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Kundalini Yoga Intervention Increases Hippocampal Volume in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Among a rapidly aging population, there is increased need for neuroprotective interventions promoting healthy neurological aging. Mind-body interventions, such as Kundalini yoga, are actively being explored as accessible means to encourage healthy aging. However, little remains known abo...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Ibrahim, Marim, Therriault, Joseph, Nair, Vasavan P., Dikaios, Elena, Rosa-Neto, Pedro, Walpola, Ishan C., Rej, Soham, Lifshitz, Michael
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2022
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9623893/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36329774
http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_25_22
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: Among a rapidly aging population, there is increased need for neuroprotective interventions promoting healthy neurological aging. Mind-body interventions, such as Kundalini yoga, are actively being explored as accessible means to encourage healthy aging. However, little remains known about the neurobiological effects of Kundalini yoga. AIMS: This pilot randomized-controlled trial (RCT) examined the potential neuroprotective effects of Kundalini yoga in older adults. METHODS: We conducted an RCT with 11 healthy meditation-naïve older adults. Participants were randomized to a Kundalini yoga or psychoeducation intervention. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained at baseline and 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was gray matter volume of the bilateral hippocampi and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex. RESULTS: We found significant right hippocampal volume increases specific to the Kundalini yoga group (P = 0.034, η(p)(2) = 0.408). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide initial neurobiological support for the neuroprotective effects of Kundalini yoga.