Yoga Training for Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By Joseph F. Signorile, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Miami

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Neuromuscular, Cerebrovascular, HIV, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 72

Duration: 24 weeks

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will compare the impact of a novel high-speed, cued yoga program to a standard yoga program on retinal microvasculature, cognition and neuromuscular function.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Yoga Training for Cognitive Impairment?

Research suggests that yoga may help improve cognitive health by enhancing stress regulation and brain-body communication. Additionally, yoga has been shown to improve memory and executive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, which are important for daily decision-making and problem-solving. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is yoga generally safe for humans?

Yoga is generally considered safe for humans, with studies showing no significant difference in serious adverse events compared to usual care or exercise. However, some nonserious adverse events may occur more frequently compared to psychological or educational interventions. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the yoga treatment for cognitive impairment different from other treatments?

This yoga treatment is unique because it combines high-speed and cognitive challenge elements, which may enhance brain function and structure, particularly in areas related to memory and attention, offering a novel approach compared to traditional physical exercises or medications. ^{1 2 5 7 11}

Research Team

Joseph F. Signorile, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Miami

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 60-90 with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score over 23, indicating no significant memory loss. It's not suitable for those with uncontrolled heart or muscle diseases, cerebrovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory/autoimmune conditions, recent eye surgeries (except cataract surgery over 6 months ago), severe cataracts or high refractive errors.

Inclusion Criteria

My cognitive function score is above 23.

I am between 60 and 90 years old.

There are no reports of memory loss.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had eye surgery, but it wasn't for cataracts or was over 6 months ago.

I have severe vision problems in both eyes due to cataracts.

I do not have heart or muscle diseases that stop me from joining a training program.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in either traditional Hatha yoga or high-speed, cognitive challenge yoga for 24 consecutive weeks

24 weeks

72 sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in retinal microvasculature, cognition, and neuromuscular function

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• High-speed, Cognitive Challenge Yoga
• Traditional yoga

Trial Overview The study compares two yoga programs: a traditional one and an innovative high-speed program that includes cognitive challenges. Researchers will observe how these affect the tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye, cognition and neuromuscular function.

Participant Groups

Group I: High-speed, Cognitive Challenge Yoga Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive high-speed yoga training for 24 consecutive weeks for a total of 72 training sessions.

Group II: Traditional Yoga Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will perform standard Hatha yoga with slow controlled speed movements for 24 consecutive weeks for a total of 72 training sessions.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Miami

Lead Sponsor

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

McKnight Brain Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

80+

Findings from Research

This trial is the first to rigorously test the efficacy of yoga as a physical activity intervention to combat age-related cognitive decline, involving 168 participants aged 55-79 over a 6-month period.

The study will compare yoga to aerobic exercise and a stretching-toning control group, assessing impacts on cognitive function, brain structure, and fitness, potentially providing a viable alternative for older adults with limited physical capabilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga, aerobic and stretching exercise effects on neurocognition: Randomized controlled trial protocol. Gothe, NP., Erlenbach, E., Garcia, V., et al.[2023]

Yoga has shown preliminary effectiveness in enhancing cognitive health among healthy older adults, suggesting it could be a beneficial practice for maintaining mental sharpness as we age.

The cognitive improvements from yoga may stem from better stress regulation and more efficient use of neurocognitive resources, which help improve communication between the brain and body.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga Impacts Cognitive Health: Neurophysiological Changes and Stress Regulation Mechanisms. Voss, S., Cerna, J., Gothe, NP.[2023]

Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) significantly improved psychomotor and attention abilities in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (pwMCI) compared to yoga, with a moderate effect size observed at 12 months post-intervention.

Continued practice of CCT at home further enhanced these cognitive benefits, while neither CCT nor yoga showed significant improvements in learning or working memory abilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) versus Yoga Impact on 12 Month Post Intervention Cognitive Outcome in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Phatak, VS., Smith, GE., Locke, D., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 22 older women with subjective cognitive decline and cardiovascular risk factors, those who practiced Kundalini Yoga and Kirtan Kriya showed less reduction in gray matter volume compared to those who underwent memory enhancement training, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects of yoga.

After 12 weeks of yoga, there was an increase in right hippocampal volume, indicating that yoga may help in preserving brain structure associated with memory and cognitive function, even if the change did not reach statistical significance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga Prevents Gray Matter Atrophy in Women at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Krause-Sorio, B., Siddarth, P., Kilpatrick, L., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 10 studies involving 421 participants suggests that yoga, particularly Kundalini and chair yoga, may improve cognitive function, mood, and balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, with most programs lasting around 12 weeks.

Despite the promising benefits, all studies had a high risk of bias, and only one instance of dizziness was reported, indicating that yoga may be a safe intervention, but more rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the evidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of the health effects of yoga for people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Karamacoska, D., Tan, T., Mathersul, DC., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 94 randomized controlled trials involving 8,430 participants found that yoga is as safe as usual care and exercise, with no significant differences in serious adverse events or dropouts due to adverse events.

While yoga had a higher occurrence of nonserious adverse events compared to psychological or educational interventions, the overall safety profile suggests that it is a viable therapeutic option, highlighting the need for better reporting of safety data in future studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safety of Yoga: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cramer, H., Ward, L., Saper, R., et al.[2018]

Yoga practice has shown significant benefits for various populations, including mentally handicapped individuals who improved in mental ability and social skills, and physically handicapped individuals who regained some functional abilities.

In specific studies, visually impaired children experienced reduced anxiety after three weeks of yoga, while socially disadvantaged adults and children reported improvements in sleep, appetite, and overall well-being, highlighting yoga's potential in rehabilitation across diverse groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga for rehabilitation: an overview. Telles, S., Naveen, KV.[2022]

An 8-week remote moderate-intensity yoga intervention for 86 low-active working adults was found to be safe and enjoyable, with a high attendance rate of 75.1% and only one reported adverse event.

Participants in the yoga group experienced significant reductions in stress and anxiety, along with improved performance on working memory tasks, suggesting that this type of yoga practice can enhance both mental well-being and cognitive functioning.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and impact of a remote moderate-intensity yoga intervention on stress and executive functioning in working adults: a randomized controlled trial. Phansikar, M., Gothe, N., Hernandez, R., et al.[2023]

Yoga-based interventions show great potential in healthcare, but current meta-analyses reveal challenges in comparing trials due to the variety of yoga practices used.

The authors propose a 'generic yoga' concept to create standardized therapeutic yoga programs tailored for specific health issues, which could enhance the scientific understanding and application of yoga in medical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Generic Yoga Modules for Clinical and Research Settings-Need of the Hour. Kumar, V., Jagannathan, A., Bhargav, H., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of nine studies involving over 18,000 participants found that 22.7% of yoga practitioners experienced adverse events during classes, with the most common injuries being sprains and strains.

While yoga practitioners had a similar risk of falls compared to non-practitioners, they did have a higher risk of meniscus injuries, indicating that while yoga is generally safe, individuals with existing health issues should consult a doctor before starting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Injuries and other adverse events associated with yoga practice: A systematic review of epidemiological studies. Cramer, H., Ostermann, T., Dobos, G.[2018]

Elderly women who practiced hatha yoga for at least 8 years exhibited significantly greater cortical thickness in the left prefrontal cortex compared to age-matched non-practitioners, suggesting potential brain health benefits from long-term yoga practice.

This study involved 42 participants (21 yoga practitioners and 21 non-practitioners) and highlights how engaging in mind-body activities like yoga may help counteract age-related declines in brain structure and function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Greater Cortical Thickness in Elderly Female Yoga Practitioners-A Cross-Sectional Study. Afonso, RF., Balardin, JB., Lazar, S., et al.[2020]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga, aerobic and stretching exercise effects on neurocognition: Randomized controlled trial protocol. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga Impacts Cognitive Health: Neurophysiological Changes and Stress Regulation Mechanisms. [2023]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) versus Yoga Impact on 12 Month Post Intervention Cognitive Outcome in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment. [2021]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga Prevents Gray Matter Atrophy in Women at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of the health effects of yoga for people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safety of Yoga: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2018]

7. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga for rehabilitation: an overview. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and impact of a remote moderate-intensity yoga intervention on stress and executive functioning in working adults: a randomized controlled trial. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Generic Yoga Modules for Clinical and Research Settings-Need of the Hour. [2022]

10. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Injuries and other adverse events associated with yoga practice: A systematic review of epidemiological studies. [2018]

11. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Greater Cortical Thickness in Elderly Female Yoga Practitioners-A Cross-Sectional Study. [2020]