Research

Researchers: Bonikowske, A.R., Schuver, K.J., & Lewis, B.A. 

Timeline: 2017

Abstract: Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology, 6, 50-58. 

Background: Empirical evidence indicates that yogic practices may be beneficial for the management of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review is to analyze and synthesize recent experimental trials examining the effect of yoga asana-based interventions on blood glucose, HbA1C, and anthropometric measures among individuals with type 2 diabetes. This review focuses on clinically relevant findings that support the prescription of yogic asana practices to this population.

Methods: Electronic searches of several databases were performed for experimental studies through December 2015. Studies were included if they were in English, peer reviewed, included asana-based yoga interventions among adults with type 2 diabetes, and reported relevant outcomes.

Results: The search identified 19 experimental studies. A majority of the studies found improvements in blood glucose measures, hemoglobin A1c, and/or anthropometric measures. Style of yoga, duration of yogic interventions, and type of control group varied across studies.

Conclusion: These studies suggest that regular yoga practice may lead to improvements in blood glucose measures, hemoglobin A1c, body weight, and body mass index. Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and better understand how yoga interventions can be implemented into clinical settings.

Researchers: Schuver, K.J. & Lewis, B.A. 

Timeline: 2016

Abstract: Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 26, 85-91. 

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a 12-week mindfulness-based yoga intervention on depressive symptoms and rumination among depressed women.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled 12 week intervention pilot study. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks), and one-month follow-up.

Setting: Women with a history of diagnosed depression and currently depressed were randomized to a mindfulness-based yoga condition or a walking control.

Interventions: The mindfulness-based yoga intervention consisted of a home-based yoga asana, pranayama and meditation practice with mindfulness education sessions delivered over the telephone. The walking control condition consisted of home-based walking sessions and health education sessions delivered over the phone.

Main outcome measures: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS).

Results: Both groups reported decreases in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-intervention, f(1,33)=34.83, p<0.001, and from baseline to one-month follow-up, f(1,33)=37.01, p<0.001. After controlling for baseline, there were no significant between group differences on depression scores at post-intervention and the one-month follow-up assessment. The mindfulness-based yoga condition reported significantly lower levels of rumination than the control condition at post-intervention, after controlling for baseline levels of rumination, f(1,31)=6.23, p<0.01.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that mindfulness-based yoga may provide tools to manage ruminative thoughts among women with elevated depressive symptoms. Future studies, with larger samples are needed to address the effect of yoga on depression and further explore the impact on rumination.

Schuver, K., Cameron, M., & Lewis, B.A. Effect of Yoga on Quality of Life, Mood, and Mindfulness in Women with Depression.  Presented at the 6th Annual Meeting of International Association of Yoga Therapists’ Symposium on Yoga Research, Stockbridge, MA, September 2016.

Schuver, K., Cameron, M., & Lewis, B.A. Mindfulness-based Yoga Intervention for Women with Elevated Levels of Depressive Symptoms.  Presented at the 5th Annual Meeting of International Association of Yoga Therapists’ Symposium on Yoga Research, Stockbridge, MA, September 2015. 

The Practice of Mindfulness: Effective Self-Care for Coaching Professionals. Presented at 2016 Women Coaches Symposium, Minneapolis, MN. (2016, April).

Mindfulness Techniques for Self-Care for Medical Professionals. Presented at Well Minds Wellness Lecture Series for Well-Being Committee and student National Medical Association. (2016, February).

Mindfulness Practices for Diabetes Management: Webinar Series. North Dakota Department of Health: Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. (2016, January).

Researcher: Katie Schuver, PhD, E-RYT 500, RPYT

Timeline: Study completed in 2014; manuscript in progress.

One of the most common and debilitating health conditions in the United States and worldwide is major depression. Preliminary evidence indicates that Hatha Yoga may be an effective intervention for the management and treatment of depressive symptoms. Although compelling, these results are preliminary given the many substantial methodological limitations. Additional research is needed that addresses these limitations.

The current study was a prospective, randomized, controlled intervention pilot study examining the efficacy of a 12-week mindfulness-based yoga intervention relative to a walking health education comparison condition among sedentary women (n=40) with elevated levels of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms and other wellness outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up.

Both groups reported decreases in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-intervention, f (1,33)=34.83, p<.001, and from baseline to one-month follow-up, f (1,33)=37.01, p<.001. After controlling for baseline, there were no significant between group differences on depression scores at post-intervention and one-month follow-up assessments.

The mindfulness-based yoga condition reported significantly lower levels of rumination than the walking health education comparison condition, after controlling for baseline levels of rumination, at post-intervention, (f (1,31)=6.23, p<0.01). Similar improvements for both groups from baseline to post-intervention were observed for increased moderate intensity physical activity, perceived stress, mindfulness, quality of life, and sleep disturbance; however, there were no differences between groups.

Results indicate that yoga may be effective for reducing rumination; however, its effect on depressive symptoms is less clear. Future studies, with larger samples are needed to address the effect of yoga on depression

Researchers: Beth Lewis, PhD, and Katie Jo Schuver, PhD, E-RYT 500, RPYT

Timeline: Study in progress 2016. Funded by National Institute of Mental Health #R01 MH096748 ($1,026,826 direct costs).

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of exercise and wellness/support interventions for preventing depression among women at risk for postpartum depression.

The exercise intervention is based on an intervention previously shown to increase exercise among postpartum women.

The efficacy of exercise and wellness/support interventions are compared to each other and to a usual care arm.

The primary outcome variables are findings from The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Potential mediator variables include sleep, fatigue, stress levels, and body image.