NCT03500276

Yoga for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Impact of Yoga on Quality of Life and Markers of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 57 (actual)
• Sponsor: University Hospital Dubrava · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a yoga program based on "Yoga in daily life system" in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The investigators want to explore whether this program will improve health-related quality of life and psychological well-being in patients. In addition they want to explore its potential positive modulation of the immune system.

Detailed description

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling inflammatory disease that substantially impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients. In addition to pain, fatigue and physical disability the disease also affects psychological health. Yoga, a mind-body therapy, integrates physical exercises with relaxation and meditation. Published data suggest its beneficial effects on both physical and mental health in various chronic conditions. The true biological mechanism underlying these effects is not well known. Recent research suggests potential modulation of the immune system and inflammation-related gene expression changes. Hypothesis: Yoga program based on Yoga in daily life system has positive impact on clinical and biologic outcomes in RA patients. Aims: To determine the impact of a 12-week yoga program on measures of psychological distress, HRQOL, fatigue, pain, disease activity, levels of circulating inflammatory markers and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Materials and methods: 50 RA patients, aged 18-65 years, on stable standard pharmacological treatment will be randomly assigned to a 12-week yoga intervention (based on "Yoga in daily life system") or arthritis-education control. Self-administered questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life and psychological well-being of the patients. Blood samples will be collected for measurement of inflammatory markers and expression of a set of pro-inflammatory genes. Disease activity will be assessed by DAS28CRP score. The patients will be assessed on baseline, post-treatment and at 3 months follow-up. This research will provide information on potential efficacy of yoga program in improving physical and psychological outcomes in persons with RA and explore its influence on immunological system.

Conditions

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Yoga program	Yoga classes will be conducted 2xweekly/ 90 minutes and consist of physical exercises (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), relaxation and self-enquiry meditation based on Yoga in daily life system.
BEHAVIORAL	Arthritis-education	Arthritis-education classes will be conducted 1xweekly/ 120 minutes and led by rheumatology specialists and consist of lectures on arthritis and related issues followed by group discussion.

Timeline

• Start date: 2018-04-04
• Primary completion: 2020-04-01
• Completion: 2020-04-01
• First posted: 2018-04-18
• Last updated: 2020-05-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Croatia