Yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Johns Hopkins University75 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of yoga on inflammatory arthritis and knee osteoarthritis.

Yoga is a set of ancient Indian theories and practices, focusing on unifying mind, body, and spirit, and promoting strength, balance, and flexibility. The physical aspect of yoga includes poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Inflammatory arthritis, a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the lining of the joints, can cause long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. The primary objective of this study is to learn how people with inflammatory arthritis and knee osteoarthritis respond to an exercise program of yoga. To accomplish this, 30 persons with inflammatory arthritis or knee osteoarthritis will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group one will begin an immediate 8-week program of yoga classes consisting of 60-minute sessions, twice a week. Group two, or the "waitlist" control group, will receive 8 weeks of arthritis education followed by the same 8-week yoga program as group one. Participants also will have blood drawn, and complete various tests. The yoga classes will be taught by an experienced, certified yoga instructor, and are designed especially for the needs of people with inflammatory arthritis and knee osteoarthritis. This study will provide important data on integrating mind-body activities into the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and knee osteoarthritis.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis

Interventions

yogaBEHAVIORAL

8-week yoga program.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18+ (RA only upper age limit 70) * Confirmed or probable OA (using pre-specified criteria) OR Rheumatoid arthritis (participation approved by rheumatologist) * Currently sedentary (physically active for 20 min \< 3times/week) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to ambulate without use of assistive device * Uncontrolled high blood pressure or existing heart condition * Co-morbid inflammatory condition with overlapping symptoms (i.e., fibromyalgia) * Surgery within 6 months

Locations (1)

Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, 5501 Hopkins-Bayview Circle, Ste 1B.14

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Physical Health

Assessed using SF36 Physical Component Score

Time frame: baseline, post intervention, follow-up

Secondary Outcomes

Mobility/Fitness

Change in flexibility, balance, strength, walk time

Time frame: baseline, posttest, follow-up

RA Disease Activity

DAS28 CRP score

Time frame: baseline, post intervention, follow-up

Psychological Function

Change in SF36 MCS, CES-D, PANAS, Perceived Stress and Arthritis Self Efficacy

Time frame: baseline, , posttest, follow-up

HRQL

Change in SF36 domains

Time frame: baseline, post intervention, follow-up

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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