A new study assessed the effectiveness of selected yoga postures in raising bone mineral density (BMD). The conclusion is that yoga raised BMD!

A ten-year study of 741 Internet-recruited volunteers comparing preyoga BMD changes with postyoga BMD changes.

They measured BMD using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometric scans. Optional radiographs of hips and spine and bone quality study (7 Tesla) were added.

The Results:

Bone mineral density improved in spine, hips, and femur of the 227 moderately and fully compliant patients. Monthly gain in BMD was significant in spine (0.0029 g/cm2, P = .005) and femur (0.00022 g/cm2, P = .053).

Importantly, no yoga-related serious injuries were imaged or reported. Bone quality appeared improved in yoga practitioners.

Conclusion:

Yoga appears to raise BMD in the spine and the femur safely.