Yoga for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
MeSH terms: Arthritis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Study type: Interventional

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.
    

Intervention name(s): Yoga program; Arthritis-education
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): 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.; 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.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Randomized controlled clinical trial
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: yoga; health-related quality of life; proinflammatory genes; inflammatory markers; rheumatoid arthritis