were comparatively high than those which described the knowledge, attitude, influence, and practice of yoga in epilepsy.
Conclusion:
The reporting qualities of studies in relation to yoga and epilepsy were not satisfactory and the risks of bias were high. Hence, it is imperative to be cautious before widely recommending yoga in epilepsy.
The ancient text “Yoga Vasishta” describes that most of the ailments of the body (vyadhi) originate through mental agitations (adhi). Recent years have seen a consistent growth in the evidence base for the beneficial effects of Yoga in mental health and neuropsychiatric conditions. However, the mechanistic insights on how Yoga brings about changes in the brain are yet unclear. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of yoga practice and its effects on brain structure and function as documented through brain imaging techniques.
The problem of low adherence to therapy in patients with epilepsy is one of the most pressing public health problems. Failure to follow the doctor's instructions leads to an increased risk of hospitalization and sudden death. Knowing the main predictors of non-compliance, the doctor is able to develop appropriate strategies to increase adherence. There are methods of improving compliance that should be actively implemented in the clinical practice of epileptologists. The article presents a review of the literature on this problem, clinical examples from the authors' practice are given.
The science of yoga is an ancient one. It is a rich heritage of our culture. Several older books make a mention of the usefulness of yoga in the treatment of certain diseases and preservation of health in normal individuals. The effect of yogic practices on the management of diabetes has not been investigated well. We carried out well designed studies in normal individuals and those with diabetes to assess the role of yogic practices on glycaemic control, insulin kinetics, body composition exercise tolerance and various co morbidities like hypertension and dyslipidemia. These studies were both short term and long term. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing, exercise and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research shows that yoga therapy is among effective complementary therapies for several common ailments. Hence it has been concluded that Yoga cannot "cure" diabetes, but there are several ways yoga can be beneficial in controlling diabetes. There was a decrease in free fatty acids. There was an increase in lean body mass and decrease in body fat percentage. The number of insulin receptors was also increased. There was an improvement in insulin sensitivity and decline in insulin resistance. All these suggest that yogic practices have a role even in the prevention of diabetes. Keyword: Yoga, Diabetes. INTRODUCTION There are different approaches to yoga including spiritual, therapeutic, and developmental However, the underlying premise of mind-body exercise modalities like yoga is that the physiological state of the body can affect emotions, thoughts, and attitudes, which in turn have a reciprocal effect on the body. Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide as we enter the new millennium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented there is 'an apparent epidemic of diabetes, which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change'. Over the next decade the projected number will exceed 200 million. Most will have type-2 diabetes, and all are at risk for the development of complications The science of yoga is an ancient one. It is a rich heritage of our culture. Several older books make a mention of the usefulness of yoga in the treatment of certain diseases and preservation of health in normal individuals. It has now become the subject of modern scientific evaluation. Apart from its spiritual philosophy, yoga has been utilized as a therapeutic tool to achieve positive health and cure disease. This concept is promoted in Hatha yoga and Ghatastha yoga by the yoga preceptors. Interest has been evinced in this direction by many workers and studies on the effect of yoga on hypertension, diabetes, asthma, obesity and other common ailments have been carried out. Diabetes by the following mechanisms: exercise effect, changes in biochemical and hormonal profile, elimination of stress and instilling a sense of discipline. To assess these postulations normal individuals and diabetics were investigated with a carefully chalked out protocol for the effect of yogic practices on exercise tolerance, obesity, hypertension, and insulin kinetics and lipid metabolism. Diabetes represents a spectrum of metabolic disorders, which has become a major health challenge worldwide. The unprecedented economic development and rapid
Objectives
Yoga is believed to play a role in stabilizing the electroencephalogram and the autonomic nervous system, thus might help control seizures in people with epilepsy (PWE). This qualitative study was conducted to explore experiences of Palestinian PWE with regard to benefits, motives, barriers, and recommendations of prescribing yoga exercises as a nonpharmacological intervention.
Methods
Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit PWE who practiced yoga. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 18) were conducted with the study participants. The interpretive description method was used to qualitatively analyze the data collected during the interviews.
Results
Following the thematic analysis adopted for this study, four major themes emerged. These themes were as follows: perceived benefits of yoga, motives to practice yoga, barriers to practice yoga, and recommendations on effective yoga practice for PWE. The perceived benefits included improvements in management of seizures, psychological, physical, and social well-being. People with epilepsy were motivated by the health benefits of yoga. Barriers of adherence to practice included personal and logistic factors. The interviewees recommended tailoring yoga sessions to the needs of PWE.
Conclusion
This explorative qualitative study reported perceived benefits, motives, barriers, and recommendations of yoga as a nonpharmacological intervention for PWE. People with epilepsy used yoga as a beneficial nonpharmacological intervention to improve their health and reduce the negative effects of epilepsy on their physical and psychosocial well-being. Future studies are needed to investigate the health benefits of yoga when sessions are tailored to the needs of PWE.
Subjects:
Subjects for the study were selected from Banaras Hindu University. Total of 60 students were be selected. Age of the Subjects was ranged from 17 to 25 years. All the subjects were divided randomly in to two groups i.e. 30 in experimental group and 30 in control group.
Variables / Contents selected :
Following contents related to lifestyle assessment were selected:
(1) Physical Assessment (PA).
(2) Alcohol and Drug Assessment (ADA).
(3) Nutritional Assessment (NA).
(4) Social Wellness Assessment (SWA).
(5) Spiritual Wellness Assessment (SPWA).
(6) Emotional Wellness Assessment (EWA).
(7) Stress Control Assessment (STCA).
(8) Intellectual Wellness Assessment (IWA).
Questionnaire used:
Life Style Assessment Inventory by Anspangh Davids, Michael, H. Hamrich and Frank D. Rosato was adopted to collect data for Life Style Assessment. Validity of the questionnaire in Indian Conditions was found .89.
Experimental Design:
Random group design was adopted for this study as all the subjects were randomly divided in to two groups. Further the Experimental treatment was also assigned randomly. The experimental group participated in the sahaja yoga practice. Sahaja yoga practice was conducted for the duration of 12 weeks.
Experimental treatment (Sahaja Yoga Practice):
Subjects performed the practice of Sahaja Yoga as per following details under the supervision of investigator: (1) Right in the beginning a lamp was lightened in front of portrait of Shree Mata Ji Nirmala Devi.(2)Subjects assumed the position of comfortable posture (Sukhasana).(3)Performed “Kundalini Bandhan”.(4)Took “Bandhan”.(5)Placed left forearm on left knee with palm facing upward and right palm on the floor by the side of the body and prayed “ Shree Mata Ji, with your blessings, absorb the barriers and defects of my ‘tamo’ qualities in earth”.(6)After feeling vibrations on left palm, subjects placed right forearm on right knee with palm facing upward and lifted left hand(palm facing them)towards sky and prayed “Shree Mata Ji, with your blessings, absorb the barriers and defects of my ‘Rajo’ qualities in the sky”.(7)Placed left palm on the right side of abdomen (right forearm remained on right knee) and prayed “Shree Mata Ji, with your blessings, keep my mind free of thoughts”.(In steps 8 to 10, left forearm remained on left knee) (8)Placed right palm on the heart and prayed “Shree Mata Ji, with your blessings, I am ‘Atma’ ”.(9)Placed right palm horizontally on forehead, with slightly leaning forehead forward, prayed “Shree Mata Ji, with your blessings, I forgive everyone with my heart and I am not having anger for anyone in my mind”.(10)Placed middle part of right forearm on vertex with straight fingers and rotated seven times clock wise and prayed “Shree Mata Ji, with your blessings, allows me to feel self realization.(11) Placed both forearms on respective knees and meditated for 15 minutes with fixing mind on “Sahastrar Chakra”.(12)Performed the practice of 3rd step.(13)Performed the practice of 4th step.
