Research on Yoga and caregivers
Mind-Body Practice and Family Caregivers’ Subjective Well-Being: Findings From the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study
Abstract
Objectives: Informal caregiving has been associated with higher stress and lower levels of subjective well-being. Mind-body practices including yoga, tai chi, and Pilates also incorporate stress reducing activities. The current study aimed to examine the association between mind-body practice and subjective well-being among informal family caregivers. Methods: A sample of informal caregivers were identified in the Midlife in the United States study (N = 506, M ± SDage = 56 ± 11, 67% women). We coded mind-body practice into three categories, including regular practice (participating in one or more of them “a lot” or “often”), irregular (participating “sometimes” and “rarely”) and no practice (“never”). Subjective well-being was measured using the 5-item global life satisfaction scale and the 9-item mindfulness scale. We used multiple linear regression models to examine associations between mind-body practice and caregivers’ subjective well-being, controlling for covariates of sociodemographic factors, health, functional status, and caregiving characteristics. Results: Regular practice was associated with both better mindfulness-related well-being (b = 2.26, p < .05) and better life satisfaction (b = 0.43, p < .05), after controlling for covariates. Discussion: Future research should examine whether there is a selection effect of caregivers with higher well-being being more likely to choose these activities, and/or if mind-body practices are effective non-pharmacological interventions to improve family caregivers’ quality of life.
Gerentology and Geriactric Medicine 2023 https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721423118
A quality improvement study on the feasibility and potential benefits of a yogic breathing program for cancer survivors and caregivers during treatment in a lodging facility
Methods
In this quality improvement study, we designed a 20-minute yogic breathing regimen and introduced them to all-site cancer patients and their caregivers during the cancer treatment period at a lodging facility, Hope Lodge in Charleston, SC. All interested participants were included as there were no eligibility criteria set for the study. The availability of the class was advertised via intercom, displays, and word of mouth. Participants were taught five different breathing exercises, and after completion of the exercises in a single session, a self-reported quality improvement questionnaire was administered assessing sociodemographic/clinical factors, expectations about the session, and ratings of satisfaction with the session.
Results
During the nine months of the data collection period, 52 participants provided feedback of which patients and caregivers were almost equal numbers. Participants’ perception of intervention acceptance, symptom management, satisfaction with the sessions, and future needs for practice indicate that the yogic breathing sessions help improve some of the key symptoms of cancer experience such as stress.
Conclusion
Findings indicate that yogic breathing is acceptable to patients and caregivers and may help alleviate some of the side effects resulting from cancer treatment, and the intervention is feasible at lodging facilities during treatment. Currently, the yogic breathing sessions are conducted on a weekly basis by Hope Lodge volunteers trained by the study team.
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbii.2023.100019
Effects of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention on stress, psychological outcomes and cardiometabolic biomarkers in cancer caregivers: A randomized controlled trial
Conclusions
In this study, yoga-based stress reduction was effective for protecting cardiometabolic health in HSCT caregivers, possibly preventing or delaying progression toward T2D. We reported that detailed lipoprotein profiling might provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the protective influence of gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises in preventing negative changes in vascular atherogenicity and insulin sensitivity. Although additional research is needed to determine factors influencing long-term changes in IR, health care providers should consider the benefits of yoga-based stress reduction for improving insulin sensitivity and coronary artery disease risk when developing tailored strategies to maintain optimal cardiometabolic health of family caregivers.
PLOS One 2022 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277009
