Study claims yoga may help reduce multiple sclerosis symptom

[MSUK]

Yoga and aquatic exercise may reduce certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) such as fatigue, depression and paraesthesia, a new study suggests...Read more - http://www.ms-uk.org/MSnews

[CureOrBust]

In comparison to the control group, fatigue, depression and paraesthesia were significantly reduced in patients who took part in a three-times weekly training programme, researchers said. In the non-exercising group, the likelihood of moderate to severe depression was 35-fold higher than in the groups who had practiced yoga or aquatic exercise, they said.

I think this study has a major flaw in it. A true control group in my eyes would of been regular exercise or even physiotherapist guided exercise. It has not shown that Yoga in itself helps, but simply regular exercise of some form, not excluding Yoga, is beneficial.

[Scott1]

Hi,

It also seems to ignore what the control was doing. There is great benefit, in my mind, from exercising with other people. Whenever you interact with other people in a noncompetitive way you will benefit. In a yoga class there often many people all trying to do the same thing to varying standards. Even if you never speak to each other you are sharing the experience. I doubt the yoga participants had to do it on their own. If there's a lesson then maybe it is to join in and not stand back. There is always a benefit from connecting to other people.

Regards,