670 Development of a Novel Web-Based Yoga, Breathing, and Meditation Site for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Multiple studies have demonstrated that patients practicing yoga-based interventions/techniques have decreased anxiety and depression, increased self-efficacy and improved quality of life. This has included prior work with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We developed novel videos and an educational website about yoga and breathing techniques which allows patients to perform these exercises on their own. METHODS: We worked with a certified yoga instructor and professional film crew to develop an online set of yoga, breathing and meditation exercises for those with digestive illnesses (IBDyoga.com) (Figure 1). The exercises are embedded in a non-profit foundation website and also available YouTube since Sept 2017. The website was promoted directly to patients in clinic, through group educational seminars and via social media. The site also features a voluntary survey regarding yoga and IBD. We report the outcome of these efforts. RESULTS: From Sept 2017 to June 2019, the Yoga Active Practice, Yoga Restorative Practice, and Breathing Exercises videos posted to YouTube received 4957, 1298, and 614 views respectively with mean view duration 9:25 min, 5:26 min, and 1:37 min, respectively. IBDyoga.com received 1900 unique pageviews with 692 returning users and a mean time on page of 2 min. 26 visitors completed our survey, 30% of whom were in self-described clinical remission from IBD and 70% with active IBD symptoms. 27% reported that they were new to yoga/meditation, 27% reported that they tried yoga/meditation techniques in the past, and 46% were experienced in these techniques. 81% of new to yoga/breathing/meditation reported as IBD symptomatic. 59% of total responders reported more energy, 77% reported better mood, and 67% reported less anxiety, while in symptomatic responders, 71% reported more energy and better mood, and 69% reported less anxiety. There were not significant differences between symptomatic and non-symptomatic visitors to IBDyoga.com with IBD. CONCLUSION: These novel yoga, meditation and breathing videos and resources for patients with chronic illness have attracted over 8900 views in the past 20 months. At IBDyoga.com, most of the users reported active IBD symptoms, and of those who completed the exercises, most reported having more energy, better mood and less anxiety. Additional work to promote this resource and study its potential benefits is ongoing.