Positive Health Online

Abstract

SHARMA and COLLEAGUES, Integral Health Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110 029 explored the short-term impact of a lifestyle intervention based on yoga upon well being levels in healthy individuals and those suffering from a number of illnesses.

Background

Yoga is assuming importance in improving mental health and quality of life in the treatment of a number of psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders.

Methodology

The present study was a prospective controlled study to explore the short-term impact of a comprehensive but brief lifestyle intervention, based on yoga, on subjective well being levels in normal and diseased subjects. Normal healthy individuals and subjects having hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus or a variety of other illnesses were included in the study. The outcome measures were 'subjective well being inventory' (SUBI) scores, taken on the first and last day of the course. The inventory consists of questions related to one's feelings and attitude about various areas of life, such as happiness, achievement and interpersonal relationship.

Results

There was significant improvement in the subjective well being scores of the 77 subjects within a period of 10 days as compared to controls. These observations suggest that a short lifestyle modification and stress management educational program leads to remarkable improvement in the subjective well being scores of the subjects and can therefore make an appreciable contribution to primary prevention as well as management of lifestyle diseases.

Conclusion

References

Sharma R, Gupta N and  Bijlani RL. Effect of yoga based lifestyle intervention on subjective well-being.  Indian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. 52(2): 123-31. Apr-Jun 2008.