Yoga Program Research Articles

The Effects of Long-term Yoga Program on Blood Pressure and Physical Fitness of Older Adults with Stage 1 Hypertension

The Effects of Long-term Yoga Program on Blood Pressure and Physical Fitness of Older Adults with Stage 1 Hypertension

Effects of 8-week Structured Yoga Program on Anxiety and Depression among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of 8-week Structured Yoga Program on Anxiety and Depression among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Development and Validation of Yoga Program for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread health issue impacting millions globally. Recognizing the potential benefits of yoga in enhancing physical and mental well-being, this research aims to develop and validate a yoga module tailored for CKD patients, with a specific focus on improving their general health. The yoga module was meticulously crafted through an extensive review of traditional and contemporary literature, incorporating postures, breathing techniques and meditation practices deemed safe and beneficial for CKD patients. Content validity was established through input yoga experts with over 7 years of experience. The study spanned from January 2020 to December 2021. The final version of the yoga module retained 83.33% of the proposed yoga techniques, incorporating modifications suggested by experts. The content validity index for the entire yoga module averaged 0.83. This work establishes the viability, validity and practicality of a yoga module designed for CKD patients. With 35 out of 42 items retained, the module exhibited significant health improvements after 12 weeks of practice. The findings position yoga therapy as a potentially effective complementary treatment for CKD patients, offering improvements in general health and quality of life and potentially slowing disease progression.

Effectiveness of a 12-week combining tai chi and yoga program on pulmonary function and functional fitness in COPD patients

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers due to its progressive nature and adverse impact on respiratory function and quality of life (QoL). While pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of non-pharmacological COPD management, additional interventions are needed to address patients' diverse needs and preferences. AimThis study investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and QoL in older males diagnosed with COPD. MethodsTwenty-four male COPD patients (age: 70 ± 6 years) with moderate to severe disease were recruited and randomized into the TY combining group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at week 12, including pulmonary function tests, quality of life measures, dyspnea, and fatigue. Functional fitness tests were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. ResultsThe TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over the 12-week intervention period. Notably, improvements in functional fitness parameters were observed after just four weeks of training, emphasizing the rapid benefits of the intervention. Moreover, the program exhibited high safety and feasibility, with no reported complications. ConclusionThe 12-week TY combining program represents a safe, feasible, and effective adjunctive therapy for COPD management in older male patients. By addressing multiple dimensions of health and functioning, including pulmonary and cardiovascular health, functional fitness, and quality of life, this holistic approach holds promise for optimizing outcomes in COPD patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of video assisted teaching program of pranayama on selected physiological parameters among patients with COPD

BACKGROUND: According to research on the global burden of illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to rank third globally in terms of cause of mortality in the first 20 years of the 20th century and fifth in terms of major cause of impairment. A thorough yoga program can enhance general well-being and respiratory function, which will improve a person’s capacity to complete daily chores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One group pretest and posttest design in a quasi-experimental study was applied. Collected 50 samples by usingnon-probability sampling method to collect data with the help of tool prepared by researcher. The present study was conducted from April 2022 to June 2023. Analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: The comparison of pretest and posttest physiological parameters of COPD patients. At the 5% significant level, The Student’s paired “t” test is employed, and the mean, standard deviation, and mean difference values are compared. For n = 50-1, or 4 degrees of freedom, the value was 2.00. At the 5% level of significance — a statistically acceptable level of significance — the computed oxygen saturation “t” value, or 29.69, the heart rate (7.16), respiratory rate (16.50), diastolic blood pressure (3.77), and walking distance (15.23), are all significantly greater than the value for general physiological parameters. Thus, the H1 is accepted for oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and distance in walking. CONCLUSION: Moreover, the study findings highlight the need for ongoing education and outreach efforts to continue improving the health status of COPD patients. This paragraph say that the pranayama is effective in patient with COPD as it help in manageing the illnes and also to improve the lifestyle and also help to im prove the health status of the patient having any other illnesses. In addition, the Compassion of Pranayama and Yoga Pranayama shown effectiveness in daily lifestyle.

