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Yoga could help address mental health problems in prisons Yoga can improve mood and mental wellbeing among prisoners, an Oxford University study suggests, and may also have an effect on impulsive behaviour.

The researchers found that prisoners reported improved mood, reduced stress and were better at a task related to behaviour control after a 10-week yoga course than those who continued in their normal prison routine.

Dr Bilderbeck, one of the researchers from the Department of Psychiatry: "This was only a preliminary study, but nothing has been done like this before. Offering yoga sessions in prisons is cheap – much cheaper than other mental health interventions. If yoga has any effect on addressing mental health problems in prisons, it could save significant amounts of public money."

Also:

Yoga can improve mood of prisoners - Deccan Herald (India), 11/07/2013

Yoga may benefit prisoners psychologically - Times of India, 11/07/2013, via ANI

Psychological benefits for inmates doing yoga: Oxford study - Xinhua (China), 11/07/2013

Psychological benefits for inmates doing yoga: Oxford study - Shanghai Daily (China), 11/07/2013, via Xinhua

Psychological benefits for inmates doing yoga: Oxford study - Global Times (China), 11/07/2013, via Xinhua

Yoga may aid prisoners' health - ITV News online, 11/07/2013

TV: News, ITV 1 Meridian - 11/07/2013, 6.11pm

Radio: Kat Orman, BBC Radio Oxford - 11/07/2013, 2.48pm

Dr Amy Bilderbeck is interviewed about the research. (c.1:48:00 on the iPlayer clock)

Radio: Shane O’Connor, BBC Radio Coventry - 11/07/2013, 9.56am

Radio: Good Morning Scotland, BBC Radio Scotland - 11/07/2013, 7.52am

Radio: News, BBC Radio Sussex - 11/07/2013, 7.05am

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