Kundalini Yoga Intervention Increases Hippocampal Volume in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

A pilot randomized-controlled trial tested whether Kundalini yoga could protect the aging brain. Eleven healthy older adults who had never meditated were randomly assigned to either a Kundalini yoga program or a psychoeducation comparison. Brain scans taken before and after 12 weeks showed a significant increase in right hippocampal gray matter volume only in the yoga group. The finding suggests that Kundalini yoga may have neuroprotective effects for older adults, though the small sample limits generalizability.

Study at a glance

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.