Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Effects of a complex yoga-based intervention on physical characteristics
Ádám Koncz1,2, Barbara Csala3, János Körmendi3,4,5
1Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Prielle Kornélia U. 47-49, Budapest, 1117, Hungary. koncz.adam@ppk.elte.hu.
A 3-month yoga program improved core strength and flexibility while reducing body fat in middle-aged adults. However, it did not significantly impact cardiovascular health or body weight.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Gerontology
- Public health
Background:
- Regular yoga practice is linked to improved cardiovascular health, body composition, balance, and flexibility.
- Middle-aged adults may benefit from interventions targeting cardiovascular disease risk factors and body weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a 3-month complex yoga-based program on cardiovascular disease risk factors, body composition, and physical function in middle-aged adults.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-randomized design was employed with an intervention group (n=46) and a passive control group (n=29).
- The intervention included physical exercises, education, and social support over 3 months.
Main Results:
- The intervention group demonstrated significant increases in core muscle strength and hamstring flexibility.
- A significant decrease in body fat was observed in the intervention group.
- No significant changes were found in cardiovascular disease risk factors, body weight, muscle mass, balance, or dietary habits.
Conclusions:
- A 3-month yoga intervention can enhance core strength, flexibility, and reduce body fat in middle-aged adults.
- This duration and type of yoga program may not be sufficient to substantially impact cardiovascular health or body weight control in this population.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stress 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...
Exercise 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...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...

