Effects of 3-month graded Iyengar-yoga training on emotional and physical well-being in women with mental distress

• Published in: European journal of integrative medicine Vol. 1; pp. 38 - 39
• Main Authors: Michalsen, A., Lüdtke, R., Böhm, K., Vardar, H., Langhorst, J., Musial, F., Dobos, G.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.11.2008
• ISSN: 1876-3820; 1876-3839
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2008.08.074

Mental distress is an increasing public health problem and Iyengar yoga has been claimed to induce stress reduction and empowerment in practicing subjects. In a previous pilot study we could show rapid stress relief by an intensified Iyengar-yoga group training. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the stress-relieving effects of Iyengar yoga in a larger study sample and to assess the role of training intensity. A randomized controlled three-armed trial was conducted in 72 self-referred female subjects (mean age=38.9±7.3 years) who perceived themselves as mentally distressed and exhibited stress-related somatic complaints. Subjects were randomized to a moderate (90min/week) or intensified (2×90/min/week) yoga class during 12 weeks. Subjects allocated to group three were offered yoga after the end of the study (waiting list) and served as a control. Outcome was assessed at entry and after 3 months by SF-36, Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Profile of Mood States, CESD-Depression Scale, Bf-S/Bf-S’ Well-Being scales and physical complaint lists. Subjects in the intensified yoga group showed reduced adherence with the recommended programme compared to moderate yoga. Both yoga groups showed significant improvements of quality of life, stress, anxiety, depression, anger and pain-related symptoms compared to waiting list controls. There was no difference in outcomes between moderate or intensified yoga. Iyengar yoga seems to offer considerable promise in subjects suffering from mental distress and related symptoms. Intensified yoga training is not more effective than moderate intensity yoga due to decreasing adherence.