A feasibility randomised controlled trial of Novel Activity Management in severe ASthma-Tailored Exercise (NAMASTE): yoga and mindfulness.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether yoga and mindfulness improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with severe asthma compared to a control group and to collect feasibility data for future studies.
Results Summary
The yoga group showed greater improvement in HRQoL (measured by SGRQ) than the control group, though secondary outcomes like asthma control and physical activity saw little change. Participants found the intervention acceptable, citing social connection and symptom management as key benefits.
Population
Adults with severe asthma (mean age ~67 years, predominantly female).
Effective Dosage
Tailored group yoga classes twice a week for 16 weeks.
Duration
16 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
yoga and mindfulness | increase | health-related quality of life (HRQoL) | adults with severe asthma | - | improved | #1 |
yoga | increase | St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) | adults with severe asthma | - | had greater improvement | #2 |
yoga and mindfulness | no change | secondary outcomes | adults with severe asthma | - | little change | #3 |
control group activity goals with progress calls | increase | moderate-vigorous activity | adults with severe asthma | - | increased substantially | #4 |
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is common in severe asthma and associated with poor health outcomes. New approaches are needed to address physical inactivity in this group. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether yoga and mindfulness improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with a minimal active control group and collect feasibility data to inform future studies. METHODS: Over 12-weeks, adults with severe asthma were recruited. Participants were randomised 2:1 to parallel yoga or control groups. All participants received an activity tracker. The yoga group received tailored group classes twice a week for 16-weeks with a qualified yoga instructor. The control group set activity goals with a research officer and received eight progress calls. Outcomes were assessed at 16-weeks. Primary outcome was St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Secondary outcomes included asthma control, physical activity, breathlessness, and inflammation. Face-to-face qualitative interviews were conducted to determine acceptability. RESULTS: There were 15 participants randomised to yoga (mean 67 years; 60% female) and 9 to control (68 years; 56% female). Planned comparisons indicated the yoga group had greater SGRQ improvement than the control group. There was little change in secondary outcomes. Moderate-vigorous activity increased substantially in the control group. Participants found the intervention acceptable; key barriers and facilitators were social connection, the setting, addressing breathing and asthma symptoms, changing their mindset, and the intersection of different elements. CONCLUSION: A yoga and mindfulness intervention was feasible, acceptable to patients and improved HRQoL. The findings will inform design of much needed future research into physical activity interventions for severe asthma. World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform The study was registered under the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) on the 26th of November 2018, Trial ID ACTRN12618001914257.