This study will examine the feasibility of conducting an online Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in frontline hospital and long term care healthcare staff in managing COVID-19 patients in London, ON. The study will randomize participants to Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) or a Health Enhancement Program (HEP).
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate as a global health threat, leading to devastating
impacts on the healthcare system. Frontline healthcare workers are dealing with increased
demands and fears for their own, as well as their family's safety. Adding to the stress is
the limited ability to maintain social connectedness as physical distancing measures are in
place. The investigators plan to conduct an open-label feasibility randomized controlled
trial (RCT), comparing an online breath based yogic intervention called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga
(SKY) (n=30) versus an online control mind-body intervention called the Health Enhancement
Program (HEP) (n=30) in 60 hospital and long term care frontline staff that are managing
COVID-19 patients. Participants will be blinded to the treatment hypothesis while data
analyst will be blinded to treatment allocation. Both SKY and HEP will be taught online in
two phases in the first week followed by weekly reinforcement sessions for the following 4
weeks. Feasibility measures will be assessed as well as self-rated measures of insomnia,
anxiety, depression, and resilience. The investigators expect that it will be feasible to
conduct an online RCT of two mind-body interventions, SKY and HEP, in staff managing the
COVID-19 pandemic, and that the investigators will be able to remotely monitor safety and
efficacy of these interventions.
Other: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY)
The SKY program is a standardized, easy to learn sequential breathing yoga consisting of regulated breathing techniques followed by a timed rhythmic breathing practice. Participants will learn various exercises including rhythmic breathing, gentle yoga, and guided meditation.
Other: Health Enhancement Program
HEP is a structured group program designed to help participants with information and instruction how to lead a healthier life. Participants will be provided psychoeducation and support regarding healthy active living using techniques like music therapy, diet control, exercise, and monitoring these via journaling.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Participants will be frontline hospital or long-term care home staff involved in the
management of COVID-19 patients in Canada or The United States of America.
2. Participants will be aged 18 to 70.
3. Participants will be willing and able to attend, via WebEx software, the introductory
phase of SKY or HEP, as well as at least two of the four weekly follow-up sessions
4. Have sufficient hearing to follow verbal instructions.
5. Have an adequate understanding of English.
6. Able to sit without physical discomfort for 60 minutes.
7. Not pregnant and willing to remain not pregnant for the duration of the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Inability to independently provide informed consent.
2. Current suicidality as assessed by the suicide item of the Patient Health
Questionnaire-9 scale.
3. History of bipolar disorder.
4. History of chronic PTSD.
5. History of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
6. Currently practice any type of formal meditation, mindfulness, or breathing techniques
regularly (greater than 3 times per week).
7. History of complex PTSD.
London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada