EFFECTIVENESS OF YOGA THERAPY ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

S.K. Mehta1
1Janardhan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to Be) University, Department of Physiotherapy, Udaipur, India

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet. In rheumatoid arthritis, body's immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs. It affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity, the consequences of RA are Pain and Joint stiffness. Inflammation leads to joint deformity, which affect the quality of life and increase the disability for the individual with RA. Yoga is a combining therapy of breathing with stretching exercises which provides the relaxation benefits and reduces the activity of the stress that may help to decrease pain sensitivity/Yoga has been reported to be effective in relieving pain and improving functional abilities. The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of yoga therapy on quality of life in RA patients.

Purpose: Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of Yoga Therapy on Quality of Life in patient with RA.
Objectives of study:
  • To study the effect of Yoga on Quality of Life in Rheumatoid arthritis patient.
  • To study the effect of conventional physiotherapy on Quality of Life in RA patient.
  • To compare the effect of both interventions on Quality of Life in Rheumatoid arthritis patient.
It is randomized control trial to find out effectiveness of yoga therapy to increase quality of life of RA patients.

Methods: 100 participants participated with 50in the experimental and 40 in the control group aged between 40 to 70 years. Experimental group received yoga in addition to conventional physiotherapy whereas control group received conventional physiotherapy treatment only. Outcomes were measured in the form of VAS and SF36 pre-treatment, post 4 weeks and post 8 weeks.
Study design: experimental study
Sample design: random sampling

Results: Data was analysed using paired 't' test and results showed that there was significant improvement in VAS 1 (pain), domain 2 (joint stiffness) and domain 3 (physical function) and all domain of SF36 post 8 weeks of intervention in the experimental group than control group when compared between both the groups.
There was significant decrease in SF 36 score among control group between pre and post at 4 and 8 weeks at D1 and D5 whereas significant increase in SF 36 scores between pre and post at 4 and 8 weeks at D2, D3, D4, D6, D7 and D. Overall in total, there was significant increase in SF 36 score pre and post at 4 and 8 weeks. (P<0.001).

Conclusions: it is concluded that yoga is effective to improve quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Implications:
  1. The study is very useful for RA patients to improve quality of life and decrease disability.
  2. This study is useful in reducing pain and joint stiffness in RA patient through yoga therapy along with conventional therapy.
  3. This study is useful to decrease disability and increase functional mobility, psychological wellbeing as well as social participation of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Funding acknowledgements: University Research Approval Committee have Approved the Fund of Inr 25000 to Help Ra Patients.
Order No.- JRNRVU/ADMN/2022-23/214 DATED- 14/04/2022

Keywords:
Rheumatoid arthritis, SF 36, VAS, Yoga


Topics:
Rheumatology
Disability & rehabilitation

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: JRNRV University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Committee: University Research Ethical Clearance Cell, JRNRV University
Ethics number: JRNRVU/ADMN/2021-22/5609 DATED 15/03/2022

All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.

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