Effects of Yoga on Bone Metabolism in Premenopausal Women

Effects of an 8-month Yoga Intervention on Bone Metabolism in Healthy Middle-aged Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study examined the effects of 8 months of Yoga training on bone density and bone turnover markers in premenopausal women, ages 35-50 years. The style of Yoga used was power Yoga that involved postures with a jumping component. The investigators hypothesized that the Yoga intervention would result in beneficial improvements in bone turnover markers, by increasing the bone formation marker and decreasing the bone resorption marker.

Inclusion Criteria:

• participants had not been engaged in resistance training or in Yoga exercise for at least 12 months prior to the study
• did not have chronic back or joint problems or cardiovascular disease
• not taking antihypertensive drugs or any medication that affects bone density
• not taking hormonal contraception
• they self-reported having regular menstrual cycles.

Exclusion Criteria:

• body weight more than 300 pounds