Yoga beneficial in inpatient setting

NEW YORK —In a study of 80 inpatient psychiatric patients, regular yoga classes were self-rated as beneficial to overall treatment in 82.2% of participants, the researchers highlighted at the poster session during the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.

In a population of 80 participants from the East Jefferson Inpatient Psychiatric Unit in Metairie, Louisiana, 45 completed surveys on their satisfaction with voluntary yoga classes three to four times weekly.

Participants self-reported an improvement in their physical wellbeing in 95.5% of cases. Satisfaction with their psychiatric unit increased in 88.8% of participants. Researchers also reported that patients would recommend yoga be taught on psychiatric units in 91.1% of responses.

“Our study indicates that patients may have a greater satisfaction with their psychiatric units as well as increased mood, decreased anxiety and greater feeling of physical wellbeing when participating in a voluntary yoga program in an inpatient psychiatric setting,” the researchers wrote in an abstract.

For more information:

Haymon V. Abstract #7673. Presented at: American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting; May 3-7, 2014; New York.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.