Forms of Yoga which focus on relaxation and the breath (and can also include moving the body gently through its range of movement) are very similar to many forms of Qigong practice. These formats contrast to forms of Qigong and Yoga which focus on strength and flexibility, or sometimes other more esoteric aspects. Drs. Haaz and Bartlett, with the John Hopkins School of Medicine, conducted an extensive review of studies which used Yoga for people with arthritis. Eleven studies were identified as being of higher quality (although still limited in design and number of subjects). None reported adverse effects, and significant benefits were reported for reduction of tender and swollen joints, and also in pain reduction. Participants also demonstrated improved self-efficacy and mental health, in studies which included this element. It was also nice to see that participants in several of the studies had better attendance than for other more typical exercises. Aside from benefits for swollen joints, it is worth stressing benefits for pain, which has been consistent across all forms of Metarobic exercises, for a wide range of chronic conditions, including cancer. The authors recommend larger more in depth studies, to better determine specific effects. This is one of the long range goals of the Metarobic Institute. It is worth noting that while running in high school, I developed red inflamed and swollen knees. I was told I had to give up running, or I would need surgery. I stopped running and began studying Kung Fu and Tai Chi, which cleared up and strengthen my knees to the point that I can now run with no problems.
The researchers in the review of Yoga studies point out that due to pain, many arthritis patients reduce their activity levels. They state that this can lead to muscle or tendon shortening, and other effects which makes arthritis worse. As with any exercise, it was recommended that you discuss Yoga or other practices with your doctor, and investigate many styles, or consider Tai Chi. Dosage (frequency and duration of practice) were also noted as in need of further study. The authors stated that better clarification is needed related to style and methods of practice, since Yoga can describe a wide range of practices. The authors did note that most studies described a comprehensive practice (poses, breathing, relaxation and/or meditation), although the styles, doses and format differed. Some concern was expressed in that the style of Yoga used needs to be age appropriate (particularly for older adults. This is one benefit of Tai Chi, in that it has been identified as a uniformly beneficial exercises for older adults, unless focusing on the martial aspects).
One final note, which is particularly relevant to Metarobic theory and research, is that the researchers stated there is a significant need to study the mechanisms by which Yoga benefits arthritis (which is also a shortcoming in Qigong and Tai Chi research). Metarobic theory does this, related to measureable and testable effects on enhanced blood oxygen saturation, diffusion, and oxygen based metabolism. The Metarobic effect optimizes the body’s ability to deal with a wide range of chronic conditions, particularly those in which hypoxia (oxygen deficiency reaching the tissues) plays a role. As noted in the research presented in my last two posts, as with other chronic conditions, hypoxia has been identified as a major factor in arthritis. The Metarobic effect may also enhance lymphatic and autonomic nervous system functions, which may play a role as well.
References
Gryffin, PA. Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics. Createspace, 2015.
Haaz S, Bartlett SJ. Yoga for Arthritis: A Scoping Review. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2011 February ; 37(1): 33–46. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2010.11.001
The researchers in the review of Yoga studies point out that due to pain, many arthritis patients reduce their activity levels. They state that this can lead to muscle or tendon shortening, and other effects which makes arthritis worse. As with any exercise, it was recommended that you discuss Yoga or other practices with your doctor, and investigate many styles, or consider Tai Chi. Dosage (frequency and duration of practice) were also noted as in need of further study. The authors stated that better clarification is needed related to style and methods of practice, since Yoga can describe a wide range of practices. The authors did note that most studies described a comprehensive practice (poses, breathing, relaxation and/or meditation), although the styles, doses and format differed. Some concern was expressed in that the style of Yoga used needs to be age appropriate (particularly for older adults. This is one benefit of Tai Chi, in that it has been identified as a uniformly beneficial exercises for older adults, unless focusing on the martial aspects).
One final note, which is particularly relevant to Metarobic theory and research, is that the researchers stated there is a significant need to study the mechanisms by which Yoga benefits arthritis (which is also a shortcoming in Qigong and Tai Chi research). Metarobic theory does this, related to measureable and testable effects on enhanced blood oxygen saturation, diffusion, and oxygen based metabolism. The Metarobic effect optimizes the body’s ability to deal with a wide range of chronic conditions, particularly those in which hypoxia (oxygen deficiency reaching the tissues) plays a role. As noted in the research presented in my last two posts, as with other chronic conditions, hypoxia has been identified as a major factor in arthritis. The Metarobic effect may also enhance lymphatic and autonomic nervous system functions, which may play a role as well.
References
Gryffin, PA. Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics. Createspace, 2015.
Haaz S, Bartlett SJ. Yoga for Arthritis: A Scoping Review. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2011 February ; 37(1): 33–46. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2010.11.001
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