Telehealth yoga program for older adults in rural Wisconsin: intervention development and process outcomes

Although yoga improves physical functioning, balance, and quality of life in older adults, rural residents are less likely to participate due to issues related to availability, access, and beliefs regarding yoga practice. To address these barriers, we worked with community partners to adapt a yoga program designed for older adults for telehealth delivery. In this report, intervention development and process outcomes are presented. Community collaborators identified strategies to recruit and retain older adults and suggested modifications required to maximize the adoption and maintenance of a telehealth exercise program by local community organizations. Four rural serving organizations evaluated the program, with participants assigned to a first or second offering. Process measures collected at post-intervention supplemented program evaluation measures collected pre- and post-intervention. The adapted 8-week program consisted of two weekly group sessions delivered over videoconferencing software. Of 48 enrolled participants, 83% completed the program. Participants were on average 72.6 (SD=6) years old, majority white (98%), female (85.7%), and attended some college (92%). Most were satisfied with the telehealth delivery, program content, and yoga instructor with mixed results regarding logistical issues such as program length and duration. Community organizations similar to those that will ultimately disseminate the program, yoga teachers, and older adults were engaged to maximize the feasibility of this telehealth exercise program. The program appeared to be safe and acceptable, indicating telehealth may be a strategy to increase access to yoga programs for rural-dwelling older adults. Lessons learned will inform future telehealth iterations of this and similar exercise programming.

Effects of Service Quality Factors of Yoga Clubs In Senior Welfare Centers On Customer Satisfaction and Revisit Intention

This study aimed to analyze the effects of service quality factors of yoga clubs in senior welfare centers on customer satisfaction and revisit intention. An online survey was performed from May 1 to 15, 2023, targeting the elderly aged 60 and older. This study utilized 182 valid copies from 190 participants experienced in silver yoga at five senior welfare centers in Korea. This study confirmed that women in their 60s, mainly from middle-class families, participated in silver yoga programs in senior welfare centers, and that they had been participating in yoga for less than a year, spent less than an hour per session, and attended two to three times per week. Also, the service quality factors that could affect the customer satisfaction of subjects participating in silver yoga classes were confirmed in the following order: health & hygiene (β=.361, p<.001), tangibles (β=.293, p=.001), and intangibles (β=.272, p=.007). Furthermore, health & hygiene (β=.593, p=.001) and tangibles (β=.421, p<.001) had a significant effect on revisit intention, but tangibles (β=.091, p=.442) did not. Customer satisfaction had a significant effect on revisit intention (β=.891, p<.001). The study identified that health & hygiene, and tangibles impact both customer satisfaction and revisit intention significantly, while intangibles affect revisit intention indirectly through customer satisfaction.

Mental Health and Yoga in Prisons

Prison environments pose substantial health risks and may adversely affect the health and wellbeing of both prisoners and staff. Drawing extensively from international literature across several disciplines and supported by empirical data, this article presents a multidisciplinary study that focuses on mental health in prison settings and examines unconventional healthcare interventions, using yoga and meditation as a case study. Despite compelling research suggesting overall positive outcomes, the idea of yoga in prisons is not fully integrated into criminal justice policy and practice, and there are gaps in prison yoga research. Recognising the multifaceted roles of yoga within correctional institutions, this article specifically explores the impact of yoga on improving the mental health of incarcerated individuals and prison personnel. The primary aim is to raise awareness about mental health challenges in prisons and underscore the healthcare benefits of implementing prison yoga programmes. Accordingly, the article provides an overview of mental health issues in prisons, assesses the potential benefits and mechanisms of yoga and meditation as alternative mental healthcare methods and explores the barriers to integrating these practices into prison healthcare. It advocates for yoga and similar practices as viable mental healthcare alternatives for both prisoners and prison staff. The article's analysis contributes to a preliminary framework for policymakers, prison managers, staff, and scholars seeking to enhance mental health outcomes in penal facilities.

