/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 43 Yoga and Cellular Aging A 2017 s... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Yoga and Cellular Aging A 2017 study explored the impact of Yoga and Meditation based Lifestyle Intervention (YMLI) on cellular aging in healthy individuals (Tohlahunase et al. 2017). Ninety-six healthy individuals were enrolled in the 12-week YMLI course, which consisted of yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Participants attended YMLI for as a group for two weeks, 5 days per week. After the initial two-week period, participants did the program individually at home. Participation was monitored through the maintenance of a diary and telephone contact. After 12 weeks, researchers found significant improvement in biomarkers of cellular aging and longevity among participants. Does this study show that YMLI causes improvement in biomarkers of cellular aging and leads to increased longevity? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, the study doesn't definitively establish that YMLI causes improvement in biomarkers of cellular aging and leads to increased longevity. While a correlation between YMLI and the improvements was observed, the study doesn't provide concrete evidence of YMLI being the direct cause. Potential confounding variables not accounted for in the study could also be influencing the documented improvements.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the structure of the study and the correlation observed

In the study, 96 healthy individuals participated in a 12-week YMLI program. After the program, researchers found improvement in biomarkers of cellular aging and longevity. The cellular aging and longevity improvements are however, a correlation observed with the conducting of the YMLI program.
02

Distinguish between correlation and causation

Just because YMLI and biomarker improvement took place concurrently, it doesn't indicate causation. While the YMLI program may have influenced these improvements, there could be other factors at play. This implies that despite having a strong correlation, there is no concrete evidence from the details provided that YMLI is the direct cause of the improvements.
03

Assess the nature of the study

This is an observational study where the individuals carrying out the YMLI and their health improvements post-program have been observed. In such studies, it is hard to definitively determine the cause-effect relationships, as there could be uncontrolled variables affecting the observed outcome.
04

Consider possible confounding variables

There may be confounding variables unaccounted for in the results of this study. Such variables could be individual genetic factors, other lifestyle habits of the participants, their diet, etc. Without knowing such variables and exploring their impacts, it wouldn’t be fair to confirm YMLI as the sole cause of improved biomarkers and resultant longevity.

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