ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and has ability to mutate into newer, more contagious, and lethal strains. Moreover, presence of comorbidities and low immunity increases the COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Thus, COVID-19 is challenging to treat and eradicate globally. This increase stress and anxiety among the patients, worsening their condition. Even health care workers (HCWs) are distressed and anxious while managing the COVID-19. Mental stress and depression increases risk of COVID-19. Yogic breathing techniques may be beneficial in improving immunity and reducing stress and anxiety. The present study investigated the effectiveness of short and controlled Yoga-based breathing protocols in COVID-positive, COVID-recovered and HCWs. Study subjects were recruited from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India from 13th October, 2020 to 7th January 2021. Each group was randomly divided into intervention or yoga group and non-intervention or control group. COVID-positive practiced a 5-min routine and COVID-recovered and HCW practiced 5-min and 18-min routines for 15 days. Pre-post estimation of neuropsychological parameters and heart rate variability and baseline, 7th and 15th day estimation of biochemical parameters, 6-minute walk and 1-minute sit-stand tests were conducted. Based on Ayurveda, Prakriti-type was assessed. WBC count was elevated in COVID-positive intervention (p<0.001) and control groups (p=0.003). WBC count (p=0.002) and D-dimer (p=0.002) was decreased in COVID-recovered intervention. A non-significant reduction in perceived stress and tension was noted in COVID-positive intervention. Tension was reduced and quality of life improved in HCW intervention (p>0.05). The Kapha Prakriti (48.9 %) was dominant among COVID-19 infected (positive and recovered) subjects. Distance covered in 6-min increased after intervention in COVID-positive (p=0.01) and HCW (p=0.002). The covered distance was more after intervention in all groups than control sub-group. COVID-positive intervention group shows reduced heart rate (p>0.05) and high-frequency power (p=0.01). The interventions were capable of improving exercise capacity in patients and HCW and reduced cardiovascular risk in COVID-19. The studied breathing protocol can be integrated for the management of COVID-19 and is beneficial to HCWs.
ABSTRACT
Methods: This is a six-week, waitlisted, Randomized Controlled Trial where participants are referred to study team by physicians at the BIDMC COVID clinic. Consenting participants are blindly randomized into either the intervention group or the waitlisted control. Intervention group participants learn the practices in the first week while waitlisted participants receive the intervention at the third week. Assessments evaluating changes in stress (Perceived Stress Scale), mood disturbance (Profile of Mood States), quality of life (SF-12), breathing discomfort (Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile) and physical symptoms (Somatic Symptoms Scale) were collected at 3 timepoints for both groups. Results: Currently, 57 participants are enrolled, of which 17 completed the study. Of the 17 completed participants, 88% routinely practiced Isha Kriya, 82% Simha Kriya & 94% Nadi Shuddhi. Average overall study satisfaction was reported as 7.6 on a scale on 1-10. Testimonials suggest that the intervention has been useful in managing symptoms. Data collection is ongoing. Background: Of those that are diagnosed with COVID-19, 10- 20% experience Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS), where they continue to have symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, brain fog, stress, anxiety, and depression for months post-infection. Simha Kriya, Nadi Shuddhi, and Isha Kriya are yogic breathing and guided meditation practices that help maintain physical and mental wellbeing and reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue.We hypothesized that these simple, safe, and scalable online practices may hold significant potential to improve the quality of life of PCS patients. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first RCT to study the feasibility of a multicomponent, online delivered yogic practices for PCS. Results from this study will provide a better understanding of the impact of complementary treatments on PCS symptoms. The protocol for this study (2021P000552) was approved by BIDMC's IRB. This trial (NCT05139979) was registered with US NIH on clinicaltrails.gov. There were no conflicts of interest.
