What is Iyengar Yoga studying for postmenopausal women?

Iyengar Yoga is being studied to see if it can reduce the biofunctional age and improve health in women after menopause. The trial compares a 12-week yoga program with no yoga to understand its effects on physical and biological markers important to postmenopausal health. The study is sponsored by Insel Gruppe AG and University Hospital Bern.

Who may be eligible for this postmenopausal clinical trial?

Women over 18 years who are postmenopausal and experience at least four hot flushes daily may be eligible. Participants must not have practiced yoga regularly in the last two years, speak German as their native language, and be willing to join yoga classes and assessments. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this postmenopausal clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the yoga program and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel needed to attend sessions or assessments.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

FEMALE

ID04705623

Study of a 12-Week Iyengar Yoga Program to Improve Biofunctional Age in Women After Menopause

Led by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · Updated on 2025-02-05

Participants Needed

Research Sites

39 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether Iyengar Yoga can have a rejuvenating effect on women after menopause by assessing their biofunctional status before and after the program. This randomized clinical trial includes postmenopausal women who experience frequent hot flushes and aims to compare the effects of a 12-week yoga intervention against no yoga practice. Participants are recruited from a university hospital and public advertisements, with careful screening for eligibility. The study involves two groups the intervention group attends weekly 90-minute Iyengar Yoga classes led by a professional instructor and is asked to perform two additional 45-minute yoga sessions at home each week, recording these in a diary. The control group does not participate in yoga classes but undergoes the same biofunctional assessments. Both groups will have their biofunctional status measured at the start and after the 12-week period. Participants will be assessed for their biofunctional status, including blood sample collection and evaluations related to hot flushes, inflammation markers, and oxidative balance. Researchers will monitor adherence through yoga session attendance and home practice diaries. The main outcome is the change in biofunctional age after 12 weeks. The study continues until the end of 2025, with safety and health status carefully monitored throughout.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Influence of Iyengar Yoga on the Bio-functional Age of Postmenopausal Women

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

FEMALE

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Women after menopause defined as 12 months without periods or 6 months with high serum FSH levels or 6 weeks after surgical removal of ovaries
Age over 18 years
At least 4 hot flushes per day
No regular yoga practice in the past two years
German as native language
Willing to attend 12 yoga classes and perform two 45-minute yoga sessions at home weekly
Willing to have biofunctional status assessed and provide blood samples
Signed informed consent

You will not qualify if you...

Acute or serious illness in the past two years (e.g., cancer, major surgery)
Autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatism, thyroid issues)
Mental illness such as depression or anxiety with high scores
Acute or chronic back pain or herniated disc
Compulsory participation in the trial
Attending fewer than 10 out of 12 yoga lessons
Hormone replacement therapy use
Smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day or over 20 pack-years
Consuming more than 30 grams of alcohol daily
Yoga practice in the last two years
Unable or contraindicated to participate in yoga
Incapable of judgment or under legal guardianship
Diabetes mellitus requiring special care

Research Team

Petra o Stute, Prof. Dr. med

Natascha Rieben, Study Nurse

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