The metabolic syndrome, which represents a set of associated clinical and metabolic risk factors, is one of the major challenges to public health almost everywhere in the world, today. Metabolic syndrome consists of obesity, abnormal levels of blood lipids, increased blood sugar and high blood pressure. Resources primarily refer to lifestyle change as the primary treatment against the metabolic syndrome factors. Yoga has been involved as intervention in the processes of prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases and has been proven to prevent several metabolic syndrome risk factors.
The aim of this study was to systematically review and evaluate trials related to yoga practice in relation to metabolic syndrome factors and perform a meta-analysis of the available data on the effectiveness of yoga practice, as one of possible treatments of patients, who are suffering from metabolic syndrome.
We included randomized controlled trials not older than ten years. Included were studies in adult subjects (over 18 years old), who had a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Studies have additionally been included on people with one or more factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. Researches containing the practice of yoga as intervention were included, in the experimental group.
A meta-analysis showed very likely positive effects on the reduction of the waist circumference, a decrease in blood glucose, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Meta-analysis also showed possible minor effects on the reduction of systolic blood pressure. The analysis did not show any effect on the reduction in diastolic blood pressure and the reduction in triglyceride levels in the blood.
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