Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #97245

Anne B. Simons, MD, San Francisco Department of Public Health, Ocean Park Health Center, 1351 - 24th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122, 415-282-3570, simons@itsa.ucsf.edu

A pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of offering yoga classes as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of hypertension in a low-income multicultural clinic population. Patients demonstrated decreases in average systolic blood pressure (5.7 mm Hg) and in mean arterial pressure (2.6 mm Hg) following completion of a hypertension intervention. The intervention consisted of weekly yoga classes located at a public health clinic in the neighborhood where patients resided. The classes included simple breathing and meditation exercises, a warm-up session, varied sets of yoga positions (“asanas”) designed by a teacher certified in yoga therapy, and deep relaxation. Many of the yoga postures were modified to accommodate patient movement limitations. Simple low budget props were used to help with modifications. Blood pressure measurements were taken before and after each class, either with sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, or with Omron™ automated digital devices. Most participants were referred by their primary care provider from the clinic and ranged in age from forty-five to seventy-five years. Many students were immigrants, primarily Chinese, with limited English proficiency. The presentation will explain in detail how the intervention was designed and implemented, and discuss implications for further study and for use of therapeutic yoga in various settings.

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, the participant will be able to

• Define yoga as it is currently practiced in the United States.
• Explain why yoga may be an appropriate intervention for hypertension.
• Discuss the elements necessary for starting a therapeutic yoga class in a clinic setting.
• Name 4 cheap and easily accessible props that allow movement-impaired individuals to participate in a yoga class.
• List issues and challenges in yoga research.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Hypertension

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation