A Randomized Pilot Trial Evaluating the Impact of a Yoga Intervention on Cognition in Older Adults Infected With HIV

Adria Quigley22 enrolled

Overview

Approximately 50% of people living with HIV (and as many as 80% over the age of 50) have difficulties with cognitive functions such as memory and thinking that can have a profound negative impact on activities of daily living and quality of life. Problems with memory and thinking are also associated with forgetting to take anti-retroviral drugs and experiencing challenges to balance, walking and mental health (anxiety and depression). There is increasing evidence that, in the general population, exercise has positive effects on cognition, physical functioning and mental health. Despite the recognition of multiple therapeutic benefits of exercise, little attention has been paid to its possible effects on cognition in people living with HIV. The purpose of the proposed pilot study is to compare the effects of a 12-week, randomly assigned, community-based yoga-mindfulness intervention on cognition, balance, walking, mental health and quality of life in 30 people \>35 years of age living with HIV in the Halifax area. Yoga is of particular interest because it encompasses not only the physical but also spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions of life. As such, it has tremendous potential to help stave off some of the devastating consequences of HIV infection.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

HIV/AIDS Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

Yoga-mindfulnessOTHER

Sample class: Warm-up (15 minutes) Standing poses (15 minutes) Balance poses (15 minutes) Abdominals \& back bends (10 minutes) Cool-down (5 minutes) Seated meditation Alternate nostril breathing Bellows breath Shoulder/neck stretches Cat-cow Forward fold Sun salutations Warrior 1 Warrior 2 Triangle Extended side angle Reverse warrior High lunge with twist Tree pose Standing holding knee Modified warrior 3 (chair support) Half moon Bird-dog Side plank Bridge Cobra Sphinx Corpse pose Side-lying Seated om Every month, a smudging ceremony will take place with an Aboriginal Elder for 5-10 minutes at the start of the class.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participant self-report of HIV diagnosis 2. Identified cognitive concerns on the C3Q (Communicating Cognitive Challenges in HIV Questionnaire) 3. Residence in the Halifax area 4. Capacity to provide informed consent 5. Aged 35 or older Exclusion Criteria: * If participants present with contraindications to exercise, they will be excluded from the study. If participants have participated in a yoga program within the past 6 months, they will be excluded.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

B-CAM (Brief Cognitive Ability Measure)

Cognitive function will be measured using the Brief Cognitive Ability (B-CAM), a computerized cognitive test developed using Rasch Measurement Theory and Analysis that takes 30 minutes to administer.

Time frame: Will be assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.

C3Q (Communicating Cognitive Challenges in HIV Questionnaire)

Self-reported cognition will be assessed using the C3Q (Communicating Cognitive Challenges in HIV Questionnaire).

Time frame: Will be assessed during screening, baseline, and 12 weeks.

Secondary Outcomes

Feasibility (Post-participation questionnaire)

Many domains of feasibility will be assessed using a post-intervention questionnaire with questions related to participant comfort, satisfaction, safety, attendance, and time commitment.

Time frame: Assessed at 12 weeks.

Balance

Balance will be measured using the Community Balance and Mobility test (CB\&M).