Yoga Research - Articles
Articles
The IYNAUS Yoga Research Committee is committed to promoting and advancing the study of Iyengar Yoga as a means of improving the mental, physical, and spiritual health of our community.
Here you will find links to primary research articles investigating the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing yoga for a variety of conditions such as: aging, anxiety, depression and stress, asthma, autoimmune diseases and inflammation, back pain, cancer, cardiac health, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, general health & well-being, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, neck pain, and spinal cord injury.
In addition to articles investigating the physical and mental health benefits of yoga, you will also find links to explore research into yoga history and philosophy.
It is our hope that this resource will be an ever evolving and expanding compilation of research efforts to establish correct knowledge further defining the benefits of Iyengar Yoga in promoting mental, physical and spiritual health. Please send citations and links that might be worthy of inclusion to: research@iynaus.org
Aging
DiBenedetto, M., et al. (2005). Effect of a gentle Iyengar Yoga program on gait in the elderly: an exploratory study. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 86(9):1830-7. Full text available at: https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(05)00317-5/fulltext
Groessl, E.J.; Maiya, M.; Schmalzl, L.; Wing, D.; Jeste, D.V. Yoga to prevent mobility limitations in older adults: Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2018, 18, 306. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0988-8
Loewenthal, J., Innes, K. E., Mitzner, M., Mita, C., & Orkaby, A. R. (2023). Effect of yoga on frailty in older adults: A systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 176(4), 524-535. Abstract available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36913687/
Moonaz, S. et al. (2015). Yoga in sedentary adults with arthritis: effects of a randomized controlled pragmatic trial. J. Rheumatol. 42(7): 1194–1202. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490021/
Oken, B.S., et al. (2006). Randomized, controlled, six-month trial of yoga in healthy seniors: effects on cognition and quality of life. Altern. Ther. Health Med. 12(1): 40–47. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1457100/
Patel, N.K., et al. (2012). The effects of yoga on physical functioning and health related quality of life in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Altern. and Complement Med. 18(10): 902-917. Abstract available at: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2011.0473
Shin S. (2021). Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Yoga Practice on Physical Fitness in the Elderly. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(21), 11663. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111663
Tiedemann, A., et al. (2013). A 12-week Iyengar Yoga program improved balance and mobility in older community-dwelling people: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 68(9): 1068-75. Full text available at: https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/68/9/1068/596627?login=false
Vogler, J., et al. (2011). The impact of a short-term Iyengar Yoga program on the health and well-being of physically inactive older adults. Int. J. Yoga Therap. 21: 61-72. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22398345/
Zhu, R.,
et al. (2021). Comparisons of tai chi and Iyengar yoga intervention effects on muscle strength, balance, and confidence in balance.
J. Spots Med. Phys. Fitness 61(10): 1333-8. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34652086/
Autoimmune Diseases
Cramer, H., et al. (2013). Yoga for rheumatic diseases: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford). 52(11): 2025-30. Full text available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23934220/
Cramer, H., et al. (2014). Yoga for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 9(11): e112414. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229199/
Evans, S., Moieni, M., Lung, K., Tsao, J., Sternlieb, B., Taylor, M., & Zeltzer, L. (2013). Impact of Iyengar Yoga on quality of life in young women with rheumatoid arthritis. The Clinical journal of pain, 29(11), 988-997 https://doi.org/10.1097%2FAJP.0b013e31827da381
Moonaz, S. et al. (2015). Yoga in sedentary adults with arthritis: effects of a randomized controlled pragmatic trial. J. Rheumatol. 42(7): 1194–1202. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490021/
Oken, B.S., et al. (2004). Randomized controlled trial of yoga and exercise in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 62(11): 2058–2064. See abstract at:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000129534.88602.5C
Balance
Solakoglu, O., Karatekin, B. D., Yumusakhuylu, Y., Mesci, E., & Icagasioglu, A. (2022). The effect of yoga asana “vrksasana (tree pose)” on balance in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 101(3), 255-261. Full text available at: https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/fulltext/2022/03000/The_Effect_of_Yoga_Asana__Vrksasana__Tree_Pose__.8.aspx?casa_token=odnvFo6hWTQAAAAA:av1TrkxDMa3cKXNRWMp3R540zJYbTowUCztO6SlQ9kskOMtIaZLsT4vziXQg6xnhvjeLqkSnx7RsLuREEpX-cQ
Tiedemann, A., et al. (2013). A 12-week Iyengar Yoga program improved balance and mobility in older community-dwelling people: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 68(9): 1068-75. https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/68/9/1068/596627?login=false
Zhu, R., et al. (2021). Comparisons of tai chi and Iyengar yoga intervention effects on muscle strength, balance, and confidence in balance. J. Spots Med. Phys. Fitness 61(10): 1333-8.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34652086/
Cancer-Related Symptoms
Banasik, J., et al. (2011). Effect of Iyengar Yoga practice on fatigue and diurnal salivary cortisol concentration in breast cancer survivors. J. Am. Acad. Nurse Prac. 23(3): 135-42. Full text available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21355946/
Blank, S., Kittel, J., & Haberman, M. (2005). Active practice of Iyengar yoga as an intervention for breast cancer survivors. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 15(1), 51-59. Full text available at: https://yogaclub.us/attachments/Cancer/Active%20Practice%20for%20Breast%20Cancer.pdf
Bower, J., et al. (2014). Yoga reduces inflammatory signaling in fatigued breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology 43: 20-9. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4060606/
Bower, J.E., et al. (2012). Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Cancer 118(15): 3766-75. Full text available at: https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.26702
Chandwani, K.D., et al. (2014). Randomized, controlled trial of yoga in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. J Clin. Oncol. 32(10): 1058–1065. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3965260/
Cramer, H., et al. (2012). Can yoga improve fatigue in breast cancer patients? A systematic review. Acta Oncol. 51(4): 559-60. Full text available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/0284186X.2011.637960
Cramer, H., et al. (2012). Yoga for breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer. 12: 412. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3527138/
Cramer, H., et al. (2017). Yoga for improving health-related quality of life, mental health and cancer-related symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 1(1): CD010802. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465041/
Garcia-Munoz, C., Villar-Alises, O., Rodríguez-Sánchez-Laulhé, P., Matias-Soto, J., & Martinez-Calderon, J. (2024). No effects were found in favor of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises for improving cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, or quality of life: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(1), 3.
Gonzalez M, Pascoe MC, Yang G, et al. Yoga for depression and anxiety symptoms in people with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England). 2021;30(8):1196-1208. doi:10.1002/pon.5671
Greendale, G., Crosswell, A., Garet, D., Sternlieb, B., Arevalo, J., Cole, S., ... & Olmstead, R. (2014). Yoga reduces inflammatory signaling in fatigued breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Full text available at: https://escholarship.org/content/qt6ch0d89f/qt6ch0d89f_noSplash_c60d33d6807238d2ca07f799ab2ad2f2.pdf
Lötzke, D., Wiedemann, F., Rodrigues Recchia, D., Ostermann, T., Sattler, D., Ettl, J., ... & Büssing, A. (2016). Iyengar‐Yoga Compared to Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention during (Neo) adjuvant Therapy in Women with Stage I–III Breast Cancer: Health‐Related Quality of Life, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Life Satisfaction, and Cancer‐Related Fatigue. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016(1), 5931816.
Thomas, R., et al. (2011). Yoga for women living with breast cancer-related arm morbidity: findings from an exploratory study. Int. J. Yoga Therap. 21: 39-48. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22398343/
Cardiovascular Health
Alexander, G., et al. (2012). "More than I expected": Perceived benefits of yoga practice among older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Complement. Ther. Med. 21(1): 14-28. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564012/
Cohen, D. L., et al. (2011). Iyengar Yoga versus enhanced usual care on blood pressure in patients with prehypertension to stage I hypertension: a randomized controlled trial. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2011: 546428. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145370/pdf/ECAM2011-546428.pdf
Cramer, H., et al. (2014). Effects of yoga on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int. J. Cardiol. 173(2): 170-83. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24636547
Cramer, H., et al. (2015). A systematic review of yoga for heart disease. Eur. J. Prev. Cardiol. 22(3): 284-95. Full text available through: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24491402/
Khattab, K., et al. (2007). Iyengar Yoga increases cardiac parasympathetic nervous modulation among healthy yoga practitioners. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 4(4):511-7. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2176143/pdf/nem087.pdf
Lakkireddy, D., et al. (2013). Effect of yoga on arrhythmia burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: The YOGA My Heart Study. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 61(11): 1177–1182. Full text available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109713000442?via%3Dihub
Lee, L. J., Shamburek, R., Son, H., Wallen, G. R., Cox, R., Flynn, S., ... & Ross, A. (2022). Effects of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention on stress, psychological outcomes and cardiometabolic biomarkers in cancer caregivers: A randomized controlled trial. Plos one, 17(11), e0277009. Full text available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277009
Posadzki, P., et al. (2014). Yoga for hypertension: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complement. Ther. Med. 22(3): 511-22. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24906591/
COVID Recovery
Lois Steinberg, Ph.D., CIYT Advanced 2, C-IAYT (2020). Iyengar Yoga for the Respiratory System.