In addition to above procedure, Sahaja Yoga Meditation was performed by the subjects with attention under the supervision of Sahaja Yoga Expert, Mrs. Versha Pradhan. Meditation was performed with the following steps:
Subject kept their ‘Chitta’ on central heart. After that, they kept their ‘Chitta’ on ‘Sahastrara’. After that, subjects brought their ‘Chitta’ in the sky and tried to feel vibrations. In the last step subjects kept their ‘Chitta on ‘Anahata Chakkra’.
Statistical Analysis:
To find out the effect of sahaja yoga meditation on life style of the University students, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used.
Purpose of review:
Behavioral intervention describes multiple modalities of treatments which are of increasing interest in epilepsy. This review addresses recent behavioral clinical trials in epilepsy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and self-management. Results and conclusions from updated Cochrane reviews and the recent International League Against Epilepsy Psychology task force are presented.
Recent findings:
Two recent large randomized controlled trials (mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation) reported improved seizure frequency with behavioral treatments. In both studies, participants in both the active and the attentional control arms showed significant seizure reduction, whereas quality of life and stress reduction were better noted in the active arms. Additional behavioral modalities have reported improved seizure control including yoga, bio/neurofeedback, and music therapy.Significant improvements in multiple quality of life, cognitive domains, and medication adherence have been reported from randomized and open label trials of cognitive behavioral therapy, and self-management programs. Multiple promising self-management programs have been recently reported, often utilizing the power of web-based apps, and digitally delivered group therapy. In 2018, the International League Against Epilepsy Psychology task force recommended that 'psychological interventions should be incorporated into comprehensive epilepsy care.'
Summary:
Behavioral treatments are successful and likely underutilized in the treatment of epilepsy. Given the challenge of conducting randomized clinical trials of behavioral therapy, much remains to be studied. However, for motivated and interested patients, appropriately chosen behavioral therapies appear to be important adjuncts to standard therapy. The timing is currently optimal to take best advantage of smartphone apps and web-based delivery systems, both for research and therapeutic purposes.
Background:
This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in the Cochrane Library, Issue 5, 2015.Yoga may induce relaxation and stress reduction, and influence the electroencephalogram and the autonomic nervous system, thereby controlling seizures. Yoga would be an attractive therapeutic option for epilepsy if proved effective.
Objectives:
To assess whether people with epilepsy treated with yoga:(a) have a greater probability of becoming seizure free;(b) have a significant reduction in the frequency or duration of seizures, or both; and(c) have a better quality of life.
Search methods:
For this update, we searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register (3 January 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched 3 January 2017), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 3 January 2017), SCOPUS (1823 to 3 January 2017), ClinicalTrials.gov (searched 3 January 2017), the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched 3 January 2017), and also registries of the Yoga Biomedical Trust and the Research Council for Complementary Medicine. In addition, we searched the references of all the identified studies. No language restrictions were imposed.
Selection criteria:
The following study designs were eligible for inclusion: randomised controlled trials (RCT) of treatment of epilepsy with yoga. The studies could be double-, single- or unblinded. Eligible participants were adults with uncontrolled epilepsy comparing yoga with no treatment or different behavioural treatments.
Data collection and analysis:
Two review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted data. The following outcomes were assessed: (a) percentage of people rendered seizure free; (b) seizure frequency and duration; (c) quality of life. Analyses were on an intention-to-treat basis. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% Cls) were estimated for the outcomes.
Main results:
We did not identify any new studies for this update, therefore the results are unchanged.For the previous version of the review, the authors found two unblinded trials in people with refractory epilepsy. In total these two studies included 50 people (18 treated with yoga and 32 to control interventions). Antiepileptic drugs were continued in all the participants. Baseline phase lasted three months in both studies and treatment phase from five weeks to six months in the two trials. Randomisation was by roll of a die in one study and using a computerised randomisation table in the other one but neither study provided details of concealment of allocation and were rated as unclear risk of bias. Overall, the two studies were rated as low risk of bias (all participants were included in the analysis; all expected and pre-expected outcomes were reported; no other sources of bias).The overall ORs with 95% CI were as follows: (i) seizure free for six months - for yoga versus sham yoga the OR was 14.54 (95% CI 0.67 to 316.69) and for yoga versus 'no treatment' group it was 17.31 (95% CI 0.80 to 373.45); for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) versus yoga the OR was 1.00 (95% Cl 0.16 to 6.42); (ii) reduction in seizure frequency - the mean difference between yoga versus sham yoga group was -2.10 (95% CI -3.15 to -1.05) and for yoga versus 'no treatment' group it was -1.10 (95% CI -1.80 to -0.40); (iii) more than 50% reduction in seizure frequency - for yoga versus sham yoga group, OR was 81.00 (95% CI 4.36 to 1504.46) and for the yoga versus 'no treatment' group it was 158.33 (95% CI 5.78 to 4335.63); ACT versus yoga OR was 0.78 (95% Cl 0.04 to 14.75); (iv) more than 50% reduction in seizure duration - for yoga versus sham yoga group OR was 45.00 (95% CI 2.01 to 1006.75) and for yoga versus 'no treatment' group it was 53.57 (95% CI 2.42 to 1187.26); ACT versus yoga OR was 0.67 (95% Cl 0.10 to 4.35).In addition in Panjwani 1996 the authors reported that the one-way analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences between the three groups. A P-Lambda test taking into account the P values between the three groups also indicated that the duration of epilepsy in the three groups was not comparable. No data were available regarding quality of life. In Lundgren 2008 the authors reported that there was no significant difference between the yoga and ACT groups in seizure-free rates, 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency or seizure duration at one-year follow-up. The yoga group showed significant improvement in their quality of life according to the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) (P < 0.05), while the ACT group had significant improvement in the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale (P < 0.01).Overall, we assessed the quality of evidence as low; no reliable conclusions can be drawn at present regarding the efficacy of yoga as a treatment for epilepsy.
