Yoga-Based Lifestyle Intervention as a Potential Adjuvant in Addressing Anxiety, Fear, Depression, and Perceived Health in Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Patients. A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has led to a serious public health crisis that has affected both physical and mental health. As we are racing toward a solution for containing the virus, there is a profound need to address the mental health impact of COVID-19 such as anxiety, stress, and depression. The present study evaluates the impact of yoga on mental health issues arising in COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Patients who are diagnosed as COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction and graded as mild-to-moderate COVID-19 as per the ICMR criteria were enrolled for adjuvant yoga and naturopathy-based lifestyle modification, which includes postures, breath regulation, meditation, and eucalyptus essential oil inhalation for 14 days. SpO2 (saturated oxygen) and anxiety, stress, depression, fear, and health were assessed through the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) at baseline (day 1 of admission) and 7th day, as well as visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 7th and 14th day. Results: Statistically significant changes reduction were observed in DASS-21 scores and VAS scores (P < 0.05) but not on SpO2. Slight increase in mean anxiety, depth of fear, sleep disturbance, and health status was observed in VAS between 7th and 14th day, which was statistically nonsignificant. Discussion: Supervised yoga sessions are reported to be of significant impact in alleviating the mental health issues in COVID-19 compared to nonsupervised sessions. Our results suggest the inclusion of yoga therapy into COVID-19 care as an adjuvant considering its impact on mental health. However, future randomized control trials are warranted with more specific end points to ensure enhanced acceptance of yoga in scientific community.