Yoga Research: Yoga & Pediatric Health
Benavides, S. & Caballero, J. (2009). Ashtanga yoga for children and adolescents for weight management and psychological well being: An uncontrolled open pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15, 110. http://kaitlynroland.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/yoga-for-youth-weight-mngt-and-psych-well-being-benavides-caballero-2009.pdf
The study evaluated Hispanic children aged 8 to 15 in Texas for twelve weeks. Weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were taken before the program. The sessions lasted an hour and fifteen minutes, three days a week. The children practiced modified Ashtanga yoga sequences with breath exercises and meditation. Results showed a two kilogram average weight loss among participants and results also suggest mental health benefits.
Bhatnager S., Jain S., Rai L, Jha U., Ram, K. & Valecha A. (1991) Effect of yoga training on exercise tolerance in adolescents with childhood asthma. The Journal of Asthma, 28(6), 437-42.
Forty-six children with a history of childhood asthma received yoga training to assess the effects of the exercises on their asthma symptoms. Exercise capacity, resting pulmonary functions, and exercise-induced bronchial lability index were among the data extracted from the testing. Pulmonary function and exercise capacity increased after the training. A two year follow-up study exhibited continued reduced symptoms with participant drug requirements. Results conclude that yoga has benefits for children with asthma.
Bhattacharya S., Pandey U. & Verma N. (2002). Improvement in oxidative status with yogic breathing in young healthy males. Indian Journal of Physiology Pharmacology, 46(3), 349–354.
Thirty young adult boys participated in a study and were trained in yogic breathing exercises to assess their oxidative status after the exercises. Pranayama was the breathing technique that was practiced by the boys and assessed. It was determined that the pranayama exercises assisted in relieving the stress of daily life and improving the antioxidant status of the study participants.
Birdee, G., Davis, R., Gardiner, Paula, Phillips, R., Wayne, P. & Yeh, G. (2009). Applications of yoga for the pediatric population: A systematic review. Academic Pediatrics, 9(4), 212-220. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine database. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2844096/pdf/nihms110852.pdf
An electronic search of multiple databases was conducted to search for randomized and non-randomized controlled trials for yoga intervention therapies. The selection criteria focused on an age range of 0-21 years of age. Preliminary evidence suggests that yoga is beneficial for cardio-respiratory health and physical fitness. Many of the studies found were conducted in India where yoga is more prevalent and culturally acceptable. Outside of India, studies explored the benefits of yoga for mental health. Improved methodology and reporting standardization is recommended from this review.
Blank, J., Field, T., Kuhn, C., Platania Solazzo, A., Saab, P., Schanberg, S. & Seligman, F. (1992). Relaxation therapy reduces anxiety in child and adolescent psychiatric patients. Acta Paedopsychiatrica, 55, 115-120.
Two groups of children participated in a study that assessed the effect of in-person relaxation classes versus a relaxation videotape. The forty participants were diagnosed with some form depression or adjustment disorder. The in-person treatment group participated in a one hour class of yoga, massage, and progressive muscle relaxation. Results showed decreases in anxiety, anxious behavior, and fidgeting. Relaxation therapy also proved to have positive effects for the in-person yoga group. Overall, cortisol levels were found to have decreased in both groups. It is indicated that in-person classes yield better results for relaxation than a videotape with similar instruction.
Brown M., Breuner, C., Carei, T. & Fyfe-Johnson, A. (2010). Randomized controlled clinical trial of yoga in the treatment of eating disorders. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46 (4), 346–351.
http://www.reconnectwithfood.com/resources/documents/EDyogatrialCarei-2010.pdf
Twenty-six adolescents aged 11 to 21 years received eight weeks of yoga for one hour twice a week. Twenty-seven adolescents acted as a control group. The study took place in Seattle, Washington and instructors were certified in Viniyoga methology. Results showed a decrease in food preoccupation, anxiety, and depression. Short-term effects of the yoga sessions indicate an improvement in quality of life of the participants.
Bursch B., Jacob, M., Kim, S., Meldrum M., Tsao J. & Zeltzer, L. (2005). Treatment expectations for CAM interventions in pediatric chronic pain patients and their parents. eCAM, 2(4), 521–527.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297505/pdf/neh132.pdf
Yoga was a featured therapy in this study that examined how children that experienced chronic pain and their parents viewed complementary and alternative (CAM) therapy treatments and conventional medicine. Questionnaire packets were distributed before clinical intake interviews regarding treatment expectations. Yoga scored lower on the 1-5 scale on treatment expectations for children than it did for parents. It is suggested that educational efforts should be enhanced toward children with chronic pain to encourage treatment expectations for CAM therapies.
Chambers C., Evans K., Hardial J., Israel D., Jacobson K. & Kuttner L. (2006). A randomized trial of yoga for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. Pain Research & Management, 11(4), 217–223. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine database.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673138/pdf/prm11217.pdf
Adolescents ranging from ages 11 to 18 received one hour instructional yoga sessions, with opportunities for demonstration and practice. Afterwards, participants had daily home practice guided by video tape. A questionnaire was distributed to participants upon completion. Overall, adolescents reported the desire to continue yoga as a means to manage their IBS as it improved pain management and relaxation. Hindrances to completing daily practice included busy schedules, but solutions offered were more structure, group classes, more poses to choose from, and interactive DVDs based on feelings and location of pain. Future randomized trials with larger sample sizes would be needed to extend the results of this study.
Chen T., Lai C. & Mao H. (2009). The effect of yoga exercise intervention on health related physical fitness in school-age asthmatic children. Journal of Nursing, 56(2), 42–52.
Sixteen asthmatic schoolchildren aged 7 to 12 in Taiwan practiced yoga three times a week for seven weeks. Fourteen children acted as a control group. Yoga sessions consisted of warm-up exercises, breathing sessions, yoga postures, and cool down exercises. Results showed an increase in flexibility, muscle endurance, and cardiopulmonary fitness for the yoga group.
Clapsaddle, J., Hooke, M., Moquist, K. Robbins, A. & Thygeson, M. (2010). Peaceful play yoga: serenity and balance for children with cancer and their parents. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 27(5), 276-284.
http://www.aphon.org/files/public/JOPON_aug-sep10_peaceful_play_yoga.pdf
At an inpatient hematology/oncology unit in Minnesota, sixteen children aged 7 to 18 years and thirty-three parents participated in a 45 minute yoga class during a nine month enrollment period. Older adolescents and parents reported significant decreased levels of anxiety. Children reported positive results on questionnaires and parents provided more in-depth insights, reporting stress relief, increased self-care, muscle strengthening, and recognized the experience as a way to bond with their child.
Cousins, L., Evans, S., Sternlieb, B., Subramanian, S. & Zeltzer, L. (2011). A randomized controlled trial examining Iyengar yoga for young adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a study protocol. Trials, 12(19). Retrieved from National Library of Medicine database.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033352/pdf/1745-6215-12-19.pdf
The study seeks to collect data on young adults ranging from ages 16-35. Iyengar yoga was selected for its anticipated structural/physiological (improved sleep, reduced joint count, inflammatory markers) and psycho-spiritual (positive mood, mindfulness, coping, acceptance) benefits. Should study results prove conclusive treatment protocol may be integrated for rheumatoid arthritis treatment and other chronic pain management treatments.
Fischer, C., Kaley-Isley, L., Peterson, E. & Peterson, J. (2010). Yoga as a complementary therapy for children and adolescents: A guide for clinicians. Psychiatry (Edgemont), 7(8), 20-32.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945853/pdf/PE_7_8_20.pdf
The article starts with a brief summary of the history of yoga and samples of case studies featuring the benefits of yoga on children with various physical and mental conditions. It continues with background information on what to expect in a yoga therapy session and developmental considerations for selecting a yoga class. The authors researched various electronic databases and determined diagnostic considerations for various yoga methods depending on a child’s need. Yoga resources are also provided. It is suggested that more long-term, follow-up, and larger sample sized studies are needed, in addition to partnerships between researchers and practitioners if the yoga therapy profession is to develop in Western healthcare.
Flisek, L. (2001). Teaching yoga to young schoolchildren. Positive Health, 70, 50-54. http://www.positivehealth.com/article/yoga/teaching-yoga-to-young-schoolchildren
Primary school teachers noticed that students unconsciously slumped. This action can cause poor posture and restricted breathing, which can inhibit learning. The yoga program focused on educating the children by experiencing the difference between slumping bodies and erect bodies. Four case studies provided examples of children with attention and behavior issues that benefited from the yoga sessions. Statements from student participants relay their feelings that yoga helps them feel less stressed and more relaxed.
Moorthy, A. (1982). Survey of minimum muscular fitness of the school children of age group 6 to 11 years and comparison of the influence of selected yogic exercises and physical exercises on them. Yoga Mimamsa, 21(12), 59-64.
School children between the ages of 6 and 11 were surveyed regarding minimum muscular fitness, comparing yogic exercises to non-yogic exercises. It was determined that yogic exercises were more beneficial than non-yogic exercises to improve minimum muscular fitness. Similar muscular fitness tests correlate increased intelligence with increased muscular fitness as measured by the Kraus-Weber IQ tests.
White, L. (2009). Yoga for children. Pediatric Nursing, 35(5), 277-295.
http://www.ajj.com/services/pblshng/pnj/ce/2011/article35277295.pdf
Part of a continuing education series for nurses, the article contains a brief history of yoga, a description of different yoga styles, the basic components of a yoga practice, safety concerns, and how to locate and evaluate a program of yoga for children. Nursing implications are also addressed being that yoga is a promising therapy to enhance the welling being of children.
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Research articles on yoga and children by category:
Reducing Stress for Children through Yoga
Yoga & Children with Special Needs
Yoga & Pediatric Health
Yoga Programs for Children & Misc.
Yoga Wellness & Relaxation for Children
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