Authors' conclusions:
A study of 50 subjects with epilepsy from two trials reveals a possible beneficial effect in control of seizures. Results of the overall efficacy analysis show that yoga treatment was better when compared with no intervention or interventions other than yoga (postural exercises mimicking yoga). There was no difference between yoga and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However no reliable conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy of yoga as a treatment for uncontrolled epilepsy, in view of methodological deficiencies such as limited number of studies, limited number of participants randomised to yoga, lack of blinding and limited data on quality-of-life outcome. Physician blinding would normally be taken to be the person delivering the intervention, whereas we think the 'physician' would in fact be the outcome assessor (who could be blinded), so that would be a reduction in detection bias rather than performance bias. In addition, evidence to inform outcomes is limited and of low quality. Further high-quality research is needed to fully evaluate the efficacy of yoga for refractory epilepsy.Since we did not find any new studies, our conclusions remain unchanged.
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal body movements (chorea) associated with cognitive and motor dysfunctions, neuropsychiatric disturbances, and striatal damage. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) triggers cellular energy deficit, nitric oxide (NO) mechanisms, and oxidative stress (OS)-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting the activity of mitochondrial complex II enzyme and succinate dehydrogenase in irreversible fashion. Chronic systemic administration of 3-NP to animals produces preferential degeneration of the striatum, leading to motor and cognitive deficits, closely resembling HD. Besides 3-NP model of striatal neurodegeneration, a number of transgenic animal models expressing mutant proteins are routinely used in preclinical trials exploring anti-HD therapeutics. In this review, the roles of a number of plant extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds investigated in various neurotoxic animal models and transgenics are discussed, highlighting on their ability to influence signaling pathways, leading to neuromodulation and probable neuroprotection. Since mitochondrial involvement and OS are also common phenomena in etiopathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), a few plant-based anti-HD natural products have been found efficacious against such diseases. Therapeutic advancement in screening of natural products against HD suffers from constraints such as limited animal models and giving maximum emphasis on cellular models during experimentations. However, recent progress in animal HD transgenic models expressing mutant proteins may reveal the therapeutic efficacy of natural products against HD, a disease with less elucidated pathogenesis and inadequate treatment strategies.
Paced deep breathing practices, a core component of a number of meditation programs, have been shown to enhance a variety of cognitive functions. However, their effects on complex processes such as memory, and in particular, formation and retention of motor memories, remain unknown. Here we show that a 30-minute session of deep, alternate-nostril breathing remarkably enhances retention of a newly learned motor skill. Healthy humans learned to accurately trace a given path within a fixed time duration. Following learning, one group of subjects (n = 16) underwent the 30-minute breathing practice while another control group (n = 14) rested for the same duration. The breathing-practice group retained the motor skill strikingly better than controls, both immediately after the breathing session and also at 24 hours. These effects were confirmed in another group (n = 10) that rested for 30 minutes post-learning, but practiced breathing after their first retention test; these subjects showed significantly better retention at 24 hours but not 30 minutes. Our results thus uncover for the first time the remarkable facilitatory effects of simple breathing practices on complex functions such as motor memory, and have important implications for sports training and neuromotor rehabilitation in which better retention of learned motor skills is highly desirable.
Meditation is a complex physiological process which affects neural, psychological, behavioral, and autonomic functions, and is considered as an altered state of consciousness, differing from wakefulness, relaxation at rest, and sleep. Health professionals are also enthusiastic about meditation. There is much of clinical evidence to suggest that the activity of autonomic nervous system is affected by meditation. The present study was initiated and an attempt was made to bring out the association of autonomic functions with meditation. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) function tests were conducted using Polyrite, medicare system. One hundred subjects were divided into two groups (meditators and non meditators in the age group of 25-60 years. The autonomic insufficiency was ruled out in all. The sympathetic activity of ANS was compared by Galvanic skin resistance (GSR), Cold pressor response (CPR) and Hand grip test and the parasympathetic activity was compared by standing to lying ratio (30:15) , valsalva ratio and tachycardia ratio. The results were statistically analyzed in each group and valid conclusions were drawn. The result on comparison of various autonomic function tests amongst meditators and non-meditators of same age group suggested that the parasympathetic activity was more in meditators males & females while sympathetic activity was less.
Complementary and alternative medicine are treatment modalities which consist of physical exercises, natural herbal blends and some other techniques that are believed to improve health which are commonly used in many countries including UK, Germany, USA and Australia. Complemantary medicine supports the traditional medicine and aims at improving the quality of an individual's life by reducing symptoms wheras the alternative medicine is used as an alternative to the traditional medicine. Although initially there were many opposed ideas to alternative and complementary medicine, which were started to be practiced between 1960-1970, many researchs proved the reliability and the efficiency of these methods. As long as the methods of complementary medicine are practiced on the proper way, they help individuals maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, prevent them from having stress which causes a threat for an individual's health and enable them to practise a relaxiing physical activity even in case of sickness.
Psychological/behavioural treatmentsExerciseMusicHerbal medicineDietary measuresHomeopathyAcupunctureTranscranial magnetic stimulationChiropractic treatmentConclusions
References
Objectives
To investigate whether Sudarshan Kriya and Related Practices (SK&P) can lead to increased Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and increased feeling of wellness in male prisoners with non psychotic psychiatric disorder.
Methodology
This is a 6 month parallel randomized controlled study with sample size of 230 male prisoners. Participants meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to a study or control group by simple random allocation in which random allocation sequence was generated using a random number table. Each individual study participant was involved in a daily program of SK&P for 6 weeks. Each individual control participant was instructed to sit in an armchair with his eyes closed and gentle attention to their breath for duration of 6 weeks. To be included in this study, participant must be a male prisoner diagnosed to be suffering from Psychiatric disorder (except psychosis and Bipolar Affective Disorder [BPAD]) by ICD-10 (DCR) criteria with age between 18-65 years.
Results
Majority of subjects were unemployed married individuals, educated till undermatric level not having occupational skills of more than unskilled labor level. Practicing SK&P for 6 weeks led to improvement in mean+/- SD score of study participants in Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Anxiety (ANX), Depressed mood (DEP), Positive Well Being (PWB), General Health (GH), Self Control (SC), Vitality(VT) and Total Positive General Well Being (PGWB). Change in mean± SD score of study participants when compared with control participants was statistically significant in terms of GAF, ANX, DEP, PWB, GH, PGWB. Increase in SC and VT scores were statistically insignificant when compared with control participants.
Conclusion
Practicing SK&P helps in improving GAF, PWB, GH and Total PGWB of an individual. SK&P also causes significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels. Effect of SK&P on SC and VT is insignificant.
Performers have used many approaches to regulate arousal levels. Yoga claims to regulate arousal; however the claim has not been evaluated. This study investigated non-directive somatic arousal, utilizing heart-rate data, of trained and novice yoga practitioners before, during and following an auditory distraction in savasana. No difference was noted between trained and novice yoga practitioners.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a treatment for children diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is widespread, but little is known on the effectiveness of many such therapies. This study investigated meditation as a family treatment method for children with ADHD, using the techniques of Sahaja Yoga Meditation (SYM). Parents and children participated in a 6-week programme of twice-weekly clinic sessions and regular meditation at home. Pre- and post-treatment assessments included parent ratings of children’s ADHD symptoms, self-esteem and child–parent relationship quality. Perceptions of the programme were collected via parent questionnaires and child interviews. Results showed improvements in children’s ADHD behaviour, self-esteem and relationship quality. Children described benefits at home (better sleep patterns, less anxiety) and at school (more able to concentrate, less conflict). Parents reported feeling happier, less stressed and more able to manage their child’s behaviour. Indications from this preliminary investigation are that SYM may offer families an effective management tool for family-oriented treatment of childhood ADHD.
