Largest Clinical trial on yoga used biological measures just released from embargo

by Sarah K Grundy

Upheld in embargo until 1-27-14, at 4 p.m., the largest known randomized, controlled clinical trial that includes biological measures looks at the medical benefits of yoga says study author, Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser.

New research proves that with as little as three months of practice, yoga can reduce inflammation and fatigue. The more practice, the better the results.

Researchers recruited a total of 200 women for the study. Not a small number for any clinical trial. Specific details for breast cancer patients who have completed their treatment regimen were examined and improvement in a qualitative manner was revealed.

 “Yoga has many parts to it – meditation, breathing, stretching, and strengthening. We think the breathing and meditation components were really important in terms of some of the changes we were seeing.” Kiecolt-Glaser said.

The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Sources: Research, The study, UPENN Perelman Integrative Team