All Studies · Cognition & Neurodegeneration · Giridharan (b) (2024)

Giridharan (b) (2024)

Low · Narrative Review · Synthesis (Review/Meta-analysis) · n = 215
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.542
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionSystematic review: KY for cognitive function and memory in MCI/SCD
Clinical domainCognition & Neurodegeneration
Population5 RCTs; 215 participants; older adults (≥55y) with MCI or SCD
Sample sizen = 215
Country / SettingUSA (UCLA primarily); Canada
Protocol clusterKirtan Kriya + KY Class
Duration12-24 weeks across studies
Control typeActive
ComparatorMemory Enhancement Training (MET) or Psychoeducation
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeCognition (memory, executive function)
Scales usedHVLT; WMS; Rey-O; Trails B; MFQ; GDS; CD-RISC; hippocampal volume (MRI); inflammatory cytokines
Key resultKY consistently improved memory, executive function, mood; increased hippocampal volume; reduced neuroinflammation; GRADE moderate for cognitive outcomes
Effect sizeQualitative synthesis: consistent improvements in memory and executive function across 5 RCTs; hippocampal volume increased; inflammatory markers reduced
RetentionVariable across studies; differential dropout noted as concern in 4/5 studies
SafetyPhysical side effects (headaches, back pain, fatigue) and psychological effects (emotional turbulence) noted as possible; importance of experienced instructors emphasized
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Methodological Summary

Systematic review of 5 KY RCTs on cognitive function, published in Cureus (PubMed/PMC-indexed, DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63161). PRISMA-compliant with RoB 2 and GRADE assessment. Strengths: focused exclusively on KY (unlike broader yoga reviews), comprehensive neurobiological outcomes. Limitations: all 5 studies from same research group (UCLA Lavretsky/Khalsa), 3 from same parent trial, small sample sizes (11-81), high risk of bias in 4/5 studies. No meta-analytic pooling performed. Cureus is PubMed-indexed but has rapid review process; content appears sound.

KY Protocol Components

Systematic Review: KY for Cognitive Function and Memory DESIGN: Systematic review of 5 RCTs (PRISMA-compliant). Searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library (Jan 2000-Dec 2023). INCLUDED STUDIES: Eyre 2017 (n=81, MCI, KY vs MET, 12wk), Grzenda 2024 (n=79, SCD+CVRF, KY vs MET, 12wk), Ibrahim 2022 (n=11, healthy older adults, KY vs psychoeducation, 12wk), Kilpatrick 2023 (n=22, SCD+CVRF, KY vs MET, 12wk), Krause-Sorio 2022 (n=22, SCD+CVRF, KY vs MET, 12wk). QUALITY ASSESSMENT: Cochrane RoB 2; GRADE framework. Eyre 2017 low risk across all domains; other 4 studies high risk (small samples, differential dropout). KEY FINDINGS: KY consistently improved memory and executive function. Significant mood enhancements (depression, resilience). Increased hippocampal volume and better neural connectivity. Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Altered ageing-related gene expression. GRADE: Memory improvement=Moderate, Executive function=Moderate, Mood=High, Hippocampal outcomes=Moderate, Inflammatory markers=Low. NOTE: All 5 included studies are from the UCLA Lavretsky/Khalsa research program; 3 derive from same parent trial (NCT03503669). All already in our database individually.

Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
2
A2
2
B3
2
B4
2
★B5
1
B6
1
★B7
2
★B8
2
B9
2
JP1
2
Critical fails1
Raw QI0.600
SAF0.904
Adjusted QI0.542
Final ratingLow