Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
Published on: June 24, 2025
Feasibility of Establishing a Comprehensive Yoga Program and its Dose-Effect Relationship on Cardiovascular Risk
Kavitha M Chinnaiyan1, Ann M DePetris1, Judith A Boura1
1William Beaumont Hospitals, Royal Oak, MI.
Background:
We sought to study the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive, mostly self-directed yoga program in a hospital and its dose-effect relationship on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life (QoL) measures over six months.
Methods:
Yoga-based techniques (Advanced Yoga Practices; AYP; advancedyogapractices.com) were taught in 12 biweekly group sessions and self-directed practice at home was emphasized. Cardiovascular risk factors were elucidated by interview and review of medical history. Quality of life (QoL) outcomes included the SF-36, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Risk factors and QoL measures were compared in participants at baseline and six months, as well as between those practicing ≥ 7 times versus < 7 times per week.
Results:
A total of 22 individuals (19 women, mean age 59 ± 8.7 years) completed the study. At six months, changes were noted in the Mental Component Scale (MCS) of the SF-36 (p=0.0004) and the CPSS (p = 0.022). A greater improvement in CPSS was noted in those practicing ≥ 7 times versus < 7 times a week (p=0.045). No changes were noted in cardiovascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
The prescription of a self-directed yoga program was feasible in a hospital setting and resulted in improvement in QoL measures at six months. Practicing more than seven times per week correlated with greater improvement in the perception of stress. Thus, at least a once-daily dose of AYP techniques for a significant improvement in perceived stress is an appropriate dose to employ and study in hospital settings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management