ABSTRACT
Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled consenting participants registered for the Inner Engineering Completion Online (IECO) courses, which for the first time were delivered remotely. Participants learned a 21-minute breathing and meditation practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. Each enrolled participant was asked to complete self-reported electronic surveys at three key time points: baseline, immediate post-IECO completion and six weeks after IECO completion. Effects of IECO practice were assessed using four well-validated neuropsychological scales: Perceived Stress Score (PSS), PERMA Profiler, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). A Signed Rank test was used to analyze the survey data and P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 375 participants interested in participation, 164 participants were eligible. Sixty-eight participants completed surveys at all time points and were identified as compliant participants. The baseline median score for perceived stress score (PSS) in compliant participants was 13 (IQR 9, 18);immediate post-IECO median PSS score was 11.5 (IQR 8, 16) demonstrating a 1.5 unit decrease in PSS scores (p-value = 0.0023). Similarly, comparing PSS scores for immediate Post IECO [11.5 (IQR 8, 15.5)] to PSS scores at six weeks [8 (IQR 4.5, 12.5)] showed a statistically significant 3.5-unit decrease, indicating a reduction in stress upon routine practice of the intervention (p<0.0001). Background: Feelings of stress, anxiety and hopelessness have skyrocketed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is common knowledge that mind-body interventions (MBI) improve emotional balance an enhanced sense of productivity, and self-confidence. Therefore, we hypothesized that exposure to a digitally delivered MBI 'Inner Engineering Completion Online', would reduce stress and promote wellbeing. Conclusion: Incorporating the remotely delivered mind-body intervention Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya into daily life via the IECO program over as few as six weeks produced a significant stress reduction, improvement in sleep quality & mindfulness.
ABSTRACT
Methods: Participants attended a webinar where they learned Isha Kriya meditation and were instructed to practice daily for six weeks. PROMIS Anxiety Short Form and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 10-item (CESD-10) scales were administered at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 weeks following the training. Paired t-test was employed to calculate statistical significance. Results: Participants completed surveys at baseline (n=58), week 2 (n=58), week 4 (n=37), and week 6 (n=28). They were grouped into tertiles based on reported baseline values (High, Medium, and Low). When comparing baseline with week 2, mean anxiety scores decreased significantly by 12.9 units (p < 0.01;High), 10.33 units (p < 0.01;Medium), and 4 units (p < 0.01;Low). Similarly, mean depression scores decreased by 11.6 units (p < 0.01;High), 6.3 units (p < 0.01;Medium), 1.55 units (p = 0.05;Low). The scores for both anxiety and depression continued to stay low at weeks 4 and 6. Background: Anxiety and depression have increased dramatically with the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an urgent need for accessible, cost-effective, and scalable approaches to alleviate this parallel mental health pandemic. Meditation is shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, online delivery of mind-body interventions in a timely fashion will be impactful to address disparities in access to healthcare. In this observational pilot study, we investigate the impact of an online guided meditation (Isha Kriya) on symptoms of anxiety and depression in the general population. Conclusion: Participant's anxiety and depression showed significant improvement with just 2 weeks of Isha Kriya practice. These changes were sustained over the next four weeks suggesting that routine Isha Kriya practice could alleviate symptoms for these conditions in a short time span.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant stressor worldwide and reports of psychological distress, depression, sedentary lifestyles, and overall decreased wellbeing are increasing. Yoga practices have been found to improve mental and physical health. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare Isha yoga practitioners to controls on perceived stress, resilience, wellbeing, and protection and recovery from COVID-19. Trial Design. In this prospective randomized control trial, the effects of yoga practices are being compared between seasoned yoga practitioners with two controls who are age (±3 years), gender matched, and living in the same neighborhood. METHODS: Participants will be asked to complete a series of web-based surveys at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks. These surveys include validated scales and objective questions on COVID-19 infection and medical history. The validated questionnaires assess stress, mood states, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Questionnaires, weekly activity diaries, and medical history, will be collected using REDCap. RESULTS: We hypothesize that routine yoga practice during the COVID-19 pandemic will reduce stress, enhance well-being, and provide protective effects against COVID-19. CONCLUSION: With the growing concern about the physical and mental impacts of COVID-19 and increased interest in alternative practices such as yogic practices, this study will contribute to the growing body of evidence about the safety and efficacy of yoga for emotional, mental, and physical health conditions.