A new study published in Psychiatry Research found that practicing yoga improved self-reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) immediately following the intervention. However, interestingly, no improvement was observed in clinician-rated symptoms. Read also | Fight stress and lifestyle ailments with these 6 simple yoga poses and breathing exercises
What is a yoga intervention?
Originating in ancient India, yoga increases flexibility and strength and promotes relaxation. Some yoga practitioners have developed therapeutic programs aimed at improving mental health. These programs are called yoga interventions and are used as an adjunctive therapy to help people cope with symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation.
What was the study about?
Study author Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of yoga-based interventions for PTSD. Their aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing PTSD symptoms. PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and symptoms include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing.
Researchers searched databases of scientific publications for randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness and safety of yoga for people with PTSD. The search identified 20 relevant studies covering a total of 954 participants with a mean age of 51 years. Of these participants, 60 percent were women. 16 studies were conducted in the US, and 12 involved adult veterans. Six studies used Kripalu yoga, five used simplified Kundalini yoga, five used trauma-sensitive yoga, and the remaining studies used other types of yoga.
What the study showed
Overall results showed that yoga significantly reduced self-reported PTSD symptoms. However, these effects did not persist over time. When clinician rated PTSD symptoms, yoga did not show significant improvement.
Yoga also reduced depressive symptoms compared to controls, and these reductions were maintained over time. However, there was no significant reduction in anxiety symptoms or other types of symptoms.
“The findings demonstrate that yoga is generally a safe and well-tolerated intervention that can improve depressive symptoms in participants with PTSD and, to a lesser extent, also improve PTSD symptoms. Results show TCTSY [trauma center trauma-sensitive yoga]Kundalini, Satyananda Yoga and HYP [Holistic Yoga Program] may be particularly effective compared to other types of yoga and should be addressed in future research,” the study authors concluded.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
