RESEARCHERS at the University of Western Sydney are looking for Canberra based volunteers to participate in a 16-week study, which will investigate the effects of Bikram yoga on adult health.

Bikram yoga is a form of hatha yoga and takes place in a heated environment with added humidity. It has become increasingly popular in recent years with practitioners saying that it improves both mental and physical health.

“Despite its popularity, the current body of knowledge investigating the effects of Bikram yoga on health is lacking extensive, well-designed research,” a spokesperson said.

“The current randomised controlled trial will strive to determine the effects of a regular Bikram yoga practice over 16-weeks on measures of stress and cardiovascular disease risk factors in sedentary adults.

“Researchers are looking for eligible volunteers living in the ACT to participate in the trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the yoga group (3-5 90 minute supervised Bikram yoga classes/week, no other lifestyle changes) or the control group (continues with current levels of activity, no lifestyle changes).”

The yoga classes take place at two Bikram yoga studios in the Canberra area – Bikram Yoga Canberra and Bikram Yoga Kingston.

The yoga classes are provided to the yoga group participants at no cost, and the control group participants receive a complimentary 10-class pass to either studio (value $180) at the completion of the 16-weeks.

The study is open to individuals 18 years or older who are at least mildly stressed, and lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Recruitment will continue at least until the end of August.

For more information or to participate in the UWS research project, contact Zoe Hewett on 0421 786 333 or email: 13521266@student.uws.edu.au

The research protocol was reviewed and approved by the UWS Human Ethics Research Committee. The approval number is (H10549).

[Photo by Amanjeev, attribution licence.]