Author(s): ZOILA, F., FILANNINO, F.M., DE STEFANO, M.I., SIMEONE, P., CAGNETTA, D., PANARO, M.A., PORRO, C. , Institution: UNIVERSITY OF FOGGIA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 512

INTRODUCTION:
Bikram yoga, a standardized form of hot yoga, has gained popularity as a low-impact exercise modality. However, longitudinal evidence on its effects across different age groups of women remains limited. Given that obesity and metabolic syndrome affect over 40% of adult women, there is a need for sustainable interventions capable of managing adiposity-related risks. This study investigated changes in body fat percentage (%BF) induced by a six-month Bikram yoga program in adult women, examining age-related responses and clinical relevance.
METHODS:
Twenty-two healthy women (aged 20-65 years) participated in a structured intervention (three 90-minute sessions/week, 40 degrees C, 40% humidity) for six months. Participants were stratified into three groups: A (20-35y, n=8), B (36 - 50y, n=9), and C (51 - 65y, n=5). Anthropometric assessments (8 skinfolds and 5 circumferences, following ISAK protocols) were conducted at baseline (T0), 45 days (T1), 90 days (T2), and 6 months (T3). %BF was estimated using 11 validated equations integrated into the Exercise Science Toolkit to ensure methodological robustness.
RESULTS:
A significant and progressive reduction in %BF was observed across the entire sample: -3.71% at T1 (p < 0.05) and -6.17% at T3 (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Positive outcomes were consistent across all age groups: A (-6.62%, p < 0.01), B (-5.96%, p < 0.05), and C (5.39%, p < 0.05). inter-individual variability (SD) decreased from 5.63 to 5.20, indicating a homogeneous adaptation. Younger cohorts showed a greater magnitude of change, while older participants demonstrated stable, consistent improvements. No participants showed an increase in %BF during the study period.
CONCLUSION:
The significant reduction in %BF observed (-6.17%) is particularly noteworthy as it exceeds the 5% threshold typically associated with clinically meaningful improvements in metabolic risk factors. These findings suggest that the metabolic demand of Bikram yoga practice provides a sufficient stimulus for adipose tissue reduction without the need for high-impact loading. The decrease in inter-subject variability suggests that the standardized nature of Bikram yoga produces consistent physiological adaptations regardless of the initial age or fitness level. This is crucial for public health, as it demonstrates that even older populations (Group C) can achieve significant improvements in body composition. In conclusion, regular Bikram yoga practice represents an effective, low-impact non-pharmacological strategy for obesity management, health promotion, and the support of active aging across the female lifespan.