Yoga stretching for improving salivary immune function and mental stress in middle-aged and older adults.

Author: Eda N1, Ito H2, Shimizu K3, Suzuki S4, Lee E4, Akama T1
Affiliation:
1a Faculty of Sport Sciences , Waseda University , Tokorozawa , Saitama , Japan.
2b Graduate School of Sport Sciences , Waseda University , Tokorozawa , Saitama , Japan.
3c Department of Sports Science , Japan Institute of Sports Sciences , Kita-ku , Tokyo , Japan.
4d Waseda Institute for Sport Sciences , Waseda University , Tokorozawa , Saitama , Japan.
Conference/Journal: J Women Aging.
Date published: 2017 Apr 3
Other: Volume ID: 1-15 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1080/08952841.2017.1295689. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 106


Protection against age-related immune suppression is important in elderly individuals. This study determined the effect of yoga on mucosal immune function and mental stress. Saliva samples were collected from 23 adult women (age: 60.4 ± 10.4 years) before and after 90 minutes of yoga stretching or rest to measure secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), cortisol, and testosterone. The SIgA concentration and secretion rate were significantly higher after yoga than before (p < .05). The cortisol concentration and secretion rate were lower and testosterone secretion rate higher after yoga (p < .05). Yoga stretching can reduce stress and enhance mucosal immune function in elderly women.

KEYWORDS: Cortisol; elderly; secretory immunoglobulin A; testosterone; yoga

PMID: 28368782 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2017.1295689

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