Co-creating a yoga program for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer: a consensus study

PurposeYoga may be uniquely suited to address bio-psycho-social concerns among adults with gynecologic cancer because it can be tailored to individuals’ needs and can help shift focus inward towards self-reflection, body appreciation, and gratitude. This study describes the collaborative process guided by the Knowledge-to-Action framework used to develop a yoga program for adults diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and inform a feasibility trial.MethodsIn 3 collaborative phases, yoga instructors and women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer formulated recommendations for a yoga program and evaluated the co-created program.ResultsThe program proposed is 12 weeks in length and offers two 60-min group-based Hatha yoga classes/week to five to seven participants/class, online or in person, with optional supplemental features. Overall, participants deemed the co-created program and instructor guidebook to be reflective of their needs and preferences, though they provided feedback to refine the compatibility, performability, accessibility, risk precautions, and value of the program as well as the instructor guidebook.ConclusionThe feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of the program are being assessed in an ongoing feasibility trial. If deemed feasible and acceptable, and the potential for enhancing patient-reported outcomes is observed, further investigation will focus on larger-scale trials to determine its value for broader implementation.

Online yoga programme for resident physicians in Québec: an evaluation of feasibility and impact on mental health

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of the Bali Yoga Programme for Residents (PYB-R), an 8-week virtual yoga-based intervention and determine its impact on the mental health of resident physicians.DesignSingle-group repeated measures...

Piloting a Virtual Yoga and Mindfulness Program for Juvenile Court Involved Youth.

Juvenile court-involved youth (JCIY) face unique psychosocial challenges, with a higher prevalence of mental health concerns and substance use disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, prompting a need for interventions that address trauma and discrimination experienced by this vulnerable population that could be delivered virtually during the pandemic. This study describes implementation and evaluation of a Raja yoga and mindfulness program among JCIY, with particular attention to barriers and facilitators to participation to inform next steps in this work. The nine-session program aimed to promote mindfulness practices, build coping skills, and address elements of JCIY's emotional health and well-being. Despite challenges in participant retention, participants expressed intent to use skills they learned in the future. Challenges related to implementation included technological barriers, staff turnover, and competing responsibilities; abrupt closure of the county juvenile detention center further strained resources. Successes included providing real-time resources during the early pandemic stages and building relationships between program facilitators and juvenile court staff. Involving youth and court personnel in program design and evaluation, adopting implementation science approaches to refine program delivery, and developing tailored support systems for JCIY are among the key lessons learned. Given the many structural inequities that make JCIY more vulnerable to poor health outcomes, insights may inform broader efforts to improve receipt of relevant services and programs to enhance their well-being, including use of virtual modalities.

Can Trauma-Informed Yoga Center Intersectional Feminist Praxis? The Case of a UK Community Yoga Organization.

This article discusses the tensions around trauma-informed narratives and mind-body practices, which may obscure social inequalities. We present the evaluation of community yoga programs and explore how trauma-informed yoga can be part of the healing process of women subject to interlocking systems of oppression. The study showed how the sociocultural location of participants shaped their engagement with normative yoga discourses and practices. Yoga was perceived as a practice that improved the sense of healing and well-being, and created relational spaces during COVID-19. The article also discusses the value of embodied self-inquiry as an intersectional feminist tool for researchers and practitioners.

Chair-based yoga programme for older adults with multimorbidity: RCT with embedded economic and process evaluations.

Older adults with multimorbidity experience impaired health-related quality of life and treatment burden. Yoga has the potential to improve several aspects of health and well-being. The British Wheel of Yoga's Gentle Years Yoga© programme was developed specifically for older adults, including those with chronic conditions. A pilot trial demonstrated feasibility of using Gentle Years Yoga in this population, but there was limited evidence of its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Gentle Years Yoga programme in addition to usual care versus usual care alone in older adults with multimorbidity. Pragmatic, multisite, individually randomised controlled trial with embedded economic and process evaluations. Participants were recruited from 15 general practices in England and Wales from July 2019 with final follow-up in October 2022. Community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and over with multimorbidity, defined as two or more chronic health conditions from a predefined list. All participants continued with any usual care provided by primary, secondary, community and social services. The intervention group was offered a 12-week programme of Gentle Years Yoga. The primary outcome and end point were health-related quality of life measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version utility index score over 12 months. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, loneliness, incidence of falls, adverse events and healthcare resource use. The mean age of the 454 randomised participants was 73.5 years; 60.6% were female, and participants had a median of three chronic conditions. The primary analysis included 422 participants (intervention, n = 227 of 240, 94.6%; usual care, n = 195 of 214, 91.1%). There was no statistically or clinically significant difference in the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version utility index score over 12 months: the predicted mean score for the intervention group was 0.729 (95% confidence interval 0.712 to 0.747) and for usual care it was 0.710 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.691 to 0.729], with an adjusted mean difference of 0.020 favouring intervention (95% CI -0.006 to 0.045, p = 0.14). No statistically significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes, except for the pain items of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29. No serious, related adverse events were reported. The intervention cost £80.85 more per participant (95% CI £76.73 to £84.97) than usual care, generated an additional 0.0178 quality-adjusted life-years per participant (95% CI 0.0175 to 0.0180) and had a 79% probability of being cost-effective at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. The intervention was acceptable to participants, with seven courses delivered face to face and 12 online. Self-reported outcome data raise the potential for bias in an unblinded trial. The COVID-19 pandemic affected recruitment, follow-up and the mode of intervention delivery. Although the Gentle Years Yoga programme was not associated with any statistically significant benefits in terms of health-related quality of life, mental health, loneliness or falls, the intervention was safe, acceptable to most participants and highly valued by some. The economic evaluation suggests that the intervention could be cost-effective. Longer-term cost-effectiveness modelling and identifying subgroups of people who are most likely to benefit from this type of intervention. This trial is registered as ISRCTN13567538. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 17/94/36) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 53. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Effectiveness of yoga intervention on depression, stress, and sleep quality in IT professionals with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is prevalent among IT professionals and often accompanied by psychological symptoms such as depression, stress, and sleep disturbances. While conventional treatments primarily target pain management, holistic approaches like yoga show promising results in addressing both physical and psychosomatic factors. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess the impact of a yoga intervention on depression, stress, and sleep quality in IT professionals with CLBP. A total of 83 IT professionals with CLBP were randomly allocated to either a yoga (n = 40) intervention group or a control group (n = 40) receiving standard care. The intervention group underwent a structured yoga program tailored for CLBP, while the control group followed a standard care protocol. Outcome measures, including pain intensity, depression levels, perceived stress, and sleep quality, were assessed using validated standard questionnaires. Preliminary analysis reveals significant enhancements in the yoga intervention group compared to the control group. Specifically, participants in the yoga group reported a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity (p < 0.05), along with notable decreases in depression scores (p < 0.05), anxiety score (p < 0.05), and stress levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, the yoga intervention group demonstrated enhanced sleep quality (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. This RCT provides compelling evidence for the efficacy of yoga as an adjunctive therapy for CLBP management in IT professionals. The findings emphasize the potential of yoga in alleviating both physical and psychological symptoms associated with CLBP. Healthcare providers may consider incorporating yoga into treatment programs for CLBP in IT professionals to optimize outcomes and enhance overall well-being. Moreover, these results emphasize the importance of holistic interventions in addressing the complex nature of CLBP in the workplace.

Yoga intervention for colorectal cancer survivors: a qualitative study exploring participants’ expectations and experiences

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors often struggle with side effects following treatment such as reduced quality of life, fatigue and psychological distress and need therefore efficient comprehensive interventions. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore CRC survivors’ expectations before the yoga intervention as well as their unique experiences beyond those reported with standard questionnaires. Methods Interpretative phenomenological approach was used in this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after a 10-week yoga program (90 min once a week, Hatha Yoga) with CRC survivors enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Thematic analysis was used to uncover themes present in participants’ accounts. Results Nine patients participated in the interviews, mean interview duration was 27.49 min (SD = 7.71) before and 38.41 min (SD = 15.93) after the intervention. Our analysis identified following themes: (1) representations and expectations from the yoga intervention; (2) course structure and implementation; (3) perceptions and effects of the intervention; (4) differences between the study yoga intervention and other physical activities. The superordinate theme regarding effects of intervention included aspects of intervention at multiple levels such as emotional, physical, behavioral and spiritual. Conclusions This qualitative study provides valuable insight regarding CRC survivors’ expectations and experiences following a 10-week yoga intervention. While expectations varied from skepticism to specific symptom improvement, the majority of participants had a positive, open attitude towards yoga. Consistent with participants’ experiences, yoga may represent a promising intervention for CRC survivors if the groups’ specific concerns are taken into account.

Improved Sympathetic Activity With Short-Term Effects of Yoga in Young Adults.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the heart rate variability (HRV) transition after a single yoga program. Participants were 22 females who were healthy university students and had never practiced yoga before. They practiced yoga while recording their HRV. Heart rate (HR), high frequency (HF; 0.15-0.4Hz) as parasympathetic and low frequency (LF; 0.04-0.15Hz) components were extracted, and then the LF/HF ratio as sympathetic and normalized units of HF HFnu = HF/(LF + HF) as parasympathetic modulation in autonomic activity were calculated. HR and HRV indices after yoga were divided into four 5-minute periods (after 5, 10, 15, and 20minutes) and compared before yoga. HR and LF/HF at all periods after yoga were significantly lower than before yoga (P <.01, all). HF after yoga was not significantly changed, but HFnu after 5, 10, and 15minutes was significantly higher than before yoga (P <.01, <.01, and =.02, respectively). The short-term effects of yoga on HRV implied a decrease in sympathetic modulation and a relative increase in parasympathetic modulation. Therefore, yoga may be used as a fast-acting alternative therapy to significantly improve sympathetic activity.

Efficacy of a Therapeutic Pelvic Yoga Program Versus a Physical Conditioning Program on Urinary Incontinence in Women : A Randomized Trial.

Pelvic floor yoga has been recommended as a complementary treatment strategy for urinary incontinence (UI) in women, but evidence of its efficacy is lacking. To evaluate the effects of a therapeutic pelvic floor yoga program versus a nonspecific physical conditioning program on UI in women. Randomized trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03672461). Three study sites in California, United States. Ambulatory women aged 45 years or older reporting daily urgency-, stress-, or mixed-type UI. Twelve-week program of twice-weekly group instruction and once-weekly self-directed practice of pelvic floor-specific Hatha yoga techniques (pelvic yoga) versus equivalent-time instruction and practice of general skeletal muscle stretching and strengthening exercises (physical conditioning). Total and type-specific UI frequency assessed by 3-day voiding diaries. Among the 240 randomly assigned women (age range, 45 to 90 years), mean baseline UI frequency was 3.4 episodes per day (SD, 2.2), including 1.9 urgency-type episodes per day (SD, 1.9) and 1.4 stress-type episodes per day (SD, 1.7). Over a 12-week time period, total UI frequency (primary outcome) decreased by an average of 2.3 episodes per day with pelvic yoga and 1.9 episodes per day with physical conditioning (between-group difference of -0.3 episodes per day [95% CI, -0.7 to 0.0]). Urgency-type UI frequency decreased by 1.2 episodes per day in the pelvic yoga group and 1.0 episode per day in the physical conditioning group (between-group difference of -0.3 episodes per day [CI, -0.5 to 0.0]). Reductions in stress-type UI frequency did not differ between groups (-0.1 episodes per day [CI, -0.3 to 0.3]). No comparison to no treatment or other clinical UI treatments; conversion to videoconference-based intervention instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 12-week pelvic yoga program was not superior to a general muscle stretching and strengthening program in reducing clinically important UI in midlife and older women with daily UI. National Institutes of Health.