The objective of the study was to find out the effect of Sahaja Yoga Meditation on Nutritional Assessment of University Students. (The objective of the study was to find out the significant difference between pre-test means, post-test means and adjusted post-test means of experimental (Sahaja Yoga Practice) group and control group. Subjects for the study were selected from Banaras Hindu University. Total of 60 students were be selected. Age of the Subjects was ranged from 17 to 25 years. All the subjects were divided randomly in to two groups i.e. 30 in experimental group and 30 in control group. Practice of Sahaja Yoga Meditation was considered as Independent variables and Nutritional Assessment was considered as dependent variables. To find out the effect of sahaja yoga meditation on Nutritional Assessment of the University students, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used. It was concluded that: Significant difference was found among the adjusted post test means of experimental group and control group in Nutritional Assessment, since the F-value (7.251 , p < .05) was found significant at .05 level with 1, 57 df.
Psychological treatmentsExerciseMusicHerbal medicineDietary measuresHomoeopathyAcupunctureTranscranial magnetic stimulationChiropractic treatmentConclusions
Acknowledgement
Peri-ictal behavioral and cognitive changes contribute substantially to disability and distress among people with epilepsy. Psychosis, depression, and suicide may all occur as complications of seizures. Greater appreciation and understanding of the peri-ictal period is clinically important and might open novel therapeutic windows. At the same time this period provides a model for understanding basic mechanisms underlying mood and thought disorders and the substrates of cognition, volition, emotion, and consciousness. This review will discuss behavioral and cognitive antecedents of seizures, including the preictal milieu, reflex seizures, and self-induced seizures. Behavioral and cognitive treatment approaches that have been undertaken are reviewed. Both acute and delayed postictal emotional, behavioral, and cognitive changes will be discussed. Finally, possible mechanisms by which epileptic brain activity and behavior may modify each other are considered.
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.
Healthy subjects with no significant medical/psychiatric disorders were randomized 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.
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.
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.
Growing interest in seizure prediction exists as a means to deliver newer antiepileptic therapies, though patient self-termination of seizures has received little attention.
Two hundred twenty-three patients able to recognize seizure onset were surveyed in an outpatient epilepsy clinic. A seven-question survey administered prospectively assessed self-reported seizure prediction and clinical techniques used for self-termination. Survey responses targeted percentage predictability of seizures, timing of clinical prediction, likelihood/timing of termination, frequency and effectiveness of methods used, and perspectives of patient and physician belief in self-termination.
Two hundred twenty-three patients (89 males) with a mean age of 42.7 years, average duration of epilepsy of 20.8 years and monthly mean seizure frequency of 4.1 comprised the study group. Thirty-eight percent completed >75% of the survey. Prior treatment included a mean of 6.0 AEDs (40/192 had surgery); 65% had ongoing seizures. Sixty percent of 223 patients reported a history of an aura, and 39% consistently noted auras for >75% of their current seizures. Of the patients with auras, seizure triggers were reported in 74%, with worry and stress (N=69), sleep deprivation (N=60), and missed medication (N=56) most frequently cited. Seventeen percent were positive/somewhat sure they could predict onset, with approximately 20% noting rapid onset in <15 seconds. Twenty-two of 82 noted that they had some ability to self-terminate their seizures, and 9% were positive that they could do so. Methods to self-terminate were effective (>75% certainty) in 35% (26/75). The primary methods were lying down/resting and taking extra medication.
The majority of patients with partial seizures recognize triggers of seizure onset. In addition, more than one-third believe they can effectively self-terminate their partial-onset seizures. Lying down, resting, and taking extra medication were the most common techniques instituted by patients. Correlating clinical symptoms at seizure onset with termination may help improve the sensitivity in seizure prediction.
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of yogic techniques in the treatment of eight adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A specific yogic breathing pattern has been prescribed for the treatment of OCD, as well as others for treating generalized anxiety. A one year course of therapy was followed. Subjects improved on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) comparing baseline with three, six, nine, & 12 month results (one-way ANOVA for repeated measures, F(4, 12) = 3.343, p
Using positron emission tomography (PET), measurements of the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRGlc) are able to delineate cerebral metabolic responses to external or mental stimulation. In order to examine possible changes of brain metabolism due to Yoga meditation PET scans were performed in 8 members of a Yoga meditation group during the normal control state (C) and Yoga meditative relaxation (YMR). Whereas there were intraindividual changes of the total CMRGlc, the alterations were not significant for intergroup comparison; specific focal changes or changes in the interhemispheric differences in metabolism were also not seen; however the ratios of frontal vs. occipital rCMRGlc were significantly elevated (p less than 0.05) during YMR. These altered ratios were caused by a slight increase of frontal rCMRGlc and a more pronounced reduction in primary and secondary visual centers. These data indicate a holistic behavior of the brain metabolism during the time of altered state of consciousness during YMR.
Classical EEG combined with spectral analysis was performed on a group of subjects during Transcendental Meditation (TM). The findings were compared with those obtained in a resting control group. 1. (1) Alpha rhythm increased in amplitude, slowed down in frequency and extended to anterior channels at the beginning of mediation. 2. (2) In a second stage, theta frequencies different from those of sleep diffused from frontal to posterior channels. They took the form of short theta periods or longer rhythmic theta trains. 3. (3) Rhythmic amplitude-modulated beta waves were present over the whole scalp in a third stage of deep meditation by advanced subjects. 4. (4) The most striking topographical alteration was the synchronisation of anterior and posterior channels. Therefore EEG records from meditators practising TM distinguish the meditative state from other states of consciousness. The combination of sequential EEG changes in relation to topographical alterations produces a particular pattern.
This study describes the effects of 30 minutes of unilateral forced nostril breathing on cognitive performance in 51 right-handed undergraduate psychology students (25 males and 26 females). A verbal analogies task modeled after the Miller Analogies and SAT Tests was used as a test of left-hemispheric performance and mental rotation tasks based on the Vandenburg and Kuse adaptation of Shepard and Metzler's tests were used as spatial tasks for testing right-hemispheric performance. Spatial task performance was significantly enhanced during left nostril breathing in both males and females, p = .028. Verbal task performance was greater during right nostril breathing, but not significantly p = .14. These results are discussed in comparison to other cognitive and physiological studies using unilateral forced nostril breathing. This yogic breathing technique may have useful application in treating psychophysiological disorders with hemispheric imbalances and disorders with autonomic abnormalities.
