Key result
Integrated yoga lowers SBP by ~8 mmHg and improves self-esteem versus control.
Why the study?
Research rarely isolates the comparative efficacy of specific yoga modalities, Asana and Pranayama, on physiological stress and psychological deficits in substance use disorder recovery settings.
Does integrated yoga practice (Asana + Pranayama) improve self-esteem and reduce blood pressure in individuals with Substance Use Disorders compared to single modalities or control?
RCT (n=60)
Does integrated yoga practice (Asana + Pranayama) improve self-esteem and reduce blood pressure in individuals with Substance Use Disorders compared to single modalities or control?
Integrated yoga practice combining physical postures and breathwork is more effective than either modality alone or control in improving self-esteem and reducing blood pressure in individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports adjunctive integrated yoga in SUD recovery to improve self-esteem and SBP; extends prior yoga data to combined Asana-Pranayama in this population.
BACKGROUND: Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are characterized by a debilitating cycle of physiological stress, such as hypertension, and psychological deficits, specifically low self-esteem. While yoga is a recognized biopsychosocial intervention, research rarely isolates the comparative efficacy of its specific modalities Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breathwork) in recovery settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Asana, Pranayama, and an integrated (Asana + Pranayama) practice on self-esteem and blood pressure among individuals with SUD. METHODS: = 15 each): Asana, Pranayama, Asana + Pranayama (AP), and a Control Group (CG). Interventions lasted 12 wk (3 sessions/week, 30 mins each). Primary outcomes included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), analyzed using One-Way ANCOVA. The integrated AP group demonstrated the highest efficacy, achieving the greatest increase in self-esteem (Adjusted Mean: 23.07 vs. CG: 18.03) and the most significant reductions in SBP (AP: 124.08 vs. CG: 131.84 mmHg) and DBP (AP: 83.68 vs. CG: 90.55 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Integrated yoga practice (combining physical postures and breathwork) is more effective than either modality alone in improving psychological resilience and cardiovascular health during SUD recovery. These findings support the inclusion of multi-modal yoga protocols in multidisciplinary addiction treatment.
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Kumar et al. (2026) conducted an RCT in Substance Use Disorders (n=60). Integrated yoga practice (Asana + Pranayama) vs. Control Group was evaluated on Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (p=< 0.05). Integrated yoga practice (Asana + Pranayama) significantly improved self-esteem (adjusted mean 23.07 vs 18.03) and reduced systolic blood pressure (124.08 vs 131.84 mmHg) compared to control (P<0.05).
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