The Yoga Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the acute effect of alternative forms of physical activity in a multi-ethnic population: The Yoga Study
IRAS ID
243153
Contact name
Michelle Muessel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
The amount of people with diabetes has now reached over 4 million in the United Kingdom. Type 2 Diabetes accounts for the majority of all cases of diabetes and increases the risk of many other diseases, such as heart disease.
Research has shown that individuals from South Asian descent have elevated risk of certain chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The risk of developing these diseases can be reduced by engaging in a healthy lifestyle. One component of a healthy lifestyle is engaging in physical activity. However, previous research from our group at the Leicester Diabetes Centre have shown that South Asian individuals engage in less physical activity, compared to other ethnicities. It is not yet wholly understood why South Asians engage in less physical activity, but it is vitally important to try and find new ways to increase South Asian physical activity levels. Therefore, we have worked with South Asian communities in identifying culturally appropriate forms of physical activity. From this, yoga and walking were identified as two forms of culturally appropriate physical activity. This study will test and compare whether yoga and light intensity walking can be effectively used in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The results of this study will help us understand how South Asians respond to exercise, the therapeutic benefits of yoga and help inform future diabetes prevention programmes within multi-ethnic communities.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0185
Date of REC Opinion
16 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion