The Effects of Yoga Exercises on the Health of Iranian Men and Women: A Review Study
Subject Areas : Movement behavior
1 - Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
Keywords: Depression, cancer, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, yoga, Aging, anxiety,
Abstract :
Yoga is a combination of physical exercises, breathing control, relaxation, diet control, positive thinking and meditation. The purpose of doing yoga exercises is harmony in the body, mind and environment. Physical activities in this sport are less than other sports and more breathing techniques are practiced. Yoga is one of the most popular sports around the world. This study was conducted with the aim of reviewing the therapeutic and supportive effects of yoga in Iranian men and women during the last two decades. For this purpose, reliable and relevant articles were prepared from the websites of Scientific Information Database (SID), the Islamic World Science and Technology Monitoring and Citation Institute (ISC) and Scopus citation database. The results of the studies have indicated the positive and harmless effects of yoga on the physical and mental conditions of healthy people and those suffering from various diseases. Yoga has significant positive effects on reducing stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression, improving breathing, balance, flexibility, sleep quality and self-esteem, increasing immunity due to stimulation of the lymphatic system, eliminating toxins and heavy metals, increasing strength and endurance, improving blood flow, better digestive function such as reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, reducing symptoms related to pregnancy, postpartum depression and chronic pain such as back pain or frequent headaches, improving physical condition and reducing symptoms of personality disorder, control of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart failure and cancer. Therefore, yoga can be used as a very suitable therapeutic method for healthy and sick men and women, athletes and non-athletes in different age groups.
Ajami M, Sajjadian I, Tamizifar B (2022) The effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on negative and positive emotions and cognitive emotion regulation in people with inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Research in Behavioural Sciences. 19(4), 718-730.
Alizadeh Khanghah H, Bahram A, Shahdoost K (2017) Comparison of 12-week exercises of yoga, pilates and yogalates on older women functional balance with high risk of falling under dual-task conditions. Motor Behavior, 9(27), 49-64.
Arastoo A, Ahmadi A, Zahednejad S (2011) Comparison of the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise and yoga on the physiological cost index (PCI) of multiple sclerosis patients. Jundishapur Medical Journal. 10(2), 153-162.
Ashraf Khazaei A, Kahrizi N, Razeghi R (2014) Effect of selected yoga exercises on the balance of dominance and non-dominance leg of middle age women. Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences. 10(2), 269-280.
Asiachi N, Sanatkaran A, Bahari S M (2017). The effectiveness of yoga on the adjustment of elderly men and women. Aging Psychology. 2(4), 261-270.
Avandi SM, Zahedi M (2019) The effects of eight weeks’ yoga training on serum levels of IL-17 in women with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology. 12(2), 81-92.
Ayashizadeh K, Galedari M (2021) The effect of yoga training with DASH diet on plasma levels of vitamin D and calcium in female with gestational diabetes. Razi Journal of Medical Sciences. 28(2), 33-43.
Ayati Nasab K, Esmailzadeh MR, Sangsefidi S (2013) The effect of an aerobic and yoga physical activity course on the self-efficacy of female employees of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences in 2013. Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. 20(5), 590-596.
Azimi H, Yeke Fallah L, Ghorbani A (2015) Comparison of the effect of walking and yoga on the quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes. Preventive Care in Nursing and Midwifery. 5(1), 46-58.
Babaei Bonab S, Fattah Pourmarandi M (2019) Investigating the relationship between yoga exercises and physical social anxiety in female athletes. Cognitive Psychology and Psychiatry. 6(6), 30-39.
Babaei Bonab S (2021) The effectiveness of yoga practice on the psychological well-being and happiness of female heads of the household. Journal of Social Work. 10(3), 49-57.
Babaei Khorzoghi M, Saedi Monfared N, Maleki Vasegh M (2019) The effectiveness of yoga exercises on the balance of the elderly: a systematic review article. The 3rd National Congress of Sports Science and Health Achievements.
Babaei Khorzoghi M, Maleki Vasegh M, Rasekh SA. (2021) The effect of a course of yoga with the approach of ultimate-fit preparation and hatha-yoga exercises on static balance in middle-aged women. Iranian Journal of Rehabilitation Research in Nursing. 7(4), 9-17.
Babahaji M, Tayebi A, Ebadi A, Askari S, Ebrahimi S, Sharafi S. (2014) Effect of hathayoga exercise on sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. Iranian Journal of Nursing Research. 9(3), 1-9.
Badavi E, Zeinali A (2018) The effectiveness of yoga training on women's sense of coherence, self-resilience and cognitive flexibility. Sports Psychology Studies. 8(28), 69-82.
Bahrami H, Mohseni M, Amini L, Karimian Z (2019) The effect of six weeks of yoga practice on the quality of life of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. 22(5), 18-26.
Beik M, Nezakatalhosseini M, Abedi A (2018) Effects of yoga practice on motor functions of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sport Psychology Studies. 7(24), 1-15.
Dehghani M, Dayi R., Bakhtiari A, Mohammadvali Pourharis D (2019) The effectiveness of yoga exercises on general health and self-esteem of injured athletes with anxiety. Journal of Health Promotion Management. 8(4), 62-69.
Ebrahimpour S, Shabani R, Saeidi Saedi H, Dehghanzadeh S (2020) Effect of twelve-weeks concurrent yoga and pilates training on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in breast cancer survivors: A clinical trial study. Journa of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. 19(8), 791-806.
Evazei S, Karami J, Hatamian P (2019) The effectiveness of yoga-based mindfulness on reducing anxiety and improving resilience in middle-aged women in Kermanshah. Nursing Research. 14(2), 31-37.
Fakhari-Rad F, Ghazalian F, Nikbakht H, Lotfian S, Nikpajouh A (2019) Effect of long term combined cardiac rehabilitation and yoga training on heart rate variability in post CABG patients. Razi Journal of Medical Sciences. 26(10), 38-47.
Farazmand E, Shabani M, Akhlaghi F, Ramezanpour M (2013). Comparison of lumbar spine bone density in non-athletic and athletic (yoga and walking) postmenopausal women. The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. 16(82), 16-23.
Ghanbari Hashemabadi B, Saadat M (2010) The Effectd of Yoga Rhythmic Movements on the Social Interactions of Children with Mental Deficiency. Foundations of Education. 11(1), 171-188.
Ghaseminezhad A, Nourbakhsh M (2008) The effect of an eight-week aerobic and yoga training on the level of depresion in non-athlete females aged over 40 years in Ahvaz Oil Industry. Journal of Motion. 35, 5-20.
Ghasemian Moghddam F, Amirseyfaddini M, Rouhollahi V (2022) The effect of 8-week exercises on central yoga stabilization on static and semi-dynamic balance with open and closed eyes in non-athletic girls. Journal of Paramedical Sciences and Rehabilitation. 10(4), 91-99.
Ghorbani M, Sokhangouyii Y (2012) The effect of pilates and yoga on range of motion, edema and upper limb pain in women with breast cancer after breast cancer surgery. Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases. 5(2-3), 92-84.
Ghorbani M, Sokhangouyi Y (2014) The effect of the three exercise methods of pilates, yoga and common activity on upper limb range of motion and body self-concept in women with breast cancer after mastectomy clinical trial code: IRCT2013020712078N2. Sports Medicine (Movement). 6(2), 189-201.
Ghorbani S, Dehghani M, Javadipour M (2019) The effect of 12-weeks of yoga exercises on women's life expectancy. Sports Psychology Studies. 8(30), 129-142.
Habibi N, Marandi SM (2014) Effect of 12-weeks of yoga practice on glucose, insulin and triglycerides serum level in women with diabetes type II. Jouenal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences. 15(4), 1-7.
Hadi N, Hadi N (20060 Is yoga effective in well-being sensation. Hormozgan Medical Journal. 10(3), 243-250.
Hasani Saadi S, Vaezi AA (2020) Study of the effect of yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality of patients with chronic heart failure in Kerman city in 2015. Daneshvar Medicine. 24(5), 35-44.
Heidari M, Karshenas N, Khajui Ravary E (2016) Comparison of exercise therapy and selected yoga exercises on reducing chronic low back pain in women of Najafabad City. Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal. 15(5), 601-606.
Hosseini SS, Rostamkhani H, Naghilu Z, Lotfi N (2010). Comparing the effects of balance, mental and combined exercises on the balance of healthy elderly men. Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences. 6(2), 1-9.
Ilbeigi S, Haghighi M, Nikseresht A, Mahjoor M (2020) Effect of a yoga exercise program on muscle fatigue and blance indices in patients with multiple sclerosis. Studies in Sport Medicine. 12(28), 165-182.
Irandoust K, Taheri M, Saghatoleslami A (2014) Comparing the effectiveness of aerobic exercises in water and yoga on memory and dynamic balance of elderly men. Journal of Sports and Motor Development and Learning. 6(4), 463-473.
Ivandar F, Mohammadi F (2019) The effect of eight weeks of yoga exercise on sustained attention and memory performance in people with Schizophrenia. Ebnesina. 21(2), 32-40.
Izadpanah S, Marandi SM, Bombaeechi A, Nazariyan AB, Noorian K (2009) The effect of regular yoga exercises on hand strength, flexibility and anaerobic power of leg muscles in healthy non-athlete working women. Sport Physiology (Research on Sports Science). 6(23), 37-48.
Jalilvand M (2021) Effectiveness of yoga and table tennis exercises on static and dynamic balance of deaf children: The role of balance sensory receptors and neural mechanisms of open and closed- loop control. Shefaye Khatam. 10(1), 75-84.
Jalilvand M, Souri R, Solimanitabar M. (2021) The effectiveness of yoga exercises on anxiety and depression in patients with psoriasis. Shefaye Khatam. 9(2), 60-67.
Javadian Sarraf N, Emami T (2008) The effects of aerobic and yoga training modes on physical self-description components of female university students. Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health. 10(39), 221-230.
Javadian Saraf N, Emami T (2009) The comparison of the effect of the number of aerobic and yoga sessions on physical self–description components of female university students. Journal of Sports and Motor Development and Learning. 1(2), 127-145.
Kahrizi N, Khazaei AA, Yousefi B (2017) The Effect of Eight-week Selected Hatha Yoga Exercises on Auditory and Visual Reaction Time of Middle-aged Females. Iranian Journal of Rehabilitation Research in Nursing. 3(3), 32-38.
Kamarzarrin H, Shoushtari M, Badripour M, Khosravani F (2012) The effect of yoga on resilience and psychological well-being components of women in Isfahan city. Health Psychology. 1(3), 1-10.
Karami M, Hadian MR, Abdolvahab M, Raji P, Yekaninejad M, Montazeri A (2014) Investigating the effect of mental exercises on improving the quality of life of elderly men (60-80 yrs). Journal of Modern Rehabilitation. 8(3), 21-30.
Karimi FZ, Nemat Elahi F, Sharifi Z (2018) A review of the effect of yoga on the rehabilitation of patients with MS. The 16th International Congress of Multiple Sclerosis.
Karimi M, Safapour F (2018). The effect of a course of selected yoga exercises on serum levels of serotonin and dopamine in obese non-athletes. Applied Studies of Biological Sciences in Sports. 6(11), 73-83.
Keykhahoseinpoor A, Rahnama N, Chitsaz A (2013) Effects of eight-weeks laughter yoga training on motor function, balance, and flexibility in subjects with Parkinson's disease. Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences. 9(1), 39-47.
Kharat Ahari S, Ghazalian F, Gholami M (2018) The effect of 20 weeks of selected cyclical yoga exercises on central muscle hypertrophy in adult women. Research in Medicine. 43(4), 204-210.
Khatami SM, Rashidi M, Heydarian MR (2021) Investigating the effects of yoga and immersion in a cold water pool on blood lactate levels during the recovery phase after the Cunningham residual exercise test in football players. Koomesh. 23(5), 607-616.
Khayati Z, Shirazi M, Sanagouye Moharer G (2021) The effect of yoga training on anxiety disorders in patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Iranian Journal of Rehabilitation Research in Nursing. 7(3), 10-19.
Kiani R, Ahmadi P, Jafari S (2014) Effectiveness of yoga-based mindfulness in improving symptoms of secondary insomnia. New Psychological Research. 9(36), 119-134.
Koohboomi M, Norasteh AA, Samami N (2015) Effect of yoga training on physical fitness and balance in elderly females. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing. 10(3), 26-35
Lameii Ramandi S, Nazarali P, Alizadeh R (2022) The impact of pilates and yoga for eight weeks on respiratory gas exchange indices of young women at anaerobic threshold. Journal of Military Medicine. 19(6), 562-570.
Mahdipour Zareh N, Bahri S (2005) Yoga for health. Iran Journal of Nursing. 18(41-42), 85-91.
Mahmoudi E, Shafipour V, Jafari H, Mohammadpour R, Mollaei E (2018) Effect of hatha yoga exercises on quality of life in patients under hemodialysis. Koomesh. 20(4), 673-679
Marandi SM, Ghasemi Kahrizsangi G, Esfarjani F, Rahimi N, Habibi N (2012) The effect of a course of yoga exercises on blood pressure, plasma insulin level and blood sugar in patients with type II diabetes. Jentashapir. 3(4), 45-54.
Mazloum V, Sobhani V (2016) The effects of resistance exercises and yoga on the life quality and the muscle strength of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A Systematic review of the previous literatures. Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences. 6(2), 138-145.
