Effect of a short-term yoga-based lifestyle intervention on lung function and quality of life in bronchial asthma patients

Abstract

Effect of a short-term yoga-based lifestyle intervention on lung function and quality of life in bronchial asthma patients

Purpose: Psychological stress is associated with worsening of bronchial asthma (BA) & quality of life which could be improved by yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI). We planned to study the effect of short-term YBLI on airway resistance, reactance & quality of life in adult asthmatics.

Aim: Assess the effect of short-term YBLI on lung function and quality of life in asthma.

Methods: The study enrolled 19 BA patients aged 18-50 years, disease duration > 2 years & severity mild to moderate. The patients having had exacerbation in last 4 weeks were excluded. The assessment included spirometry, impulse oscillometry and asthma related quality of life questionnaire at baseline (day 0) & day 28 of the study. All patients underwent a short-term pre-tested Yoga intervention (1 hour per day) for four weeks.

Results: The FEV1/FVC ratio improved from 70.80±9.27 % vs 74.86±10.12 % (p=0.001), FEV1% 65.69±13.58% vs 75.91±17.94% (p<0.001), PEFR 4.03±1.41 L vs 5.11±1.71 L (p<0.001), baseline vs Day 28. The small airway resistance (R5-R20) was 0.13±0.06 vs 0.09±0.06 (p=0.34), reactance area (AX) 1.28±.78 vs 1.0±.59(p=0.07) baseline vs Day 28. AQLQ scores improved significantly from 122.89±35.89 at baseline to 144.56±33.82 at day 28 (p=0.04).

Conclusion: A short-term yoga-based life style intervention might improve lung function and quality of life in mild to moderate stable asthma patients. Further large randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.