Full article available at:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56dd9aed8259b5506465d78c/t/5e8dc832b95f697524d7d5f3/1586350146655/Iyengar+Yoga+for+the+Respiratory+System-2020.pdf
Diabetes
Bock, B.,
et al. (2019). Feasibility of yoga as a complementary therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes: The Healthy Active and in Control (HA1C) study.
Complement. Ther. Med. 42:125-31. Full text available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6598709/pdf/nihms-1532546.pdf
General Health & Well Being
Belluz, J. (2015). I read more than 50 scientific studies about yoga. Here’s what I learned. Vox. Retrieved from http://www.vox.com/2015/7/22/9012075/yoga-health-benefits-exercise-science
Bowden, D., Gaudry, C., An, S. C., & Gruzelier, J. (2012). A comparative randomised controlled trial of the effects of brain wave vibration training, Iyengar yoga, and mindfulness on mood, well‐being, and salivary cortisol. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012(1), 234713. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246835/
Park, C. L., Finkelstein-Fox, L., Groessl, E. J., Elwy, A. R., & Lee, S. Y. (2020). Exploring how different types of yoga change psychological resources and emotional well-being across a single session. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 49, 102354.
Patel, N.K., et al. (2012). The effects of yoga on physical functioning and health related quality of life in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Altern. and Complement Med. 18(10): 902-917. Abstract available at: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2011.0473
Ross, A., and Thomas, S. (2010). The health benefits of yoga and exercise: a review of comparison studies. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 16(1):3-12. Abstract available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20105062/
Ross, A., et al. (2012). Frequency of yoga practice predicts health: results of a national survey of yoga practitioners. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2012:983258. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425136/
Ross, A., et al. (2013). National survey of yoga practitioners: mental and physical health benefits. Complement. Ther. Med. 21(4): 313-23. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3721070/
Ross, A., et al. (2014). "I am a nice person when I do yoga!!!" A qualitative analysis of how yoga affects relationships. J. Holist. Nurs. 32(2):67-77. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4196270
Vogler, J., et al. (2011). The impact of a short-term Iyengar Yoga program on the health and well-being of physically inactive older adults. Int. J. Yoga Therap. 21: 61-72. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22398345/
Immunity
Morgan, N. et al. (2014). The effects of mind-body therapies on the immune system: meta-analysis. PLoS One 9(7):e100903. Full text available at:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0100903
Inflamation
Bower, J.E. and Irwin, M.R. (2016). Mind-body therapies and control of inflammatory biology: A descriptive review. Brain Behav. Immun. 51: 1–11. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4679419/
Djalilova, D.M. et al. (2019). Impact of Yoga on Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review. Biol. Res. Nurs. 21(2):198-209. Full text available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6700894/
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Davydov, D. M., Shahabi, L., & Naliboff, B. (2019). Cardiovascular phenotyping for personalized lifestyle treatments of chronic abdominal pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A randomized pilot study. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 31(12), e13710. Full text available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nmo.13710?casa_token=vef0gK3LICYAAAAA%3AzwW2AQTaMydw4oXfXwB0E-nOpt1Zr3FQhJLUNWkGz3_d1gOiAw14b0kVD3gXLJDGhHnscNMP3a5jWA
Evans, S., et al. (2014). Iyengar Yoga for adolescents and young adults with irritable bowel syndrome. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 59(2): 244–253. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4146428/
Evans, S., Seidman, L. C., Lung, K., Sternlieb, B., & Zeltzer, L. K. (2018). Yoga for teens with irritable bowel syndrome: results from a mixed-methods pilot study. Holistic nursing practice, 32(5), 253-260. Full text available at: https://journals.lww.com/hnpjournal/FullText/2018/09000/Yoga_for_Teens_With_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_.5.aspx?casa_token=S77pisYZE-8AAAAA:hmRxkK3qdYLLlZBu9Rog8zlwH0x1EAtLqmuWhSTjvJaTjcWAs21CduUtHfIR_7Az03tA9KtiT_SYseSYqgsvdg
