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Kundalini Yoga Intervention Increases Hippocampal Volume in Older Adults

2022; Medknow; Volume: 15; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_25_22

2231-2714

Marim Ibrahim, Joseph Therriault, Vasavan Nair, Elena Dikaios, Pedro Rosa‐Neto, Ishan C. Walpola, Soham Rej, Michael Lifshitz,

Sleep and Wakefulness Research

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.