None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this parallel-arm RCT was to investigate the effects of a 16-week Bikram yoga program on the high frequency (HF) component of HRV and secondary related outcomes (i.e., additional HRV measures, anthopometric, haemodynamic, haematological, and psychological measures) in a population of sedentary, stressed adults. We hypothesised that engaging in 16 weeks of Bikram yoga, 3-5 times per week, would improve HF HRV, secondary measures of HRV, and associated CVD risk factors when compared with a no-treatment control group. Participants were recruited via word of mouth, flyers, and social media and were screened via email/phone/in person for eligibility to participate. Sixty-three participants were enrolled in the trial with 34 in the control group and 29 in the experimental group. The experimental group was required to attend 3-5 Bikram yoga classes each week for 16 weeks, whereas the control group was asked to continue with their current lifestyle. Both groups were asked not to change their diet and exercise habits (aside from the intervention) throughout the trial period. Baseline measures and completion measures were assessed at week 0 and week 17 respectively. Body composition, waist circumference, HRV, blood pressure and psychological questionnaires were done at a 1.5 hour appointment at University of Canberra with the primary investigator. Blood tests were done at various Capital Pathology collection centres in Canberra. Both testing sessions took place in a fasted state in the morning and were done on separate days to one another. All participants were followed up with weekly via email/phone/in person to record changes in health status or lifestyle throughout the trial. Upon completion of the trial, participants had the option to fill out an exit survey to gain a better understanding of their experience as a participant.
Interventions
Men and women aged between 18-64 were randomised into either the treatment group (yoga classes) or no-treatment control group. All participants were assessed at baseline (week 0) and completion (week 17) of the trial and were monitored weekly throughout the trial to record changes to lifestyle and/or health status. Baseline and completion assessments each included a 1.5 hour visit with the primary researcher to collect anthropometric, haemodynamic, fitness and psychological data, and a visit to
Men and women aged between 18-64 were randomised into either the treatment group (yoga classes) or no-treatment control group. All participants were assessed at baseline (week 0) and completion (week 17) of the trial and were monitored weekly throughout the trial to record changes to lifestyle and/or health status. Baseline and completion assessments each included a 1.5 hour visit with the primary researcher to collect anthropometric, haemodynamic, fitness and psychological data, and a visit to a Capital Pathology collection centre in Canberra for a blood test. Participants were also required to complete a 7-day food diary prior to and after the trial to control for major changes to diet over the course of the trial. Participants randomised to the treatment group were required to attend between 3 and 5 90-minute Bikram yoga classes per week for 16 weeks (participant could choose exact number of classes between 3-5 each week). Bikram yoga is a form of hatha yoga that takes place in a heated environment (40 degrees celsius, 38-40% humidity). The sequence of postures is the same every class and the class is led with an instructional dialogue. The classes were held at two Bikram yoga centres in the Australian Capital Territory. Participants attended classes with the current members of both studios and classes were taught by certified Bikram yoga instructors. All sessions were supervised. Participants were required to sign in for every class (attendance data was collected electronically).
Sponsors
Miss Zoe Hewett
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Adult (>18 years); sedentary (<150min of continuous moderate-intensity exercise per week for at least 6 months); a score >7 on the stress component of the 21-item depression-anxiety-stress scale (DASS-21); waist circumference as a risk factor greater than 80cm (women) and greater than 94cm (men), able to attend 3-5 Bikram yoga classes per week for 16 weeks; no acute or chronic medical conditions which would make Bikram yoga potentially hazardous or primary outcomes impossible to assess (according to ACSM risk stratification guidelines); ability to communicate in English; willingness and cognitive ability to provide written informed consent to participate in the trial; access to internet and email.
Exclusion criteria
Currently active; participation in Bikram yoga in the last 6 months or at any point consistently for >2 years; diagnosed chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, blood pressure >140/90, uncontrolled diabetes or hyperlipidaemia); pregnancy; pacemaker.
Outcome results
None listed