Impact Of YIDL On Quality Of Life In Postemnopausal Women

Impact Of Yoga In Daily Life System ® On Quality Of Life In Postemnopausal Women

Autor:

Tine Kovačič, Head of Medicine and rehabilitation department of CUDV Dobrna

ABSTRACT

Aim: Contemporary science is too often focused on physical factors and numerous physiological changes in postmenopausal women, whereas it frequently ignores the broad spectrum of psychosocial, socio-cultural, socio-economic, demographical, political and other environmental factors, that have an influence on women quality of life. According to recent research perspectives it can be assumed that with yogic lifestyle according to the Yoga in daily life system many menopausal symptoms can be prevented and treated and quality of life promoted.

Methodology: The efficacy of Yoga In Daily Life system® (YIDL ®) was validated by quasi experimental study design. Specific questionnaire and criteria for the post-menopause specific quality of life were developed in present research project. The purpose of this study was to gather information on the 3 years effects of yoga training according to YIDL® on the quality of life of postmenopausal women. The convenience sample of 100 women in postmenopause was recruited from accessible population from all over the Slovenia. 50 were allocated into study group (active participants-yoga) and 50 into control group (inactive group-sedentary lifestyle). Initial screening excluded women on HRT.

Results: Between both groups several statistically significant differences have been found, so one can hypothesise, that regular training according to YIDL ® System has a major influence on the reduction of vasomotor and psychological symptoms of menopause, on the establishment and maintenance of normal weight, continence of women and increased ability to control stress. It was shown that YIDL ® System has a beneficial effect on sleeping patterns in postmenopausal women and it develops a positive attitude to menopause and ageing in general. Finally, it leads to healthier eating habits and encourages women to make a better use of their leisure-time. Levels of physical activity (yoga) were significantly associated with better self-related health, lower BMI measurements, psychological wellbeing, etc.

Conclusions: Aditional goals of YIDL ® System are to improve flexibility an balance, overall activity level and to prevent falls and potential osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. In contrast, traditional pharmacological approaches with HRT have the capacity to maintain or slow the loss of mineral bone density, but not the ability to improve quality of life in postmenopausal women. It is evident that practising YIDL system promotes positive attitudes to ageing and menopause, healthy lifestyles and stress reduction and therefore prevent as well as promotes good physical, mental, social and spiritual health.