“You have to create love and affection for your body, for what it can do for you.”
~ BKS Iyengar
Research and Resource on Yoga
Developed by BKS Iyengar, the Iyengar Yoga system delves into precision, sequencing and duration. It is, however, more than a physical pursuit of asanas. It seeks, invokes, penetrates and reveals one’s true self.
Iyengar Yoga is known for its therapeutic benefits. It has been proven to be particularly effective for certain health conditions that people may face. Here are some links to the research done on the impact and efficacy of yoga.
Improving balance and mobility
Study: Randomized controlled trial with 54 participants, mean age of 68 years. Participants were split into two groups, with one intervention group (the yoga group) put through 12-week, twice-weekly yoga program.
Results: The yoga group showed significant improvement in standing balance, sit-to-stand test, timed 4-minute walk, and one-legged stand with eyes closed. These results support the feasibility of yoga for improving balance and mobility in older people.
The paper has been published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 68, Issue 9, September 2013, Pages 1068–1075.
Treating chronic lower back pain
Study: This was a randomised study where 90 participants with chronic lower back pain were recruited and put on a 6 month intervention program. The yoga group consisted of 43 participants who underwent 24 weeks of twice weekly, 90-minute Iyengar yoga classes. The control group (47 participants) received standard medical care.
Results: There was significant greater reductions in functional disability, pain intensity and depression in the yoga group when compared to the control group. There was a trend toward lower pain medication after yoga. Furthermore, yoga-related reductions in functional disability, pain intensity and depression were maintained at the 6 month follow-up.
This paper was published in Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009 Sep 1; 34(19): 2066–2076
Effect on chronic respiratory disease
Study: Pilot study where 25 patients with chronic respiratory disease were invited to participate in a two-phase Iyengar yoga program. The Iyengar method of yoga was provided in a 12-week, 2 hour, biweekly class. At the end of program, qualitative and quantitative results were recorded.
Results: Patients reported they were able to breathe better and were less anxious. Patient fatigue levels improved, as did their overall health status. Furthermore, a comparison of the quantitative and qualitative results revealed the cross-validity of patients’ responses with respect to improved breathing, increased energy levels and improved relaxation.
This paper was published in Canadian Respiratory Journal, 2013 Mar-Apr; 20(2): e17–e23.
Impact on age-related changes in hip, stride and gait
Study: Exploratory study on 23 adults (aged 62-83 years) where participants took part in an 8-week Iyengar yoga program specifically tailored to elderly persons and designed to improve lower-body strength and flexibility.
Results: A 3-dimensional quantitative gait evaluation, including kinematic and kinetic measurements, was performed pre- and post-intervention. Findings showed significant increase in hip extension and stride length, along with reduced pelvic tilt.
The study can be found in Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005 Sep;86(9):1830-7
Preventing falls
Study: Pilot study examined the gait and postural stability of 24 elderly females who were enrolled in an Iyengar yoga program specifically designed for those over 65. The yoga program was tailored to the elderly who have had little to no yoga experience.
Results: At the end of the program, participants had a faster stride, an increased flexibility in the lower extremities, an improved single-leg stance and increased confidence in walking and balance.
The research was published by Temple University. “Yoga Poses Can Prevent Falls In Women Over 65, Study Suggests.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 April 2008.