“Effectiveness Of Yoga Therapy On Quality Of Life In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial”

Abstract

Background and objective: 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 rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Methods: 100participants participated with 50in the experimental and 40 in the control group with 10 dropouts 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.

Results: data was analyzed 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.

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