The randomized study consisted of 34 subjects, 19 of which were in the yoga group and 15 in the walking group. Demographics were very similar for each group (age, height, weight, activity level, drinking, no significant medical/psychiatric disorders, etc.). All subjects participated in a 12 week intervention of either yoga or walking for 3 60 minute sessions per week with primary outcome variables consisting of mood scores, anxiety scores, and thalamic GABA levels. All subjects had 3 MRS scans to record changes in GABA activity/accumulation. The scans were for baseline (before the intervention began), after the 12 week intervention, and one immediately after scan 2 following a 60 minute yoga or walking session. Mood and anxiety scores for each group were taken at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12, using Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EIFI) with subscales Engagement, Revitalization, and Tranquility, for mood, where anxiety was assessed with Spleilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) with subscale Physical Exhaustion.
Results indicated changes in the positive subscales of EIFI or negative subscale of STAI, where an increase in EIFI indicates positive mood and a decrease indicates negative mood, and a decrease in STAI indicates reduced anxiety and an increase indicates elevated anxiety. Statistical analyses show that there was a greater decrease in anxiety for the yoga group, and this group showed increased scores for all three EIFI subscales. The walking group showed in increase only in the EIFI-Revitalization subscale. As for GABA MSR images, there was no significant difference in baseline images for each group, however after the 12 week intervention , there was a significant increase in both the tonic (scan 2) the acute (scan 3) thalamic GABA levels of the yoga group compared to the walking group.
It is uncertain as to whether yoga is the cause for increased GABA levels, or if due to the effects yoga has on mood and anxiety is what caused the increase. While it may not be the causation, there is certainly a correlation between yoga and increased GABA activity through either the practice itself of the other positive benefits that yoga procures. Yoga has been renowned for its ability to calm the mind and reduce anxiety and stress, and this study not only shows evidence for reducing anxiety, but is significant in terms of yoga intervention and practice effects to possibly increase parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Streeter, C. C., Whitfield, T. H., Owen, L., Rein, T., Karri, S. K., Yakhkind, A., & ... Jensen, J. (2010). Effects of Yoga Versus Walking on Mood, Anxiety, and Brain GABA Levels: A Randomized Controlled MRS Study. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 16(11), 1145-1152. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0007
Along with reduced anxiety, there have been more studies that focus on other benefits of yoga. For example, a recent study conducted by Shantha Radhakrishna focuses on increasing imitation skills in children with autism through integrated yoga therapy. Children with autism exhibit significant deficits in imitation skills, which hinders the ability of more complex behavior and socialization (Radharkrishna, 26). The understanding of another person’s action and imitation of that action is a core component of human social behavior (Radharkrishna, 27). Many children with autism demonstrate a difficulty in imitation and responding to people’s actions. Parents and six children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were involved in the 10-month program of 5-weekly integrated approach to yoga therapy (IAYT) sessions (Radharkrishna, 26). The sessions were in open green, serene spiritual atmospheres. The yoga sequences consisted of warm-up asanas (postures), strengthening asanas, release of tension asanas, calming asanas and breathing asanas (Radharkrishna, 28). If the children would not imitate the therapist, an attending adult (parent) would physically guide the child to complete the imitation—the children eventually showed improvement and learned that they were expected to imitate the model.
ReplyDeleteThe results of the study demonstrate an improvement in the children’s imitation skills including pointing to the body, postural and oral facial movements (Radhakrishna, 26). Many parents reported that there were noticeable changes in their children’s play pattern with toys, peers and objects at home (Radhakrishna, 26). Also, patients improved in eye contact, sitting tolerance, non-verbal communication and response to verbal commands. In conclusion, the study indicated that IAYT may offer benefits as an effective tool to increase imitation, cognitive skills, and social communicative behaviors in children with ASD (Radhakrishna, 26).
In the study Brittany described, they concluded that they are uncertain whether yoga is the cause for increased GABA levels, but they reported a positive correlation between yoga and increased thalamic GABA activity—which decreases anxiety levels and improves mood (Streeter et al, 1145). Could the increased GABA levels that yoga possibly provides benefit the children with ASD? Thus, does the reduced anxiety in the children assist them in the ability to imitate their yoga therapist? It would be reasonable to conclude that the increased levels of GABA reduce the anxiety and improve the mood of the children with ASD, therefore assisting in the ability of the children to respond by imitation.
Radhakrishna, Shantha. Application of integrated yoga therapy to increase imitation skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Yoga, July 24, 2010, 3(1): 26-30. http://www.ijoy.org.in/article.asp?issn=0973-6131;year=2010;volume=3;issue=1;spage=26;
epage=30;aulast=Radhakrishna.
Streeter, C. C., et al. Effects of yoga versus walking on mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels : A ramdomised controlled MRS study. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 2010, 16(11), 1145-1152. doi: 10.1089/acm2010.0007.