It is widely accepted that stress and other environmental factors often trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. It is thus reasonable to hypothesize that behavioral approaches could minimize stress and improve seizure control, yet there have been very few controlled studies of this hypothesis and none that has involved long-term follow-up. To implement such a study, we involved 12 people with epilepsy in a training program for progressive relaxation therapy (PRT). Baseline seizure frequency of 8 weeks was compared to three 8-week follow-up periods. Median seizure frequency for the group decreased 21% after the first follow-up interval, from 19.5 to 15.5 (p = 0.07) and 54% after the third and final follow-up interval, from 19.5 to 9.0 (p = 0.02). This study also tried to answer two methodological questions. First, is it possible to abbreviate the most common protocol for PRT so that only three training sessions are required instead of 107 Second, is it possible that comparative newcomers to this field can become effective trainers? Both of these questions were answered in the affirmative by this study, although it is acknowledged that much more work needs to be done in these areas.
The aim of the present study was to examine whether the neural structures subserving meditation can be reproducibly measured, and, if so, whether they are different from those supporting the resting state of normal consciousness. Cerebral blood flow distribution was investigated with the 15O-H2O PET technique in nine young adults, who were highly experienced yoga teachers, during the relaxation meditation (Yoga Nidra), and during the resting state of normal consciousness. In addition, global CBF was measured in two of the subjects. Spectral EEG analysis was performed throughout the investigations. In meditation, differential activity was seen, with the noticeable exception of V1, in the posterior sensory and associative cortices known to participate in imagery tasks. In the resting state of normal consciousness (compared with meditation as a baseline), differential activity was found in dorso-lateral and orbital frontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyri, left temporal gyri, left inferior parietal lobule, striatal and thalamic regions, pons and cerebellar vermis and hemispheres, structures thought to support an executive attentional network. The mean global flow remained unchanged for both subjects throughout the investigation (39 ± 5 and 38 ± 4 ml/100 g/min, uncorrected for partial volume effects). It is concluded that the H215O PET method may measure CBF distribution in the meditative state as well as during the resting state of normal consciousness, and that characteristic patterns of neural activity support each state. These findings enhance our understanding of the neural basis of different aspects of consciousness. Hum. Brain Mapping 7:98–105, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Two techniques of desedsitization, biofeedback and relaxation, were employed in a crossover design for the treatment of three young female patinets suffering from drug resistant epilepsy associated with anxiety and phobic symptoms. The patients were followed up for 15 months after the six months of treatment. The results indicate that both relaxation and biofeedback improved the patients' control of their seizures and the effects were maintained during the follow-up period.
Traditional oriental thinking attracts the growing scientific interest of occidental practitioners. Dr. Pierre Etévenon, head of the Department of Neuro-Psycho-Pharmacology at the French Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), held several conversations and scientific exchanges with the author, and kindly provided copies of some of his works. They are at the basis of the present paper. M. A. Descamps (Paris) found that asanas--yoga postures-- are generators of dynamic action when there is an extension of the spinal column, whilst they lead to quiet states when there is a flexion of it. Claeys and Gones (Belgium) proved that overall global relaxation, as well as differential relaxation were far more effective and deep when obtained by yogis than those attempted by University students majoring in Physical Education. Lonsdorfer and Nussbaum (France) studied several parameters concerning hatha-yoga and concluded that it provides a regular functioning of the main bodily functions fostering thus a psycho-physical balance. Wallace and Benson (U.S.A.) proved that transcendental meditation increases aerobic metabolism, counteracting anaerobic metabolism which is related to mental distress. Etévenon (Paris) investigated neurophysiological effects of yoga in connection to ancient Indian concepts (Upanishads) on sleeping, meditation and degree of consciousness. Dr. Etévenon has studied the phylogenetic evolution of waking-sleeping cycles, focusing on phylogenetic and ontongenetic appearances of REM cycles (activated sleep). A correlation has been made with EEG studies during states of concentration (yoga, transcendental meditation, Zen). These states have been found to be specific brain activities, and different from deep sleep, in spite of certain similarities in the EEG. Several hypothesis are set forth to explain brain activities underlying sites of concentration. The possibilities of developing a conscious mastering of dreams are also under research, and special attention is paid to the works of Saint Denys (1867), and hindu tradition. This paper discusses also the psychological, therapeutic and anthropological implications of recent discoveries in the field.
Neurophysiological studies in cats have established a functional relationship between waking 12–15 Hz sensorimotor cortex
rhythmic EEG activity (the sensorimotor rhythm or SMR) and a similar pattern during sleep, the sleep spindle. Both result
from oscillatory thalamocortical discharge involving ventrobasal thalamus and sensorimotor cortex, and both are associated
with a state of suppressed motor excitability. Enhancement of the SMR with operant conditioning methods in the cat clearly
led to reduced seizure susceptibility. The experimental application of this approach to seizure control in epileptics has
resulted in (A) evidence that EEG patterns can be manipulated significantly in man with operant conditioning, (B) suggestive
observations concerning a potential component of pathology in epilepsy, and (C) strong preliminary evidence that SMR operant
conditioning in epileptics is specifically therapeutic.
Current research has focused upon the EEG during sleep in epileptics with primary motor symptomatology. This measure often
reveals several hard signs of pathology. These include the presence of abnormal activity in the 4–7 Hz frequency band and
the absence or disturbance of activity in the 11–15 Hz frequency band. Power spectral analysis is being utilized to quantify
these sleep EEG components in five groups of epileptic patients, studied with different frequency patterns rewarded in an
A-B-A design which provides for counterbalancing of order effects. Initial laboratory training is followed by 9–12 months
of training at home with portable feedback equipment. Reward contingencies are reversed within each group at approximately
three month intervals. Clinical EEG data, blood anticonvulsant measures and patient seizure logs supplement sleep EEG data
obtained before training and after each phase of the design. Early results have again indicated specific therapeutic benefits
following training of high frequency rhythmic central cortical activity.
Autonomic and electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of Tantric Yoga meditation were studied in three groups of subjects as they progressed from normal consciousness into meditation. Groups differed in their level of meditation proficiency. Measures of skin resistance, heart rate, respiration, autonomic orienting responses, resting EEG, EEG alpha and theta frequencies, sleep-scored EEG, averaged evoked responses, and subjective experience were employed. Unlike most previously reported meditation studies, proficient meditators demonstrated increased autonomic activation during meditation while unexperienced meditators demonstrated autonomic relaxation. During meditation, proficient meditators demonstrated increased alpha and theta power, minimal evidence of EEG-defined sleep, and decreased autonomic orienting to external stimulation. An episode of sudden autonomic activation was observed that was characterized by the meditator as an approach to the Yogic ecstatic state of intense concentration. These findings challenge the current "relaxation" model of meditative states.
• The scientific research that has investigated the physiological changes associated with meditation as it is practiced by adherents of Indian Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, and Zen Buddhism has not yielded a thoroughly consistent, easily replicable pattern of responses. The majority of studies show meditation to be a wakeful state accompanied by a lowering of cortical and autonomic arousal. The investigations of Zen and Transcendental Meditation have thus far produced the most consistent findings.
Additional research into the mechanisms underlying the phenomena of meditation will require a shifting from old to new methodological perspectives that allow for adequate experimental control and the testing of theoretically relevant hypotheses.
