Effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background

COVID-19 infection has an impact on the mental state of patients and requires attention to mental health care.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on the mental state of patients with COVID-19.

Material and methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with63 patients (male=46) who were RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 and hospitalized with asymptomatic (RT-PCR positive but no symptoms), mild (febrile, body ache, pharyngitis, nonproductive cough), and moderate (SpO2< 92%) symptoms assigned in the yoga (n=32) and control group (n=31). The study was conducted at Atharva Multispecialty Hospital and Research Center, North India. The yoga group received Yoga-based breathing practices twice a day for ten days in addition to conventional care, and the control group was advised not to do the practice. The Depression Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21) and fear of COVID-19 were assessed at baseline and after 10 days. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to assess between and within subjects' effects.

Results

The experimental group had better scores for depression, anxiety, stress, total DASS scores, and fear of COVID-19 (p<0.001) when compared with the control group. Within the group, analyses demonstrated improved scores in all domains in the yoga group (p<0.001) by the end of the intervention. In contrast, the control group improved only in stress scores (p=0.002), total DASS scores (p=0.012), and fear of COVID-19 (p=0.039). There are no adverse effects seen with Yoga-based breathing practices in these patients.

Conclusion

Yoga-based breathing practices have been found to have positive impact on mental health among COVID-19-positive patients during hospitalization.

Trial registry number ctri

CTRI/2022/03/041071 Clinical Trials-Registry in India.