Weight-bearing exercise is recommended to improve bone density. Hatha Yoga is a popular form of weight-bearing exercise that includes physical postures, stretching, breathing, and relaxation. We hypothesized that Hatha Yoga would have beneficial effects on bone turnover markers. We conducted a small feasibility pilot study with a prospective, pre-post design comparing markers of bone turnover before and after Yoga training in sedentary osteopenic postmenopausal women. Markers of bone formation were measured with serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP). Measures of bone resorption were measured with urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (uNTX). Seven participants completed a 12-week series of one hour per week Yoga classes, in addition to home Yoga practice. We analyzed the correlation between time spent on Yoga and time spent on other weight-bearing exercise and change in bone turnover markers. The amount of Yoga practice was significantly correlated with BAP levels (r = 0.68, p = 0.09). A weaker, non-significant correlation was found between the amount of Yoga practice and uNTX levels (r = -.54, p = .21). Compared to Yoga, other physical activities were less correlated with BAP and uNTX levels. Yoga may have beneficial effects on bone turnover in osteopenic postmenopausal women.
The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study
