The study is a randomized controlled trail with an observational arm and aims at collecting information on the prevalence of COVID 19 infection in seasoned yoga practitioners by comparing it with the prevalence of COVID-19 infection prevalence rates among age and gender matched control participants who do not practice yoga. The study hypothesizes that yoga practice promotes protection and enhances recovery from the COVID-19 infection. To prove the hypothesis, the study investigators are collecting and comparing responses from seasoned yoga practitioners to age and gender matched controls participants (who do not practice yoga routinely) regarding their recovery from the COVID 19 infection. Based on validated questionnaires on perceived stress, anxiety, depression, well-being, mindfulness, joy disposition, and resilience in participants over the study duration, the investigators also collect information on participant's mental and emotional predispositions.
Background:
Globally, COVID-19 has resulted in more than 3 million confirmed cases with a continuing rise
in numbers. Following the first case detection in the United States on January 20, 2020,
there has been a steady rise in the reported cases resulting in all 50 states being affected
by the disease. As of April 28, 2020, two million deaths globally have been attributed to
this disease. This is an ongoing pandemic, and our understanding of it is continually
evolving.
Measures such as social distancing and working remotely have been enforced worldwide to curb
disease transmission. This has led to an increased number of people staying indoors and
living a more sedentary lifestyle. Many clinicians and people in the community have raised
concerns about maintaining good mental and emotional health along with physical health.
Amidst concerns for maintenance of holistic health, yoga in its forms of guided breathing,
meditation, and mindfulnessare interventions people are practicing rigorously in the current
times of uncertainty. These interventions require no external infrastructure, promote a sense
of calm and well-being, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Need for the study:
The study aims at collecting information on the prevalence of COVID 19 infection in seasoned
yoga practitioners and comparing it with the prevalence of COVID-19 infection prevalence
rates among age and gender matched control participants.
The study hypothesizes that yoga practice promotes protection and enhances recovery from the
COVID-19 infection. To prove the hypothesis, the study investigators intend to collect and
compare responses from seasoned yoga practitioners and age and gender matched controls
regarding their recovery from the COVID 19 infection. Based on validated questionnaires on
perceived stress, anxiety, depression, well-being, mindfulness, joy disposition, and
resilience in participants over the study duration, the study investigators also intend to
collect information on participant's mental and emotional predispositions.
Through this Randomized Controlled Trial, the following specific aims are to be accomplished:
Specific Aim 1: To compare prevalence rates of diagnosed COVID-19 infection between the
seasoned yoga practitioners and age and gender matched controls at baseline and at 6 and 12
weeks.
Specific Aim 2: To Compare Protection and Recovery from COVID 19 infection between seasoned
yoga practitioners and controls as demonstrated by:
1. Self-reported duration of fever and respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 positive
participants
2. Self-reported readiness to return to work (or a feeling of being physically and mentally
fit) This is the key secondary outcome of the study.
Specific aim 3: To quantitatively assess the effects of yoga practices between seasoned
practitioners and the control groups on measures such as perceived stress, resilience, and
overall wellbeing by use of validated scales.
We also aim to do exploratory analysis by comparing the different yoga practices and their
duration between the 3 study groups to establish a dose-response curve if possible.
Note: The term "yoga" used throughout this document is defined as mindfulness practices which
involve deep breathing exercises and meditation, and excludes strenuous physical exercise.
Behavioral: Simha Kriya
Simha-Kriya involves deep breathing exercises and meditation. It is the practice of extending the breath, expanding our lung capacity and mental concentration and energizing the body. Simha Kriya, when practiced intentionally will unite the mental, physical, and spiritual body through the breath. For the purpose of this study we advocate practice of Simha Kriya at least once a day.
Behavioral: Reading a Book
Reading a book regularly promotes knowledge enhancement, reduces stress and enhances memory among other benefits. Reading a book is often inculcated into mindfulness research due to it's impact on the personality and attitude. The simple act of reading a book can have a significant impact on their attitudes and can help them cope better with stress. For the purpose of this study, we advocate reading any book/ journal of participants choice routinely for 15 minutes each day. Reading a book could potentially be substituted with sitting idle for 15 minutes if participants wishes to.
Inclusion Criteria:
For Seasoned Yoga practitioners:
- Participants must be a follower of Isha school of yoga
- Must have completed Inner Engineering Online course/ practice Shambhavi Mahamudra
Kriya/ Shakthi Chalana Kriya
- Interest in participating in the study
For Controls:
- Participants has little to no experience with Isha school of yoga
- Should have practiced yoga routinely for < 1 Month (if previously experienced in yoga)
- Interest in participating in the study
- Age ( +/- 3 years) matched with the seasoned practitioner
- Gender matched with seasoned practitioner
Exclusion Criteria:
For both groups:
- Participants < 18 years of age
- Participant > 80 years of age
- Participants must be able to read and understand English.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Balachundhar Subramaniam, MD, MPH, Principal Investigator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center