Mehrabizadeh Honarmand M, Jamhari F, Sheikh Hossein A (2012) The effect of yoga training on the psychological well-being and happiness of male employees about to retire in a large industrial company in Ahvaz. New findings in psychology (Social Psychology). 8(26), 23-38.
Memarian A, Sanatkaran A, Bahari SM, Habibi SAH (2017) The effectiveness of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality in the elderly suffering from parkinson's disease. Aging Psychology. 3(2), 85-96.
Mir F, Abdolshahi M, Shamsipour Dehkordi P (2021) The effect of a yoga-based mindfulness training course on the mental toughness of athletes with different skill levels. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 10(6), 1214-1227.
Mirhosseini M, Esfarjani F, Marandi M, Khalilzadeh S, Mirhosseini H. (2014) The effect of yoga exercise on parameters of type II diabetes. Journal of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. 22(1), 880-891.
Mousavi SA, Vaez Mousavi SMK, Zehtab Najafi A (2013) The effect of yoga techniques on reducing the mental manifestations of immobility syndrome in elderly women. Rehabilitation Medicine. 2(4), 37-45.
Mousavi Sadati SK, Jirsaraei Bazargard M (2020) The effect of superbrain yoga exercise on fluid intelligence, visual spatial perception, academic achievement and balance in children with Down syndrome. Psychology of Exceptional Individuals. 9(36), 151-168.
Najafi Dolatabadi S, Nouryan K, Malekzadeh G, Ghaem H, Roozitalab M, Afraseyabifar A, Moghimi M., Mohebi Nobandegani Z, Mohamadi HR (2011) Effect of yoga exercise on general health status (GHS) and sense of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. Armaghan-e-Danesh. 16(3), 245-253.
Nazari Gilannejad T, Ebrahimi M, Haghshanas R, Saeidi Ziabari T (2014) Effect of 12 weeks of selected yoga practice on fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile in women with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology. 7(2), 1119-1138.
Nazari S, Honarmand P, Hoshyar Badanesh M (2019) Comparison of the effect of yoga and Pilates training on mental health and quality of life of disabled elderly women. Journal of Psychological Science. 18(82), 1165-1173.
Nazary Gilannejad T, Gaeini A A, Foroughi Pordanjani A, Omidi N (2017) Comparing the effect of 12 weeks of hatha yoga and aerobic exercise on serum cortisol values, stress, anxiety and depression in women with dabetes type 2. Razi Journal of Medical Sciences. 24(157), 81-89.
Nazem F, Mehrabani S, Jalili M (2018) Investigating blood lipid profile and insulin resistance Index in middle aged overweight women who do yoga and aerobics. Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. 17(3), 187-200.
Nourbakhsh M, Alijani A, Pordiba P (2010) Comparison of a selected program of walking, yoga and the use of herbal drug Hyperan on the depression rate of middle-aged non-athletes. Sport Sciences. 2(6), 71-94.
Nourouzi K, Mojtabaei M, Saberi H (2021) Comparing the effectiveness of yoga training based on mindfulness and self-management on self-injurious behaviors of adolescents. Nursing Research. 16(3), 47-58.
Piri E, Ghasemi B, Shafizadeh A (2019) Comparison of the effect of three methods massage, yoga selected training and massage yoga combinations on the self-esteem of depressed elderly women. Sport Psychology Studies. 8(29), 105-122.
Piri E, Ghasemi B (2020) The effectiveness of massage-yoga combination method on self-esteem of the elderly women. Caspian Journal of Health and Aging. 5(1), 1-8.
Rahimi E, Bavaqar S (2011) Comparing the effects of hata yoga and physical fitness on anxiety and depression in women. Journal of Inflammatory Diseases (Journal of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences). 15(2), 48-54.
Rahimi N, Marandi SM, Esfarjani F, Ghasemi G, Habibi N (2014) The effect of one cycle of yoga exercises on blood lipid of the female patients with type II diabetes. Sadra Medical Journal. 2(3), 223-234.
Rahnama N, Namazizadeh M, Etemadifar M, Bambaeichi E, Arbabzadeh S, Sadeghipour HR (2011) Effects of yoga on depression in women with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Isfahan Medical School. 29(136), 483-490.
Rashidipour S, Rahavi Ezabadi R, Namazizadh M (2017) The effects of yoga and neurofeedback on reduction disorder attention and focus 5-10old children. Sport Psychology Studies. 6(20), 37-48.
Rasoolyar Z, Jalilund M (2020) The effectiveness of yoga exercises on static and dynamic balance of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 9(4), 278-288.