Schumann, D., et al. (2016). Effect of yoga in the therapy of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review. Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 14(12): 1720-31. Full text available at: https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(16)30088-X/fulltext
Shahabi, L., et al. (2016). Self-regulation evaluation of therapeutic yoga and walking for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A pilot study. Psychol. Health Med. 21(2): 176-88. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26086986/
Lung Disease
Cramer, H., et al. (2019). The risks and benefits of yoga for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin. Rehabil. 33(12): 1847-62. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31353959/
Cramer, H., et al. (2014). Yoga for asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 112(6): 503-510.e5. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24726198/
Donesky-Cuenco, D., et al. (2009). Yoga therapy decreases dyspnea-related distress and improves functional performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 15(3), 225–234. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3051406/
Sabina, A.B., et al. (2005). Yoga intervention for adults with mild-to-moderate asthma: a pilot study. Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 94(5): 543-8. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15945557/
Nagarathna, R. and Nagendra, H.R. (1985). Yoga for bronchial asthma: a controlled study.
Br. Med. J. (Clin. Res. Ed.). 291(6502): 1077–1079. Full text available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1417003/
Menopause
Cramer, H., et al. (2018). Yoga for menopausal symptoms -- A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas. 109: 13-25. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29452777/
Cramer, H., et al. (2012). Effectiveness of yoga for menopausal symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med. 2012: 863905. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3524799/
Evalsky, S.,
et al. (2007). Physical activity and mental health outcomes during menopause: A randomized controlled trial.
Ann. Behav. Med. 33(2): 132-42. Full text available through:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17447865/
Mental Health Depression and Anxiety
Alexander, G., et al. (2012). "More than I expected": Perceived benefits of yoga practice among older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Complement. Ther. Med. 21(1): 14-28. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564012/
Bowden, D., Gaudry, C., An, S. C., & Gruzelier, J. (2012). A comparative randomised controlled trial of the effects of brain wave vibration training, Iyengar yoga, and mindfulness on mood, well‐being, and salivary cortisol. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012(1), 234713. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246835/
Bower, J.E., et al. (2012). Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Cancer 118(15): 3766-75. Full text available at: https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.26702
Cramer, H., et al. (2012). Yoga for breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer. 12: 412. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3527138/
Cramer, H., et al. (2013). Yoga for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress. Anxiety. 30(11): 1068-83. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23922209/
Cramer, H., et al. (2017). A systematic review of yoga for major depressive disorder. J. Affect. Disord. 213: 70-7. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28192737/
Cramer, H., et al. (2018). Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Depress. Anxiety. 35(9): 830-43. Full text available at: https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/123082/1/Cramer%202018%20Yoga%20for%20Anxiety%20SR%20Accepted.pdf
Garcia-Munoz, C., Villar-Alises, O., Rodríguez-Sánchez-Laulhé, P., Matias-Soto, J., & Martinez-Calderon, J. (2024). No effects were found in favor of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises for improving cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, or quality of life: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(1), 3.
