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Research: HUNTER and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 275
Abstract
HUNTER and COLLEAGUES, 1. Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Pure Action, Inc., Austin, TX 78703, USA. stacy.d.hunter@gmail.com; 2. Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA studied the effect of Bikram yoga on endothelial function in young and middle-aged and older adults
Background
The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Bikram yoga, a style of heated hatha yoga, would improve endothelial function in young and middle-aged and older, healthy adults.
Methodology
This trial was performed in 36 young (n = 17) and middle-aged and older adults (n = 19) who completed 3 weekly Bikram yoga classes for 8 weeks. Height, body weight and body composition were determined and endothelial function was measured noninvasively using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after the intervention.
Results
No changes in body weight, BMI or body fat percentage occurred as a result of the intervention in either group. Brachial artery FMD was significantly increased in middle-aged and older (P < 0.05) but not in young adults as a result of the intervention.
Conclusion
The results demonstrate that a relatively short-term Bikram yoga practice might significantly improve vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults. While apparently healthy individuals in this study experienced no adverse events, those with pre-existing conditions should take caution and consult with a physician prior to engaging in this style of yoga.
References
Hunter SD1, Dhindsa MS2, Cunningham E2, Tarumi T2, Alkatan M2, Nualnim N2, Elmenshawy A2, Tanaka H2. The effect of Bikram yoga on endothelial function in young and middle-aged and older adults. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 21(1):30-34. Jan 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.004. Epub Jun 17 2016.
