NCT06947434

Laughter Yoga for Improving Sexual Function and Psychosocial Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis

Effects of Laughter Yoga on Sexual Functioning, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 26 (actual)
• Sponsor: Istanbul University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether laughter yoga can improve sexual functioning and reduce psychological symptoms in adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does laughter yoga improve sexual functioning in individuals with MS? Does laughter yoga reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and improve quality of life in this population? Participants will: Attend 10 online laughter yoga sessions over 5 weeks (2 sessions per week, 40 minutes each) Complete online questionnaires before, during, and after the intervention to assess sexual functioning, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life

Detailed description

This quasi-experimental study investigates the effectiveness of laughter yoga in improving sexual functioning and psychosocial outcomes in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Laughter yoga is a behavioral intervention combining voluntary laughter with yogic breathing techniques, aiming to enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress-related symptoms. The study includes three assessment points: baseline (pretest), five weeks after the baseline (pre-intervention), and post-intervention. The intervention consists of 10 structured laughter yoga sessions conducted via Zoom over a 5-week period. Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes rhythmic clapping, deep breathing exercises, playful activities, and simulated laughter practices guided by a certified laughter yoga facilitator. Validated self-report instruments are used to assess sexual functioning, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life. The study specifically targets individuals with MS who report sexual problems and experience mild to moderate psychological symptoms. The primary aim is to determine the effect of laughter yoga on sexual functioning (measured by MSISQ-19). Secondary outcomes include changes in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. This study seeks to explore laughter yoga as a feasible, non-pharmacological, and low-cost approach to improving multidimensional well-being in MS patients.

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Sexual Dysfunction

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Laughter Yoga	Laughter yoga is a behavioral intervention that combines intentional laughter exercises with yogic breathing techniques. In this study, the intervention consisted of 10 sessions delivered over five weeks (two sessions per week), each lasting approximately 40 minutes. Sessions were conducted live via Zoom and included components such as rhythmic clapping, deep breathing (pranayama), playful movements, and guided laughter exercises. The aim was to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance psychological well-being in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-03-01
• Primary completion: 2023-03-01
• Completion: 2024-03-01
• First posted: 2025-04-27
• Last updated: 2025-04-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)