Gonzalez M, Pascoe MC, Yang G, et al. (2021) Yoga for depression and anxiety symptoms in people with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England). 2021;30(8):1196-1208. doi:10.1002/pon.5671
Lakkireddy, D., et al. (2013). Effect of yoga on arrhythmia burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: The YOGA My Heart Study. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 61(11): 1177–1182. Full text available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109713000442?via%3Dihub
Lee, L. J., Shamburek, R., Son, H., Wallen, G. R., Cox, R., Flynn, S., ... & Ross, A. (2022). Effects of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention on stress, psychological outcomes and cardiometabolic biomarkers in cancer caregivers: A randomized controlled trial. Plos one, 17(11), e0277009. Full text available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277009
Nyer, M., et al. (2018). A randomized controlled dosing study of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing for the treatment of major depressive disorder: Impact on suicidal ideation and safety findings. Complement. Ther. Med. 37: 136-42. Full text available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229917306283?via%3Dihub
Rahayu, B., & Ariningtyas, R. E. (2023). Reduction of anxiety and pain in primigravida mothers with modified Iyengar yoga: A clinical study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 14(1), 100584. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9801121/
Shapiro, D., et al. (2007). Yoga as a complementary treatment of depression: effects of traits and moods on treatment outcome. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 4(4):493-502. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2176141/
Streeter, C., et al. (2007). Yoga asana sessions increase brain GABA levels: A pilot study. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 13(4):419-26. Abstract available at: http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.6338
Streeter, C., et al. (2010). Effects of yoga versus walking on mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study. J. Altern. Complement. Med. (11):1145-52. Link to full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3111147/
Streeter, C., et al. (2017). Treatment of major depressive disorder with Iyengar Yoga and coherent breathing: a randomized controlled dosing study. Altern. Complement. Ther. 23(6):236-243. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717996/
Streeter, C., et al. (2020). Thalamic gamma-aminobutyric acid level changes in major depressive disorder after a 12-week Iyengar Yoga and coherent breathing intervention. J Altern Complement Med. 26(3):190-197. Full text available at: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2019.0234?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
Woolery, A., et al. (2004). A yoga intervention for young adults with elevated symptoms of depression. Altern. Ther. Health Med. 10(2): 60-3. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15055096/
Mental Health QOL
Bock, B., et al. (2019). Feasibility of yoga as a complementary therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes: The Healthy Active and in Control (HA1C) study. Complement. Ther. Med. 42:125-31. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6598709/pdf/nihms-1532546.pdf
Chandwani, K.D., et al. (2014). Randomized, controlled trial of yoga in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. J Clin. Oncol. 32(10): 1058–1065. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3965260/
Cramer, H., et al. (2017). Yoga for improving health-related quality of life, mental health and cancer-related symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 1(1): CD010802. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465041/
Evalsky, S., et al. (2007). Physical activity and mental health outcomes during menopause: A randomized controlled trial. Ann. Behav. Med. 33(2): 132-42. Full text available through: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17447865/
Evans, S., Moieni, M., Lung, K., Tsao, J., Sternlieb, B., Taylor, M., & Zeltzer, L. (2013). Impact of iyengar yoga on quality of life in young women with rheumatoid arthritis. The Clinical journal of pain, 29(11), 988-997 https://doi.org/10.1097%2FAJP.0b013e31827da381
Garcia-Munoz, C., Villar-Alises, O., Rodríguez-Sánchez-Laulhé, P., Matias-Soto, J., & Martinez-Calderon, J. (2024). No effects were found in favor of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises for improving cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, or quality of life: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(1), 3.
Lakkireddy, D., et al. (2013). Effect of yoga on arrhythmia burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: The YOGA My Heart Study. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 61(11): 1177–1182. Full text available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109713000442?via%3Dihub
Lötzke, D., Wiedemann, F., Rodrigues Recchia, D., Ostermann, T., Sattler, D., Ettl, J., ... & Büssing, A. (2016). Iyengar‐Yoga Compared to Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention during (Neo) adjuvant Therapy in Women with Stage I–III Breast Cancer: Health‐Related Quality of Life, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Life Satisfaction, and Cancer‐Related Fatigue. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016(1), 5931816.
Oken, B.S., et al. (2006). Randomized, controlled, six-month trial of yoga in healthy seniors: effects on cognition and quality of life. Altern. Ther. Health Med. 12(1): 40–47. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1457100/
Patel, N.K., et al. (2012). The effects of yoga on physical functioning and health related quality of life in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Altern. and Complement Med. 18(10): 902-917. Abstract available at:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2011.0473
Mental Health Trauma and Stress
Cramer, H., et al. (2012). Yoga for breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer. 12: 412. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3527138/
Michalsen, A., Jeitler, M., Brunnhuber, S., Lüdtke, R., Büssing, A., Musial, F., ... & Kessler, C. (2012). Iyengar yoga for distressed women: a 3‐armed randomized controlled trial. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012(1), 408727.