Santhi Kriya is a mixture of combined yogic practices of breathing and relaxation. Preliminary attempts were made to determine the effect of Santhi Kriya on certain psychophysiological parameters. Eight healthy male volunteers of the age group 25.9 +/- 3 (SD) years were subjected to Santhi Kriya practice daily for 50 minutes for 30 days. The volunteer's body weight, blood pressure, oral temperature, pulse rate, respiration, ECG and EEG were recorded before and after the practice on the 1st day and subsequently on 10th, 20th and 30th day of their practice. They were also given a perceptual acuity test to know their cognitive level on the 1st day and also at the end of the study i.e., on the 30th day. Results indicate a gradual and significant decrease in the body weight from 1st to 30th day (P less than 0.001) and an increase in alpha activity of the brain (P less than 0.001) during the course of 30 days of Santhi Kriya practice. Increase of alpha activity both in occipital and pre-frontal areas of both the hemispheres of the brain denotes an increase of calmness. This study also revealed that Santhi Kriya practice increases oral temperature by 3 degrees F and decreases respiratory rate significantly (P less than 0.05) on all practice days. Other parameters were not found to be altered significantly. It is concluded that the Santhi Kriya practice for 30 days reduces body weight and increases calmness.
The immediate effects of relaxation therapy (RT) were assessed in 40 hospitalized children and adolescents with diagnoses of adjustment disorder and depression. These effects were assessed using a within subjects pre-test/post-test design and by comparison with a control group of 20 depressed and adjustment disorder patients who watched a 1-h relaxing videotape. The 1-h RT class consisted of yoga exercise, a brief massage and progressive muscle relaxation. Decreases were noted in both self-reported anxiety and in anxious behavior and fidgeting as well as increases in positive affect in the RT but not the video group. In addition, adjustment disorder patients and a third of the depressed patients showed decreases in cortisol levels following RT, while no changes were noted in the video group. Thus, both diagnostic groups appeared to benefit from the RT class.
The work is aimed to compare the relative strength of dextroamphetamine and yogic meditation on the performance of 3 different groups of medical students to concentrate on the task to balance on a balance board. Group A subjects were mediators, group B subjects were given orally 5 and 10 mg of dextroamphetamine in a capsule, 1 hr prior to the test. Group C subjects were given same capsule but with lactose in place of the drug (placebo). This last groups served as control for the study. The balance index calculated taking into account their balance time and error score at each trial of 5 min duration showed that the performance of the group B (drug) had declined with overall percentile fall of 40.6% as compared to the performance of the controls (placebo) whereas, the performance of Group A (meditators) went on steadily and progressively increasing throughout the period of 10 trial days with overall percentile rise of 27.8%. The results were conclusive to confirm earlier reports that amphetamine is not of use for improvement of task rather, it deteriorates the task performance. Contrary to that, yogic meditation is of merit to achieve concentration for mental as well as physical task.
Topography of brain electrical activity was studied in 11 advanced yoga practitioners during yogic high-frequency breathing kapalabhati (KB). Alpha activity was increased during the initial five min of KB. Theta activity mostly in the occipital region was increased during later stages of 15 min KB compared to the pre-exercise period. Beta 1 activity increased during the first 10 min of KB in occipital and to a lesser degree in parietal regions. Alpha and beta 1 activity decreased and theta activity was maintained on the level of the initial resting period after KB. The score of General Deactivation factor from Activation Deactivation Adjective Checklist was higher after KB exercise than before the exercise. The results suggest a relative increase of slower EEG frequencies and relaxation on a subjective level as the after effect of KB exercise.
The purpose of this study was to determine the psychological, behavioral, and cognitive changes associated with up to 14 months of aerobic exercise training. For the first 4 months of the study, 101 older (greater than 60 years) men and women were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Aerobic exercise, Yoga, or a Waiting List control group. Before and following the intervention, all subjects completed a comprehensive assessment battery, including measures of mood and cognitive functioning. A semi-crossover design was employed such that, following completion of the second assessment, all subjects completed 4 months of aerobic exercise and underwent a third assessment. Subjects were given the option of participating in 6 additional months of supervised aerobic exercise (14 months total), and all subjects, regardless of their exercise status, completed a fourth assessment. Results indicated that subjects experienced a 10-15% improvement in aerobic capacity. In general, there were relatively few improvements in cognitive performance associated with aerobic exercise, although subjects who maintained their exercise participation for 14 months experienced improvements in some psychiatric symptoms. However, the healthy subjects in this study were functioning at a relatively high level to begin with, and exercise training may produce greater improvements among elderly with concomitant physical or emotional impairments.
Epilepsy is increasingly being viewed as a condition where psychological interventions may offer great potential in bringing about a reduction in the frequency of seizures. Early studies of behavioural interventions (including classical and operant conditioning approaches) designed to reduce seizure frequency were often subject to considerable methodological flaws. The outcome of recent behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatment trials is reviewed in the light of criticisms of earlier studies. Persisting methodological difficulties are discussed and recommendations made for future studies.
Autonomic responses to breath holding were studied in twenty healthy young men. Breath was held at different phases of respiration and parameters recorded were Breath holding time, heart rate systolic and diastolic blood pressure and galvanic skin resistance (GSR). After taking initial recordings all the subjects practised Nadi-Shodhana Pranayama for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks same parameters were again recorded and the results compared. Baseline heart rate and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) showed a rendency to decrease and both these autonomic parameters were significantly decreased at breaking point after pranayamic breathing. Although the GSR was recorded in all subjects the observations made were not conclusive. Thus pranayama breathing exercises appear to alter autonomic responses to breath holding probably by increasing vagal tone and decreasing sympathetic discharges.
Three children with very frequent refractory epileptic seizures underwent a behavioral intervention consisting of symptom discrimination, countermeasures, contingent relaxation, and positive reinforcement for correct responses in a systematic replication series. The studies involved a 6‐h nonintervention base rate, a 6‐h treatment phase, and a 6‐h nonintervention follow‐up under laboratory conditions for each child. Neurophysio‐logic and behavioral measures of the effects of treatment were made using electroencephalogram (EEG)‐video equipment. Effects of treatment were assessed by using a random sample of EEG‐video sequences in base rate and follow‐up. Results showed that no significant reduction of either seizure behavior or paroxysmal EEG activity was found subsequent to training in discrimination of early paroxysmal activity and/or sensations preceding seizures. Both seizure behavior and paroxysmal activity were significantly reduced in all three cases following intervention with an adapted countermeasure technique. No additional effects could be noted subsequent to the application of either contingent relaxation or positive reinforcement for correct responses. Paroxysmal EEG changes and seizure behavior were highly correlated. Reduction of the clinical manifestation or seizure response by behavioral manipulation was accompanied by a reduction of the total amount of paroxysmal activity as measured by the EEG.
