ABSTRACT
Weight-bearing exercise is recommended to improve bone density. Hatha Yoga is a popular form of weight-bearing exercise that includes physical postures, stretching, breathing, and relaxation. We hypothesized that Hatha Yoga would have beneficial effects on bone turnover markers. We conducted a small feasibility pilot study with a prospective, pre-post design comparing markers of bone turnover before and after Yoga training in sedentary osteopenic postmenopausal women. Markers of bone formation were measured with serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP). Measures of bone resorption were measured with urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (uNTX). Seven participants completed a 12-week series of one hour per week Yoga classes, in addition to home Yoga practice. We analyzed the correlation between time spent on Yoga and time spent on other weight-bearing exercise and change in bone turnover markers. The amount of Yoga practice was significantly correlated with BAP levels (r = 0.68, p = 0.09). A weaker, non-significant correlation was found between the amount of Yoga practice and uNTX levels (r = -.54, p = .21). Compared to Yoga, other physical activities were less correlated with BAP and uNTX levels. Yoga may have beneficial effects on bone turnover in osteopenic postmenopausal women.
My comments
This is a continuation on my research as to the effectiveness of yoga for osteoporosis after having received that continuing education flyer for yoga based physical therapy treatment that was osteoporosis specific. “Meeks Method” if you want to google it.
As opposed to my last blog which suggested yoga flexion poses could cause vertebral compression fractures, this one looked at the positive aspects of yoga and it’s effects on bones. They reported taking care to avoid end range flexion and extension, which I think is a good idea, and they tried to focus on more weight bearing exercises. The problem was that those weight bearing exercises, as described, were at most balancing on one leg. While I think single leg balance is a good exercise and I have my patients work on it from time to time, I don’t think of it as optimally effective for increasing bone mineral density.
Out of the 13 subjects who entered the study, 5 (38%) dropped out because it was too time consuming (one 60 minute class per week, and 30 minute home exercises on most other days for 12 weeks). Of the remaining 8 subjects they got post test on bone markers showing positive trends but not statistical significance. They did report a trend towards an increase in bone formation, but only 3/7 showed a decrease in bone resorption. Such that they concluded yoga would have a positive benefit those with with osteopenia because it would “slow the expected trajectory” of bone resorption, thus delaying the onset of osteoporosis. I think that is all well and good when compared to nothing, which is what this study did. However, when compared to just doing squats with weights 3 times per week, which has been shown to build back bone in those with osteoporosis, just slowing the inevitable with yoga, seems like an inefficient use of one’s time at best.
Thanks for reading my blog. If you have any questions or comments (even hostile ones) please don’t hesitate to ask/share. If you’re reading one of my older blogs, perhaps unrelated to neck or back pain, and it helps you, please remember SpineFit Yoga for you or someone you know in the future.
Chad Reilly is a Physical Therapist, obtaining his Master’s in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. Exercise Science also from NAU. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and holds a USA Weightlifting Club Coach Certification as well as a NASM Personal Training Certificate. Chad completed his Yoga Teacher Training at Sampoorna Yoga in Goa, India.
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