Program Composition Elements on Yoga Intervention Studies for Menopausal Women: A Narrative Review

• Published in: Journal of Japan Academy of Nursing Science Vol. 37; pp. 383 - 389
• Main Authors: Hioki, Chikako, Fujimoto, Kaoru, Nagatani, Miho, Takahashi, Mari
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Academy of Nursing Science 2017
• Subjects: menopausal women; narrative review; yoga program
• ISSN: 0287-5330; 2185-8888
• DOI: 10.5630/jans.37.383

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to explore effective yoga intervention programs for menopausal women and identify the design and construction of the programs.Method: Based on the principle procedure of the PRISMA statement, the medical databases (Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL plus, PubMed) from 1997 to March 2016 were searched. Search terms included: “women”, related to “menopause”, and “yoga”. A total of 16 published articles were analyzed.Results: There were 11 kinds of yoga programs. The intervention period was 8 to 24 weeks, the duration of classes ranged from 45 to 90 minutes, and the session frequency 1 to 5 times per week. Programs were conducted in two ways: group practice only and a combination of group practice and home practice. The programs comprised three elements: postures, controlled breathing, and meditation. They were found to be effective in mitigating menopause symptoms.Conclusion: Effective yoga programs for menopausal women were created based on postures, controlled breathing, and meditation. This study revealed that trained instructors, peer supporters, the allocation of time to practice, and easy access to yoga practice, are important considerations.