RÉSUMÉ
3 enfants présentant des crises épileptiques très fréquentes et résistant aux traitements ont bénéficiéľun abord comportemental comprenant: discrimination des symptômes, contre‐mesures, relaxation contingente et renforcement positif pour des réponses correctes dans une serie de replications systématiques. Ces études comprennent pour chaque enfant et dans un environ‐nement de laboratoire, un temps de base (non‐intervention) de 6 heures, une phase de traitement de 6 heures et un suivi sans intervention. Ľeffet neurophysiologique et comportemental du traitement a été mesuré au moyen de ľéquipement EEG et vidéo, avec sélection au hasard de séquences EEG‐vidéo pendant le temps de base et la phase de suivi. Les résultats ont montré qu'il n'y avait pas de réduction significative du comportement critique ou de ľactivité EEG paroxystique apres education des enfants dans la discrimination des activités paroxystiques précoces et des sensations précédant les crises. En revanche, une diminution significative du comportement critique et de ľactivité paroxystique a été constatée chez les 3 enfants après traitement par une technique de contre‐mesure adaptée. Aucun effet supplémentaire n'a pu être constaté après Implication de la relaxation contingente ou du renforcement positif aux réponses correctes. Les modifications paroxystiques de ľEEG et les comportements critiques étaient fortement corréles. La diminution des manifestations cliniques ou de la réponse critique après manipulaion comportementale a été accompagnée ľune réduction de la quantité totale ľactivité paroxystique mesurée par ľEEG.
RESUMEN
A tres niños con ataques epilépticos refractorios muy frecuentes, se les aplicó un estudio de comportamiento que consistio en: discriminatión de síntomas, “counter measure,” relajación del contingente y reforzamiento positivo para corregir las respuestas en una serie de replication systemática. Los estudios incluían un periodo de medida basal de no intervención de 6 horas, una fase de tratamiento de 6 horas y un periodo de seguimniento de 6 horas de no intervención bajo condiciones de laboratorio, para cada niño. Las medidas neurofisiológicas y de comportamiento de los efectos del tratamiento se hicieron utili‐zando un equipo de EEG y Video. Estos efectos fueron calcu‐lados utilizando una muestra aleatoria de secuencias EEG‐Video durante las medidas basales y durante el seguimiento. Los resultados mostraton una reducción, no significativa, tanto del comportamiento de los ataques como de la actividad paroxística en el EEG subsiguiente al entrenamiento para discriminar la actividad paroxística precoz y/o las sensaciones que precedian a los ataques. Se encontró una reducción significativa, tanto en el comportamiento de los ataques como en la actividad paroxística para los tres casos, trás la aplicación de una técnica adaptada de “counter measuré. No se observaron efectos adicionales trás la aplicación del contingente de relajación o del reforzamiento positivo para corregir las respuestas. Se ha demonstrado que los cambios paroxísticos en el EEG y en los comportamientos de los ataques aparecian fuertemente correlacionados. La reducción de las manifestaciones clínicas o la respuesta a los ataques, producidas por la manipulateón del comportamiento, se asoció a una reducción de la cantidad total de actividad paroxistica medida en el EEG.
Voluntary focal activity typically disrupts EEG alpha activity. This experiment tested the hypothesis that the alpha wave would not be disrupted during "Yogic Flying" (YF), a TM-Sidhi technique that produces movement of the body such as hopping, because the technique operates at a self-referral level in which attention remains in a settled, inwardly directed state. In 23 subjects YF was compared with voluntary jumping in the same subjects which mimicked the movements of YF. The percentage of relative power of alpha was significantly higher for YF in virtually all EEG derivations, supporting the hypothesis. The effect appeared to be of similar magnitude in all cortical areas.
Three brief tests that assess perceptual-motor speed and two that assess nonverbal intelligence were administered to individuals who were practicing the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programme. Multiple regression analyses showed that when motivation (measured on a 5-point self-rating scale), age, sex, education, and duration of practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique were held constant, number of months of practice of the TM-Sidhi programme significantly predicted higher performance on two of the perceptual-motor speed tests and both tests of intelligence. Age predicted lower scores on the same tests.
Concurrent with the performance of hathayogic exercises such as Nauli, Bhastrika and Suryabhedana, three characteristic EEG patterns were identified: a "wicket" rhythm at a frequency wave of 12 to 17 Hz, recordable from para-Rolandic areas, which we have called Xi rhythm; a 26-33 Hz sinusoidal activity, confined to the mid-sagittal parietooccipital region; and paroxysmal activity localized in the lateral boundaries of parieto-temporo-occipital regions, bilaterally. - The expectation that hathayogic exercises would affect the electrical activity of circumscribed, relatively well defined areas of the brain was based on the fact that these exercises imply a strong stimulation of somatic and splanchnic receptors, the afferent impulses of which are fed into specific cortical representation areas localized for the most part around central and anterior parietal areas.
In the Western world today, there is a growing interest in nonpharmacological, self induced, altered states of consciousness because of their alleged benefits of better mental and physical health and improved ability to deal with tension and stress. During the experience of one of these states, individuals claim to have feelings of increased creativity, of infinity, and of immortality; they have an evangelistic sense of mission, and report that mental and physical suffering vanish. Subjective and objective data exist which support the hypothesis that an integrated central nervous system reaction, the 'relaxation response', underlies this altered state of consciousness. Physicians should be knowledgeable about the physiologic changes and possible health benefits of the relaxation response.
Agnisara is a Hathayogic exercise consisting essentially in alternate, forceful retractions and protrusions of the abdominal wall, performed along a 20-30 s period of apnoea. In the course of series of Agnisars spindle bursts of a "wicket" EEG wave pattern developed over the para-Rolandic areas of the cerebral cortex, at frequencies around 12-13 Hz, with waxing and waning amplitudes in the range of 50 to 100 microV. These spindle-bursts, which occurred preferably during the phase of retraction of the abdominal wall, were named "Xi" rhythm (after the Greek letter X). It is the same as the one that regularly accompanies the performance on various other Hathayogic exercises. Xi spindles were recorded in linked earlobe reference derivations from areas located bilaterally midway between F-C, C-P, and P-O standard electrode positions of the 10-20 system. This EEG pattern would be considered as the expression of the central excitation, produced by the exercise's long-lasting and repeated stimulation of visceral, and somatic receptors. Thus, this activation affects mainly cortical structures with somato-visceral representation.
Eleven studies that used operant or respondent conditioning procedures in the treatment of seizure disorders were evaluated primarily with respect to methodological considerations and secondarily with respect to procedure and outcome. The majority of studies used seizure frequency as the main dependent variable, but failed to adequately describe the observational procedure. Blind observers, unaware of experimental conditions and expected outcomes, were never used and measures of interobserver agreement were rarely provided. Ten studies reported data for a single subject. All of the investigations used within-subject analyses, but only three employed an experimental design adequate to demonstrate a functional relation between treatment and changes in seizure activity. A variety of treatments were used, some imprecisely described, and across studies seizure frequency was reduced in 14 of 15 subjects during treatment. However, because of obvious methodological inadequacies, these reductions cannot be conclusively attributed to treatment in the majority of cases. While the studies reviewed suggest that behavioral treatments of seizure disorders are potentially beneficial, further and more carefully controlled research is required to conclusively evaluate the generality and power of such treatments.
