Yoga voor een goed hartritme*
Uit een kleine studie onder 49 deelnemers met boezemfibrilleren, ook wel voorkamerfibrilleren genoemd, blijkt dat het regelmatig beoefenen van yoga het aantal
keren dat fibrilleren zich voordoet flink doet verminderen. In de studie konden de deelnemers de eerste drie maanden zelf hun
inspanningsactiviteit bepalen en daarna kregen zij drie maanden lang drie keer in de week een yogasessie. Na de zes maanden was hun algehele
gezondheidstoestand duidelijk verbeterd waaronder minder angsten en minder depressief en betere sociale contacten. Het aantal keren dat
boezemfibrilleren optrad was met de helft verminderd, en dat is belangrijk want
boezemfibrilleren is de belangrijkste oorzaak voor een beroerte bij ouderen. (Wel
15% van de ouderen boven de 65 heeft last van boezemfibrilleren.)
Yoga Reduces Atrial Fibrillation Risk Considerably
People who regularly practice yoga have a significantly lower risk of having episodes of atrial fibrillation - abnormal heart rhythm (irregular heartbeat) caused by unusual generation of electrical signals in the heart. Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of stroke among elderly
individuals.
In this US study carried out at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, not only did researchers report a reduced risk of irregular heartbeat, but also a reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms among those who practice yoga frequently.
Study leader, Dr. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, who presented the research findings at the American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting in New Orleans, said:
"These findings are important because many of the current conventional treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation include invasive procedures or medications with undesirable side
effects."
This small study consisted of 49 participants, all with atrial fibrillation. None of them had any physical limitations and had never done yoga before. Hospital scientists monitored their heart rhythms regularly over a period of six months.
During the first half of the six-month period, they were allowed to choose any physical activity, while for the second three months they all took part in a supervised yoga program with a certified professional. The program included relaxation, postures, meditation and practicing breathing techniques.
All 49 participants had three yoga sessions per week. The instructor taught and encouraged them to do some yoga on their own at home on the other days.
Monitoring over the six-month period included regular heartbeat measurements, questionnaires asking them about their levels of depression, anxiety and general quality of life.
Dr. Lakkireddy and team found that regular yoga reduced their episodes of atrial fibrillation by approximately 50%. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were also significantly reduced, while general health, vigor, social functioning and over mental health benefited considerably.
(Augustus 2011)
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