Kundalini Yoga Intervention Increases Hippocampal Volume in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Marim Ibrahim, Joseph Therriault, Vasavan P Nair, Elena Dikaios, Pedro Rosa‐neto, Ishan C Walpola, Soham Rej, Michael Lifshitz
International Journal of Yoga 2022 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_25_22 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Healthy meditation-naïve older adults |
| Interventions | Kundalini yoga psychoeducation |
| Duration | 12-week intervention |
| Keywords | Gray matter volume Kundalini yoga Mind-body intervention Neuroimaging Neurological aging |
| Key findings | Kundalini yoga led to significant right hippocampal volume increases compared to psychoeducation. |
Abstract
Among a rapidly aging population, there is increased need for neuroprotective interventions promoting healthy neurological aging. Mind-body interventions, such as Kundalini yoga, are actively being explored as accessible means to encourage healthy aging. However, little remains known about the neurobiological effects of Kundalini yoga. This pilot randomized-controlled trial (RCT) examined the potential neuroprotective effects of Kundalini yoga in older adults. We conducted an RCT with 11 healthy meditation-naïve older adults. Participants were randomized to a Kundalini yoga or psychoeducation intervention. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained at baseline and 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was gray matter volume of the bilateral hippocampi and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex. We found significant right hippocampal volume increases specific to the Kundalini yoga group (P = 0.034, ηp 2 = 0.408). These findings provide initial neurobiological support for the neuroprotective effects of Kundalini yoga.