The author gives an account of his experience with the application of yoga in prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug related problems, in psychosomatic medicine, sexuology, treatment of neuroses, in gerontopsychiatry etc. The problem when using yoga in psychiatry is active cooperation; systemic interactions must be foreseen, it is important to warn against competitiveness and specific indications and contraindications of different yoga exercises must be respected. Yoga is also a suitable element of prevention of professional stress in the health services.
The static motor performance was tested in two groups with 20 subjects in each (age range 17 to 22 years, and 5 females in each group). Tests were carried out at the beginning and end of a 10 day period. The test required being able to insert and hold a metal stylus within holes of varying sizes for 15 sec. Accidental contacts between the stylus and the sides of the holes, were registered on a counter as errors. During the 10 days one group (the yoga group) practised asanas (physical postures), pranayama (voluntary regulation of breathing), meditation, devotional sessions, and tratakas (visual focussing exercises). The control group followed their usual routine. At the end of 10 days the yoga group showed a significant reduction in number of errors (Wilcoxon paired signed ranks test), while the control group did not change. Our earlier study showed a similar improvement in children (9-13 years). It was interesting to note the same degree of plasticity in motor control systems in young adults. The implications for rehabilitation programmes have been discussed.
Eleven adults suffering from drug-resistant epilepsies were given meditation practice, while another nine adults acted as waiting list controls. All patients were on antiepileptic drugs and their serum drug levels were monitored regularly. Patients in the intervention group were given training in meditation, and they practiced meditation 20 minutes a day for one year. They showed a significant reduction in seizure frequency and duration, an increase in the dominant background EEG frequency, a reduction in mean spectral intensity of the 0.7-7.7 Hz segment, and an increment in mean spectral intensity in the 8-12 Hz segment of the EEG. All changes were statistically significant. Control patients did not show significant changes in seizure frequency and duration during the observation period of one year. The results indicate that continued meditation practice is of substantial help in improving the clinicoelectrographic picture in drug-resistant epileptics.
This report presents the changes in various autonomic and respiratory variables during the practice of Brahmakumaris Raja yoga meditation. This practice requires considerable commitment and involves concentrated thinking. 18 males in the age range of 20 to 52 years (mean 34.1 +/- 8.1), with 5-25 years experience in mediation (mean 10.1 +/- 6.2), participated in the study. Each subject was assessed in three test sessions which included a period of meditation, and also in three control (non-mediation) sessions, which included a period of random thinking. Group analysis showed that the heart rate during the meditation period was increased compared to the preceding baseline period, as well as compared to the value during the non-meditation period of control sessions. In contrast to the change in the heart rate, there was no significant change during meditation, for the group as a whole, in palmar GSR, finger plethysmogram amplitude, and respiratory rate. On an individual basis, changes which met the following criteria were noted: (1), changes which were greater during meditation (compared to its preceding baseline) than changes during post meditation or non-meditation periods (also compared to their preceding baseline); (2), Changes which occurred consistently during the three repeat sessions of a subject and (3), changes which exceeded arbitrarily-chosen cut-off points (described at length below). This individual level analysis revealed that changes in autonomic variables suggestive of both activation and relaxation occurred simultaneously in different subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system in a subject. Apart from this, there were differences in patterns of change among the subjects who practised the same meditation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
"The concept of yoga is helpful for the treatment of Bronchial Asthma", has created a great interest in the medical research field. In order to investigate whether autonomic functions and pulmonary functions are improved in asthma patients after short term yoga training, a study was conducted with nine diagnosed bronchial asthma patients. Yoga training was given for seven days in a camp in Adhyatma Sadhna Kendra, New Delhi. The autonomic function tests to measure the parasympathetic reactivity (Deep Breathing test, Valsalva Manouever), Sympathetic reactivity (Hand Grip test, Cold Pressure test), and pulmonary function tests FVC, FEV1, PEFR, PIF, BHT and CE were recorded before and after yoga training. The resting heart rate after yoga training (P < 0.05) was significantly decreased (89.55 +/- 18.46/min to 76.22 +/- 16.44/min). The sympathetic reactivity was reduced following yoga training as indicated by significant (P < 0.01) reduction in DBP after HGT. There was no change in parasympathetic reactivity. The FVC, FEV1, PEFR did not show any significant change. The PIF (P < 0.01), BHT (P < 0.01) and CE (P < 0.01) showed significant improvement. The results closely indicated the reduction in sympathetic reactivity and improvement in the pulmonary ventilation by way of relaxation of voluntary inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The "comprehensive yogic life style change programme for patients of Bronchial Asthma" have shown significant benefit even within a short period.
The effect of Sahaja yoga meditation on seizure control and electroencephalographic alterations was assessed in 32 patients of idiopathic epilepsy. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group I (n = 10) practised Sahaja yoga for 6 months, Group II (n = 10) practised exercises mimicking Sahaja yoga for 6 months and Group III (n = 12) served as the epileptic control group. Group I subjects reported a 62 per cent decrease in seizure frequency at 3 months and a further decrease of 86 per cent at 6 months of intervention. Power spectral analysis of EEG showed a shift in frequency from 0-8 Hz towards 8-20 Hz. The ratios of EEG powers in delta (D), theta (T), alpha (A) and beta (B) bands i.e., A/D, A/D + T, A/T and A + B/D + T were increased. Per cent D power decreased and per cent A increased. No significant changes in any of the parameters were found in Groups II and III, indicating that Sahaja yoga practice brings about seizure reduction and EEG changes. Sahaja yoga could prove to be beneficial in the management of patients of epilepsy.
The aim of the present study was to examine whether the neural structures subserving meditation can be reproducibly measured, and, if so, whether they are different from those supporting the resting state of normal consciousness. Cerebral blood flow distribution was investigated with the 15O-H20 PET technique in nine young adults, who were highly experienced yoga teachers, during the relaxation meditation (Yoga Nidra), and during the resting state of normal consciousness. In addition, global CBF was measured in two of the subjects. Spectral EEG analysis was performed throughout the investigations. In meditation, differential activity was seen, with the noticeable exception of V1, in the posterior sensory and associative cortices known to participate in imagery tasks. In the resting state of normal consciousness (compared with meditation as a baseline), differential activity was found in dorso-lateral and orbital frontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyri, left temporal gyri, left inferior parietal lobule, striatal and thalamic regions, pons and cerebellar vermis and hemispheres, structures thought to support an executive attentional network. The mean global flow remained unchanged for both subjects throughout the investigation (39+/-5 and 38+/-4 ml/100 g/min, uncorrected for partial volume effects). It is concluded that the (H2)15O PET method may measure CBF distribution in the meditative state as well as during the resting state of normal consciousness, and that characteristic patterns of neural activity support each state. These findings enhance our understanding of the neural basis of different aspects of consciousness.
Plasticity of motor control systems demonstrated by yoga training The TM-Sidhi programme, age and brief tests of perceptual motor speed and nonverbal intelligence
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