Metabolic Disorders
Bock, B., et al. (2019). Feasibility of yoga as a complementary therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes: The Healthy Active and in Control (HA1C) study. Complement. Ther. Med. 42:125-31. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6598709/pdf/nihms-1532546.pdf
Cramer, H., et al. (2016). Yoga for metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur. J. Prev. Cardiol. 23(18): 1982-93. Full text available through: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27550905/
Musculoskeletal
Akler, M. E., Eid, K. T., & Herrera, A. (2024). Pilot study of musculoskeletal pain in ophthalmologists following participation in a fifteen-minute online Iyengar yoga program. Digital Journal of Ophthalmology: DJO, 30(1), 5. Full text available through: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11001565/
Fishman, L. M. (2021). Isometric Yoga-Like Maneuvers Improve Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Nonrandomized Control Trial. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 10, 2164956120988259. Full text available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2164956120988259
Fishman, L. M. (2024). Isometric Yoga-Like Maneuvers Improve Adult Scoliosis: A Nonrandomized Controlled Study. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 40(1), 3-8. Full text available at https://journals.lww.com/topicsingeriatricrehabilitation/fulltext/2024/01000/isometric_yoga_like_maneuvers_improve_adult.2.aspx?casa_token=Kh-64UdzvdMAAAAA:G1xJYXnrfcw7uxsIOBKt4ezpA1Mzyj6WgaWFWBUgGfVRGc7aTS0v5R8BGg7BqFRg4JYPQF8qmeQCNqHoXV604A
Fishman, L. M., Groessl, E. J., & Bernstein, P. (2017). Two isometric yoga poses reduce the curves in degenerative and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 33(4), 231-237. Full text available at: https://journals.lww.com/topicsingeriatricrehabilitation/fulltext/2017/10000/two_isometric_yoga_poses_reduce_the_curves_in.3.aspx?casa_token=agkLkx4f7ykAAAAA:DBPbj6-GaWOP8Z2QV-Nfl_DpesFZE0hNrpH5pVf89toYxvmQGkMFrG4ysq1KDHbKsr5UkIjfWZjJkWiXREggFQ
Fishman, L., & Saltonstall, E. (2010). Yoga for osteoporosis: The complete guide. WW Norton & Company.
Lauche, R., et al. (2019). Yoga for osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr. Rheumatol. Rep. 21(9): 47. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31338685/
Lu, Y. H., Rosner, B., Chang, G., & Fishman, L. M. (2016). Twelve-minute daily yoga regimen reverses osteoporotic bone loss. Topics in geriatric rehabilitation, 32(2), 81-87. Full text available at: https://journals.lww.com/topicsingeriatricrehabilitation/fulltext/2016/04000/Twelve_Minute_Daily_Yoga_Regimen_Reverses.3
Moonaz, S. et al. (2015). Yoga in sedentary adults with arthritis: effects of a randomized controlled pragmatic trial. J. Rheumatol. 42(7): 1194–1202. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490021/
Nambi, G. S., & Shah, A. A. K. (2013). Additional effect of Iyengar Yoga and EMG biofeedback on pain and functional disability in chronic unilateral knee osteoarthritis. International journal of yoga, 6(2), 123-127. Full text available at: https://journals.lww.com/ijoy/fulltext/2013/06020/Additional_effect_of_iyengar_yoga_and_EMG.7.aspx
Solakoglu, O., Karatekin, B. D., Yumusakhuylu, Y., Mesci, E., & Icagasioglu, A. (2022). The effect of yoga asana “vrksasana (tree pose)” on balance in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 101(3), 255-261. Full text available at: https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/fulltext/2022/03000/The_Effect_of_Yoga_Asana__Vrksasana__Tree_Pose__.8.aspx?casa_token=odnvFo6hWTQAAAAA:av1TrkxDMa3cKXNRWMp3R540zJYbTowUCztO6SlQ9kskOMtIaZLsT4vziXQg6xnhvjeLqkSnx7RsLuREEpX-cQ
Tiedemann, A., et al. (2013). A 12-week Iyengar Yoga program improved balance and mobility in older community-dwelling people: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 68(9): 1068-75.
