The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting medical research in the United States. The NIH has conducted and supported a number of studies on the potential health benefits of yoga, including its effects on various physical and mental health conditions.
Some examples of NIH-funded studies on yoga include:
A randomized controlled trial that found that a weekly yoga class improved symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer.
A systematic review and meta-analysis that found that yoga may be effective for improving sleep quality in individuals with insomnia.
A randomized controlled trial that found that a 12-week yoga intervention improved cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and body mass index, in obese adults.
A randomized controlled trial that found that a 12-week yoga intervention improved pain, function, and quality of life in individuals with chronic low back pain.
Overall, the results of these and other studies suggest that yoga may have a range of potential health benefits, including improving mental health, sleep quality, cardiovascular risk factors, and chronic pain. However, it is important to note that while these studies provide evidence of the potential benefits of yoga, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on various health conditions.