Rezaei K, Ghaneii R (2013) Effect of yoga program on anxiety in breast cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy. Jentashapir Journal of Cellular and Molecular Biology (Jentashapir Journal of Health Research). 4(1), 41-51.
Rezaeian Langroodi R, Ghiasian M, Roozbehani M, Shamsaei F (2020) Comparison of the Effectiveness of Yoga and Psychotherapy group therapy based on acceptance and commitment on fatigue and quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients. Avicenna Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Care. 28(4), 62-73.
Romina S, Khakbazan Z, Vaseghrahimparvar F, Khezripour Z (2021) The Effect of Postpartum Yoga on Perceived Social Support of Nulliparous Women. Sarem Journal of Medical Research. 6(2), 111-117.
Sabeti F, Bahrami A, Nasrollahpor S, Haghani H (2019) The effect of yoga breathing exercises on asthma control in 5-11 year-old children with asthma. Journal of Hayat. 25(1), 70-80.
Sabori Z, Khayatan F, Ghanavat M (2019) The effect of kataria laughter training (laughter yoga) on hopelessness and loneliness in children with leukemia. Journal of Child Mental Health. 5(4), 182-193.
Saeidi Asl S, Robati FS (2021) The effectiveness of yoga therapy on early maladaptive schemas and emotional distress of depressed women: A semi experimental study. Avicenna Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Care. 29(2), 137-145.
Sajadian A, Zahrakar K, Asadpour E (2021) Effectiveness of transpersonal therapy (spiritual therapy, yoga-meditation) in reducing fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial. Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases. 14(2), 50-63.
Shahrjerdi S, Golpayegani M, Faraji F, Masoumi M (2016) Effect of eight weeks Yoga and core stabilization exercises on balance in women with multiple sclerosis. Razi Journal of Medical Sciences. 22(140), 32-42.
Shams Z, Meshkati Z, Madanian L (2020) The effect of yoga and self-compassion training on the aggression of mothers of children with physical-motor disorders. Disability Studies. 10(1), 1-6.
Sharifi G, Tabatabaei SH, Babaei A, Tolabi M(2015)The effect of eight weeks of yoga practice on respiratory indices and heart rate of non-athletes. Journal of Toloo-e-Behdasht. 14(2), 69-78.
Siahpour T, Nikbakht M, Rahimi E, Rabiee M (2013) The effect of 8-weeks aerobic exercise and yoga on primary dismenorrhea. Armaghan-e-Danesh. 18(6), 475-483.
Taghinezhad F, Shojaodin SS, Feizolahi F (2021) The effect and maintenance of breath training with and without yoga on Pain, range of motion and quality of life in women with Chronic nonspecific neck pain. Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain. 12(1), 92-103.
Taheri M, Irandoust K, Seghatoleslami A, Rezaei M (2018) The effect of yoga practice based on biorhythms theory on balance and selective attention of the elderly women. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing. 13(3), 312-323.
Taheri M, Irandoost K, Mirmoezzi M, Taheri Z (2019) Mental practice, yoga and Kouk Sun Do exercises on functional tests in elderly with mobility limitation. Journal of Disability Studies. 9(1), 98.
Taherkhani H, Hosseini Nayini F, Mostafavi H, Hosseini SH (2003) Investigating the effect of yoga in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive patients treated with standard drugs. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology. 9(1), 47-52.
Tayyebi A, Babahaji M, Sadeghi Sherme M, Ebadi A, Eynollahi B (2011) Study of the effect of Hatha Yoga exercises on stress, anxiety and depression among hemodialysis patients. Journal of Critical Care Nursing. 4(2), 67-72.
Tayyebi A, Babahaji M, Sadeghi Sherme M, Ebadi A, Eynollahi B (2012) Study of the effect of hatha yoga exercises on dialysis adequacy. Iranian Journal of Critical Care Nursing. 4(4), 183-190.
Yazdani F (2015) The effects of yoga on symptom scales quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases. 7(4), 33-42.
Yazdani F (2015) The effects of yoga on function scales quality of life in women with Breast Cancer undergoing radiation therapy: A randomized clinical trial. Avicenna Journal of Nursing Midwifery Care. 23(1), 49-62.
Yousefi Afrashteh M, Hosseini ZS (2016) Meta-analysis of effect of physical exercises on dynamic balance in elderly people: Comparison of Pilates exercises, exercises in water and yoga. Aging Psychology. 2(3), 217-228.
Zehtab Najafi A, Vaez Mousavi SM, Mousavi SA, Salemi S (2012) The effect of a yoga exercise program on reducing depression in abused women in Kermanshah. Sports Psychology. 4(1), 589-595.