Modified yoga program for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background and objectivesHemodialysis is a life-saving treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Dialysis patients have a variety of physical and psychological side effects that significantly lower their quality of life. Yoga demonstrated to significantly improve Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients' physical and psychological symptoms. The current study evaluates the impact of Yoga on the renal, cardiac, and psychological health of hemodialysis-dependent individuals with CKD. Methods and analysisEighty ESRD patients with CKD stage-5 undergoing dialysis will be recruited for the study. 40 people in each group will be randomly assigned to the yoga and wait-list control groups. A modified sixty-minute yoga program will be given to the yoga group as an intervention in addition to the standard treatments (medication and hemodialysis). The wait-list control group's standard treatments will continue. Data will be collected at baseline, the end of the first month, the third month, and six months. The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is the primary variable. Secondary variables include renal function tests, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and subjective variables obtained through questionnaires (pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, symptom score, sleep quality, and Quality of Life). Data will be analyzed with appropriate statistical tests after normality checks. The current study results could underscore the need for a patient-centered, holistic approach in hospital care that takes into account individual health dimensions. Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of S-VYASA Deemed to be University. Voluntary participation and a written consent form will be obtained prior to the inclusion of participants. The findings of the study will be disseminated through research articles and conferences. Trial registration numberCTRI/2021/11/038244 at Clinical Trial Registry of India.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of offering a chair-based yoga programme in addition to usual care in older adults with multiple long-term conditions: a pragmatic, parallel group, open label, randomised controlled trial

Background People with multiple long-term conditions are more likely to have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Yoga has the potential to improve HRQOL. Gentle Years Yoga© (GYY) is a chair-based yoga programme for older adults. We investigated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the GYY programme in older adults with multiple long-term conditions. Methods In this pragmatic, multi-site, open, randomised controlled trial, we recruited adults aged ≥65 years with ≥2 long-term conditions from 15 primary care practices in England and Wales. Participants were randomly assigned to usual care control or a 12-week, group-based, GYY programme delivered face-to-face or online by qualified yoga teachers. The primary outcome was HRQOL (EQ-5D-5L) over 12 months. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression, falls, loneliness, healthcare resource use, and adverse events. Results Between October 2019 and October 2021, 454 participants were randomised between the intervention (n=240) and control (n=214) groups. Seven GYY courses were delivered face-to-face and 12 courses were delivered online. The mean number of classes attended among all intervention participants was nine (SD 4, median 10). In our intention-to-treat analysis (n=422), there was no statistically significant difference between trial groups in the primary outcome of HRQOL (adjusted difference in mean EQ-5D-5L = 0.020 [favouring intervention]; 95% CI -0.006 to 0.045, p=0.14). There were also no statistically significant differences in key secondary outcomes. No serious, related adverse events were reported. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £4,546 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and the intervention had a 79% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000 per QALY. The intervention was acceptable to most participants and perceived as useful by some. Conclusions The offer of a 12-week chair-based yoga programme in addition to usual care did not improve HRQOL in older adults with multiple long-term conditions. However, the intervention was safe, acceptable, and probably cost-effective.

Effects of a tailor-made yoga program on upper limb function and sleep quality in women with breast cancer: A pilot randomized controlled trial

PurposeUpper limb dysfunction and sleep disturbance are common and serious health problems in women with breast cancer. Yoga is a mind-body intervention which is shown to improve physical and psychological health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a tailor-made yoga program on upper limb function and sleep quality in women with breast cancer. MethodsA pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design was used. Participants were randomly allocated to either the yoga intervention group (YG; eight weekly 60-min group-based yoga sessions) or the wait-list control group (CG). The primary outcome measures were upper limb function and sleep quality, which were assessed by the self-reported questionnaires – the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. The secondary outcome measures were upper limb muscle strength and mobility, heart rate variability (HRV), anxiety and depression, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. All participants underwent assessment at four time-points (baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up). The effectiveness of the intervention was tested by two-way mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of covariance. ResultsFor the primary outcomes, there was no significant between-group difference in the upper limb function. The YG demonstrated significantly shorter sleep latency and higher HRV, and less sleep disturbance than the CG at post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up, respectively. For the secondary outcomes, the YG demonstrated significantly improved shoulder muscle strength and arm symptoms compared to the CG from mid-intervention until the 1-month follow-up. ConclusionThis pilot trial revealed that the yoga program was feasible to be implemented for women with primary stage breast cancer. Although yoga was not found to be effective in improving the upper limb function, it improved sleep latency, HRV, shoulder muscle strength and arm symptoms of women with breast cancer.