Effect of adjuvant yoga therapy for asthma control: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with symptoms of attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, & tightness in the chest. Even with pre-existing treatment exacerbations go uncontrolled. Objective: This study compared asthma control in yoga intervention versus non-yoga intervention group using Asthma Control Test. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participants were allocated into two groups in 1:1 ratio - yoga intervention versus non-yoga intervention. Only outcome assessor was blinded. Sample size of 200 was calculated. Individuals between 18 and 60 years of age, diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma with no exacerbation in past one month were screened and enrolled. Per-protocol analysis was done to assess the outcomes of Asthma Control Test and expenditure.(CTRI/2020/02/023534) Results: A total of 192 participants enrolled, 165 completed this study who were considered for final analysis. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between yoga and non-yoga exercise group at 13 weeks. Expenses were more in non-yoga exercise group. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that yoga exercise with routine medical care reduces exacerbations and improves asthma control.

Keywords

• Asthma
• Randomized-controlled trial
• Asthma control test
• Yoga exercise