https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/68/9/1068/596627?login=false
Pain
Anheyer, D., et al. (2020). Yoga for treating headaches: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 35(3): 846-54. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7080891/
Cramer, H., et al. (2017). Effects of yoga on chronic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin. Rehabil. 31(11): 1457-65. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29050510/
Huang, A., et al. (2017). Development and feasibility of a group-based therapeutic yoga program for women with chronic pelvic pain. Pain Med. 18(10): 1864-72. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279262/
Wieland, L.S. et al. (2017). Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2017(1): CD010671. See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5294833/
Cramer, H., et al. (2013). Randomized-controlled trial comparing yoga and home-based exercise for chronic neck pain. Clin. J. Pain 29(3): 216-23. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23249655/
Cramer, H., et al. (2013). Yoga for chronic neck pain: a 12-month follow-up. Pain Medicine 14(4): 541-548. Full text available through: https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/14/4/541/1825421
Cramer, H., et al. (2013). A systematic review and meta-analysis of yoga for low back pain. Clin. J. Pain. 29(5): 450-60. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23246998/
Michalsen, A., et al. (2012). Yoga for chronic neck pain: a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial. J. Pain 13(11): 1122–1130. See abstract at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23117107
Williams, K., et al. (2009). Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficacy of Iyengar Yoga therapy on chronic low back pain. Spine 34(19): 2066–2076. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4393557/
Sherman, K.J., et al. (2005). Comparing yoga, exercise, and a self-care book for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann. Intern. Med. 143(12):849-56. Full text available through: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16365466/
Williams, K., et al. (2005). Effect of Iyengar Yoga therapy for chronic low back pain. Pain. 115(1-2): 107-17. See abstract at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15836974
Williams, K.,
et al. (2003) Therapeutic application of Iyengar Yoga for healing chronic low back pain.
International Journal of Yoga Therapy. 13(1): 55-67. See abstract at:
https://meridian.allenpress.com/ijyt/article-abstract/13/1/55/137724/Therapeutic-Application-of-Iyengar-Yoga-for?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Restless Legs Syndrome
Innes, K.,
et al. (2013). Efficacy of an eight-week yoga intervention on symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS): a pilot study.
J. Altern. Complement. Med. 19(6): 527-35. Full text available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673587/
Smoking Cessation
Bock, B.,
et al. (2019). Yoga as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation: Results from BreathEasy, a randomized clinical trial.
Nicotine Tob. Res. 21(11): 1517-23. Full text available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6821291/
Spinal Cord Injury
Zwick, D. (2006). Integrating Iyengar Yoga into rehab for spinal cord injury.
Nursing 36 Suppl P T:18-22. Full text available at:
http://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2006/10002/Integrating_Iyengar_yoga_into_rehab_for_spinal.6.aspx
Urinary Incontinence
Nicosia, F., et al. (2020). Strategies for evaluating self-efficacy and observed success in the practice of yoga postures for therapeutic indications: methods from a yoga intervention for urinary incontinence among middle-aged and older women. BMC Complement. Med. Ther. 20(1): 148. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7227071/
Huang, A.,
et al. (2019). A group-based yoga program for urinary incontinence in ambulatory women: feasibility, tolerability, and change in incontinence frequency over 3 months in a single-center randomized trial.
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 220(1): 87.e1-87.e13. Full text available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6314206/
Weight-related Outcomes
Lauche, R.,
et al. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of yoga on weight-related outcomes.
Prev. Med. 87: 213-32. See abstract at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058944/
Yoga Safety
Cramer, H., et al. (2019). Adverse effects of yoga: a national cross-sectional survey. BMD Complement. Altern. Med. 19(1): 190. Full text available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6664709/
Cramer, H.,
et al. (2015). The safety of yoga: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Am. J. Epidemiol. 182(4): 281-93. Full text available at:
https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/182/4/281/113378?login=false
Yoga Teaching and History
Ross, A., et al. (2016). A national survey of yoga instructors and their delivery of yoga therapy. Int. J. Yoga Therap. 26(1): 83-91. See abstract at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27797670/
Newcombe, S. (2009). The development of modern yoga: A survey of the field.
Religion Compass 3(6): 986–1002. Full text available through:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221935759
