Yoga Research 101 - The Basics of Yoga Research for Therapists, Instructors, and New Investigators

Research Design Basics
Robert Saper, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Boston University
Dr. Saper will overview the types of research design from case reports to randomized clinical trials, the value and selection of control groups and conditions, and the development and implementation of reproducible yoga therapy protocols relevant for research studies.

Documentation, Evaluation and Measurement
Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Behavioral Science
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Cohen will discuss the basics of research evaluation, from proper documentation of individual clinical encounters to individual and group application of quantitative and qualitative outcome measures including questionnaires, interview methods, biochemical assays and physiological assessments.

Reading and Interpreting the Research Literature
Kim Innes, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Community Medicine
West Virginia University
Dr. Innes will review the access and interpretation of previously published yoga research literature, including how to find research publications and how to read, interpret and critically evaluate published research studies and research reviews.

Funding, Collaboration and Administration
Sat Bir S. Khalsa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Khalsa will present information on the basic administrative requirements for research projects including a review of sources of funding, how to put together a research team with the necessary expertise, skills and resources and issues in human research ethics and protections.