Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana

Focused-attention meditation provides a tractable model for examining how large-scale brain dynamics support attention and self-regulation. Using high-density EEG microstate analysis, we investigated how focused-attention meditation on the breath (Ānāpānasati) modulates intrinsic brain activity in 22 experienced practitioners, compared with baseline rest and deliberate mental imagery. Five canonical microstate classes (A-E) were identified. Meditation produced a robust reduction of Microstate C across coverage, duration, and occurrence, accompanied by increased presence of Microstates D and E (all Microstate x Condition interactions p < 0.0001). Source localization revealed that Microstate C was generated primarily in medial and lateral temporal regions including the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex, whereas Microstate D involved posterior midline regions including the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus, and Microstate E engaged frontoparietal and orbitolimbic networks. Together, these results indicate that focused-attention meditation reorganizes the temporal architecture of large-scale brain dynamics by downregulating microstate patterns associated with self-referential and memory-based processing while enhancing neural states supporting attentional stability and internal monitoring.

Motivation is crucial for academic success, particularly among rural students who face challenges due to limited resources and restricted access to quality education. This study examined the effects of a yoga-based intervention on learning motivation, strategies, and resource management among rural adolescents. Sixty students aged 13-17 years were randomly assigned to a yoga intervention group or a control group. Data were collected before and after 36 h of exposure using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and the Trail Making Test. The intervention consisted of one-hour sessions conducted six days per week for six-weeks, incorporating Hatha and Jnana yoga practices. The yoga group demonstrated improvements in motivational components, including goal orientation and expectancy beliefs (p < .05). Enhancements were also observed in rehearsal, organization, critical thinking, and metacognitive self-regulation (p < .05), indicating improved use of learning strategies. Resource management also improved, reflected in effective time use, improved study environments, and enhanced peer interactions (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that extrinsic goal orientation (beta =.68, p < .001), control of learning beliefs (beta =.22, p = .018), and critical thinking (beta =.36, p = .002) significantly predicted selfefficacy for learning. Mediation analysis showed that intrinsic goal orientation and task value mediated the relationship between critical thinking and self-efficacy, accounting for 24% and 28% of the total effect, respectively. These findings support expectancy-value theory and suggest that integrating yoga into educational curricula may enhance learning motivation among rural adolescents and promote inclusive educational opportunities.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by vaso-occlusive crises, inflammation, and progressive organ damage, leading to severe pain and disability. Current pharmacotherapies, such as hydroxyurea, L-glutamine, and crizanlizumab, can mitigate disease severity but are limited by their high costs, side effects, and accessibility challenges. Emerging evidence suggests that yoga, an integrative mind–body practice, may be a safe, feasible, and cost-effective adjunctive therapy for SCD. Biologically, yoga may mitigate inflammation (e.g., reducing IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels), improve autonomic balance and vascular function, and enhance sleep quality, thereby potentially decreasing vaso-occlusive crises and pain sensitization. Psychologically, yoga reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing while improving coping, resilience, and perceived control. Socially, yoga fosters peer support, empowerment, and cultural adaptability, which may alleviate stigma, improve adherence, and lessen healthcare burden. Preliminary trials in SCD populations have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of yoga, with trends toward pain reduction and enhanced quality of life, although the evidence remains limited by small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity. Integrating yoga into SCD care may help reduce inflammation, pain, and medication dependence, particularly in low-resource settings. Larger randomized controlled trials combining clinical, psychological, and biomarker endpoints are warranted to establish the efficacy and optimize intervention protocols for sustainable and holistic SCD management. Given these limitations, this narrative review synthesizes broader evidence to construct a biopsychosocial framework that can provide theoretical foundation and guiding principles for future SCD-specific yoga research.

Background & purpose Migraine is a neurological disorder and the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLD). It is associated with a diverse range of comorbidities and impacts 1 billion people worldwide. The present study was undertaken to design and validate a yoga module to support migraine management. Materials and methods A survey of 66 migraine patients and a comprehensive review of yoga texts and scientific literature were conducted to understand migraine-related pathology, causes, symptoms, and current treatments. To establish the scientific validity and relevance of the selected yoga practices to be incorporated in the module, content validation was carried out through a standard evaluation method, followed by a pilot feasibility analysis.40 subject matter experts validated the module using a Likert scale. A content validity ratio (CVR) of 0.29 was considered a minimum for inclusion of the practice. Results The final yoga module consisted of a total of 21 practices, each with a 45-minute duration. The module was found to be safe and easy to implement in the daily routine after the pilot feasibility exploration study was done with 6 migraine patients who underwent 2 weeks of intervention. Conclusion The study developed and validated a yoga module based on survey outcomes, contemporary scientific literature, and ancient texts. The module’s feasibility has demonstrated its safety and adaptability. This study effectively combines conventional methods with a contemporary scientific viewpoint to improve migraine outcomes. This Yoga module, thus designed, can be potentially used in the clinical setting as an adjunct to conventional migraine treatment.

Background Cigarette smoking is a major preventable cause of morbidity and premature mortality. It is associated with respiratory symptom burden, impaired pulmonary function, and high relapse rates during quit attempts. Relapse is often driven by nicotine craving, stress, and emotional dysregulation. Volitional yoga breathing (VYB) has shown potential benefits for reducing craving, improving emotional regulation, and supporting pulmonary health. However, no standardized breathing-only intervention has been developed specifically for smokers. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a structured 30-minute VYB module and assess its feasibility and acceptability among chronic smokers. Methods The study employed a three-phase design. Phase 1 involved the development of a structured VYB module based on classical and contemporary yoga texts, supported by relevant scientific literature. Phase 2 comprised expert validation by 32 qualified yoga professionals using a 3-point Likert scale, with content validity quantified using Lawshe's content validity ratio (CVR). Phase 3 evaluated feasibility in 20 high nicotine-dependent smokers, assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND > 7), in a single-arm pre-post design in which participants completed 20 supervised 30-minute sessions over four weeks. Feasibility was assessed through intervention fidelity, participant feedback, and instructor ratings, while preliminary effects were examined through changes in smoking urges and pulmonary function from baseline to four weeks. Results The final module retained nine yoga breathing practices that met the content validity threshold (CVR ≥ 0.31). Feasibility outcomes demonstrated a 100% acceptance rate and an 80% retention rate over the intervention period, with no adverse events reported. The instructor rated all practices as easy to learn and implement, while participants found them highly satisfactory, useful, and simple. At the end of four weeks, frequency and intensity of smoking urges showed significant reductions of 38.5% (p < 0.001) and 39.4% (p = 0.004), respectively, alongside a significant improvement in pulmonary function, with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) increasing by 17.98% (p < 0.001). Conclusions This study provides smokers with a structured, validated VYB module that is acceptable, safe, and feasible, with promising preliminary efficacy in reducing smoking-related urges, supporting cessation efforts, and improving pulmonary function. The findings highlight the potential clinical and public health relevance of this low-cost, nonpharmacological, breathing-only intervention for smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation.