Journal of bodywork and movement therapies
December 1, 2025
Sohom Saha, Manohar Kumar Pahan, Debajit Karmakar et al.
2 citations
An 8-week integrated psycho-yogic training program, including breath control, visualization, meditation, and mindfulness, improved mental toughness, mindfulness, and flow state in underperforming female athletes aged 20-25. In a randomized trial with 56 participants, the experimental group showed significant gains in confidence, constancy, and control (mental toughness), observing, acting with awareness, and nonreactivity (mindfulness), and challenge-skill balance and concentration (flow state). However, no significant changes occurred in cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, or self-confidence. The authors suggest that longer interventions or specific anxiety-reduction components may be needed to affect anxiety levels.
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies
June 1, 2025
Bhattacharya Puneet, Chatterjee Sridip, Dilip Roy et al.
1 citation
Regular practice of traditional mind-body exercises may reduce the impact of chronic stress and restore psychophysiological balance. Comparing long-term cardio-autonomic effects of yogasana and karate in 90 male adolescents, yoga practitioners showed the highest parasympathetic activity (HF nu: 45.18 ± 16.00), followed by karate practitioners (43.21 ± 18.14), both significantly above active controls (32.90 ± 15.76). Yoga also had the lowest sympathetic activity (LF nu: 53.90 ± 18.64) and LF/HF ratio (1.40 ± 1.10). Yogasana maintains stable parasympathetic dominance through postures and steady breathing, while karate practitioners exhibit stress resilience with low sympathetic-vagal tone.
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies
October 1, 2024
Maria Strömbäck, Erica Wiik, Malin Hägglund Oja et al.
1 citation
Young adults with moderate to severe mental disorders who took a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program reported lasting improvements in coping with emotional stress. Interviews with eleven participants, conducted about three months or two years after the program, revealed a learning process: they learned to pay attention to their bodies, regulate emotions, and change their attitudes toward themselves. Many still used the skills two years later. The findings suggest MBSR can provide long-term health-promotion benefits and support its use in psychiatric and primary care, though tailoring the program to individual needs may enhance its effectiveness.
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies
September 1, 2025
Tracey Mulvihill, Sandra Grace, Joanne Bradbury et al.
Adults who completed a 10-week online Trauma-Informed Yoga program reported increased positive mental health and self-empowerment. Fifteen participants aged 27 to 65 kept weekly diaries and seven took part in interviews. Thematic analysis identified gains in slowing down, self-awareness, finding meaning, choosing one's best self, living truthfully, and establishing mutuality. Skills appeared to transfer to other life areas. A conceptual model of empowerment in trauma-informed yoga is proposed, linking slowing down to self-awareness, meaning-making, and intentional living. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in other groups.