Yoga Practices Linked to Improved Insulin Resistance in Women with PCOS: Pilot Study Findings

For this purpose, the researchers enrolled 35 newly diagnosed women with PCOS and assessed insulin resistance using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) on blood samples. Participants were then guided to follow a yoga regimen, including kriya, postures, and breathwork, for six days a week over 12 weeks. After the intervention, HOMA-IR was reassessed, and the results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon ranked-sum test to evaluate changes in insulin resistance.

Key Findings:

• Mean body weight decreased from 64.90 ± 1.95 kg to 61.53 ± 1.71 kg.
• Mean BMI reduced from 25.66 ± 0.65 kg/m² to 24.33 ± 0.56 kg/m².
• Fasting blood sugar declined from 95.73 ± 3.23 mg/dL to 91.83 ± 2.17 mg/dL.
• Fasting insulin levels dropped from 14.89 ± 1.47 μU/mL to 11.47 ± 1.06 μU/mL.
• HOMA-IR decreased from 3.76 ± 0.50 to 2.72 ± 0.32.

"Given the increasing prevalence of PCOS and the associated metabolic risks, integrating yoga into routine care could offer a complementary approach alongside conventional treatments. As research in this area continues, yoga may emerge as a valuable, non-pharmacological strategy to improve metabolic health and overall well-being in women with PCOS," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Anushka Verma, Asha Gandhi, Nivedita Sirdesai, Vineeta Chandra; Yoga Techniques Associated with Improved Insulin Resistance in Women with PCOS: A Pilot Study. Int J Yoga Therap 1 February 2024; 34 (2024): Article 23. doi: https://doi.org/10.17761/2024-D-23-00056