Episode 72: RCTs vs. Pilot Studies vs. Feasibility Studies: A Simple Guide for Yoga Teachers
Yoga Research & Beyond
In this episode, Ariana and Jules get into the distinctions between randomized clinical trials (RCTs), feasibility studies, and pilot studies. They discuss the importance of understanding these methodologies in the context of yoga research and the common misconceptions surrounding them. The conversation highlights the role of preliminary studies in developing effective interventions and the significance of case studies in building evidence for future research. Additionally, they explore the concept of the null hypothesis and its implications in research design. Takeaways 🤩RCTs are designed...
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Episode 71: Can Online Yoga Support Cancer Patients? Insights from a New Study Protocol
Yoga Research & Beyond
In this episode, Ariana and Jules discuss a planned study on the efficacy of an online yoga intervention for cancer patients, specifically those with high-grade gliomas, and their caregivers. They explore the unique aspects of the study, including its design, the importance of trial registration, and the challenges faced in previous online yoga research. The conversation highlights the potential benefits of online yoga for improving overall well-being in this vulnerable population. Takeaways 🌟The study focuses on high-grade glioma patients and their caregivers. 🌟Online yoga is a...
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Episode 70: The Reliability and Validity of Pain Surveys
Yoga Research & Beyond
In this episode, Ariana and Jules discuss the significance of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in understanding patient experiences, particularly in the context of pain management. They delve into a specific study focused on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), exploring the methods used to validate and shorten these surveys for better usability. The conversation highlights the importance of reliability and validity in research, the limitations of the study, especially regarding gender representation, and the insights gained from the survey...
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Episode 69: Synchronized Breathing
Yoga Research & Beyond
In this episode, we discuss a randomized pilot trial on synchronized breathing for chronic nonspecific low back pain. We highlight key features of the study, such as the exercise program, the patient reported outcome measurements, and the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of adding synchronized breathing. We also discuss the importance of trial registration and transparency in research. Overall, the study showed positive results in reducing back pain with synchronized breathing, but further research is needed to validate these findings. Takeaways *Synchronized breathing may be...
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Episode 68: Yoga vs Stretching for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Yoga Research & Beyond
In this insightful episode of the Yoga Research and Beyond podcast, hosts Jules Mitchell and Ariana Rabinovitch dive into the research paper, "Pain reduction, physical performance, and psychological status compared between Hatha yoga and stretching exercise to treat sedentary office workers with mild/moderate neck/shoulder pain: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial." Join as we explore: Details of the intervention and adherence rates What dropout rates are and what they mean for the study What's a non-inferiority trial? A discussion on the study providing p-values but not effect...
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Episode 67: Not All Yoga Styles Are The Same
Yoga Research & Beyond
Join hosts Jules Mitchell and Ariana Rabinovitch in this new episode of the Yoga Research and Beyond podcast as they discuss the research paper, "Not All Yoga Styles Are the Same: An International Survey on Characteristics of Yoga Classes." They explore: The various categories and styles of yoga classified in the paper The advantages and limitations of using surveys as a research method How subjective data can be measured effectively through operational definitions Whether you're a yoga teacher looking to enhance your research literacy or deepen your understanding of yoga styles, this...
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Episode 66: Yin Yoga for Anxiety
Yoga Research & Beyond
In this episode, we dive deep into the methods of an observational study on the effects of Yin Yoga on anxiety. We explored these key topics: 1. Understanding Anxiety: Anxiety is a psychological, physiological, and behavioral state triggered by perceived threats to emotional security and survival. 2. State Anxiety vs Trait Anxiety: Anxiety can be a temporary response to an event or it can be a reflection of one's personality. 3. COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic's significant influence on mental health, increasing anxiety disorders, and the challenges of remote work. 4. Yin Yoga as an...
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Episode 65: Slow Breathing
Yoga Research & Beyond
Slow Breathing: Samavriti and Visamavriti Pranayama for Reducing Stress In our first podcast episode under the new format, we review the paper Our main focus was the methods section. Here are some basics we covered: Randomization and blinding challenges in yoga research Slow breathing parameters for study inclusion/exclusion Participant screening for eligiblity Outcome measures Heart Rate Variability (HRV) using ECG PROMIS Anxiety Score – self-reported Effect size versus p-value Intervention sources – Conclusions yoga teachers can safely make
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Episode 64: Welcome to the New YRB Format
Yoga Research & Beyond
Welcome to the Yoga Research & Beyond Podcast! 🎧 Struggling with all the conflicting fitness advice? Ariana Raven and Jules Mitchell have got you covered! 🧘♀️📖 Join them as they break down the latest research on yoga and exercise, debunk myths, and teach you how to apply scientific findings to the way you teach yoga. Perfect for yoga teachers and fitness pros who want to ground their practice in science. Tune in for lively discussions, research insights, and a fun learning experience! 🌟
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Y&B #63 - What's the best hamstring stretch? Comparison of four techniques
Yoga Research & Beyond
How often do your students ask for help with tight hamstrings? In this episode Jenn Pilotti and I discuss a study that compared 4 stretching techniques for greater hamstring flexibility. This study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared two active stretches and two passive stretches in 100 people over the course of 8 weeks. It’s clear that one resulted in the greatest gains. We discuss the results here and in our Yoga Research and Beyond review.
info_outlineAre headstands safe? Jules Mitchell and I discuss a study about headstands from 2014. This is the first study of its kind that assessed loads on the neck and head in headstand. We had different reactions to this study. When I read it, it reinforced my decision to exclude headstands from my practice and group classes. When she read it, it didn’t change her mind about excluding it from group classes, but she went back to headstands in her personal practice.
What was it about the study that deterred me from headstands? There is some data in this study that at face value can be alarming about the amount of force on the head and neck, and risks of fracture with compression and extension in the cervical spine. However Jules provides us with context about how those studies were conducted that made the data less alarming. As Jules likes to say, one study does not a conclusion make. This pioneering study opens the door to more questions and does not allow us to make definitive conclusions about the right or wrong ways to do headstand.