Positive Health Online

Abstract

PACANOWSKI and COLLEAGUES, 1. a Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, College of Health Sciences , University of Delaware , Newark , Delaware , USA; 2. b The Emily Program , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA; 3. c The Neuropsychiatric Research Institute , Fargo , North Dakota , USA; 4. d The University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of North Dakota , Fargo , North Dakota , USA; 5. e Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA conducted a randomized study to determine the effect of yoga in the treatment of eating disorders within a residential program.

Background

Methodology

To investigate the effect of yoga on negative affect (an eating disorders risk factor), 38 individuals in a residential eating disorder treatment program were randomized to a control or yoga intervention: 1 hour of yoga before dinner for 5 days. Negative affect was assessed pre- and post-meal. Mixed-effects models compared negative affect between groups during the intervention period.

Results

Yoga significantly reduced pre-meal negative affect compared to treatment as usual; however, the effect was attenuated post-meal. Many eating disorders programs incorporate yoga into treatment.

Conclusion

This preliminary evidence sets the stage for larger studies examining yoga and eating disorder treatment and prevention.

References

Pacanowski CR1, Diers L2, Crosby RD3,4, Neumark-Sztainer D5. Yoga in the treatment of eating disorders within a residential program: A randomized controlled trial. Eat Disord.; 25(1):37-51. Jan-Feb 2017. Epub Oct 10 2016.