Impact of YOGA on the Quality of Life and Well-being of Heart Failure Patients
This study aims to discover if practicing yoga regularly can improve the quality of life for people with long-term heart failure. Heart failure can make people feel unwell and often leads to anxiety and depression, impacting how they live day-to-day. While medicines and devices are important, lifestyle changes like exercise can also help. We know yoga is an old practice that can boost both emotional and physical well-being. This study will involve people with stable heart failure, who will either join yoga classes or participate in storytelling activities. We want to see if yoga can help them feel better and potentially improve their overall health condition. There are no known medical reasons why people with heart failure can't do yoga, and it can be adjusted to suit individual needs.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Living with heart failure can be challenging. It's a long-term condition that can significantly affect how you feel every day, often causing stress, anxiety, and a general dip in your quality of life. Sometimes, these feelings can even make it harder to stick to your treatment plan.
While your doctor will prescribe medicines and perhaps suggest other treatments like devices, we also know that lifestyle changes can play a big part in helping you feel better. Things like eating well and being physically active are very important. Yoga is an ancient practice that's well-known for helping people feel calmer, stronger, and generally more content, both in their minds and bodies. It's generally safe for most people, and the exercises can be adapted to suit your own fitness level and health condition.
This study wants to explore if regular yoga practice can make a real difference for people with stable heart failure. We hope to see if it can improve their quality of life, helping them feel better day-to-day. We also want to find out if yoga can help improve their overall physical health in the long run. If yoga proves to be helpful, it could become another valuable tool to help people manage their heart failure and live fuller, healthier lives.
Key takeaways
- This study explores if yoga improves life quality for heart failure patients.
- It involves stable heart failure patients, aged 18+.
- Participants will either join yoga classes or storytelling groups for 3 months.
- Yoga sessions are adaptable and suitable for beginners.
- The study aims to improve physical and emotional well-being.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have chronic heart failure that has been stable for over a month. This means your last serious heart failure episode was quite a while ago, and you're mostly able to get around.
You should not have done regular yoga in the last six months. Also, certain other health conditions, like severe kidney problems, or being pregnant or breastfeeding, would mean this study isn't right for you. Your doctor will make sure your current heart failure treatment is as good as it can be before you join.
It's important that you're able to take part in the activities, whether they're in person or online. If you are under legal guardianship or similar protection, you wouldn't be able to join. The researchers also want to make sure you're open to trying yoga, if you're in that group.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have chronic heart failure that has been stable for over a month?
- Have you NOT regularly practiced yoga in the last six months?
- Are you able to attend some sessions online and some in person?
- Are you able to give written permission to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll first have an initial visit where you'll get more information, be checked to see if you're suitable, and then be randomly placed into one of two groups. You'll either join a group that takes part in storytelling activities or a group that practices Hatha yoga.
For three months, you'll have four activity sessions each month, with two sessions happening in person and two happening online. Each session will last about 45 minutes. The research team will keep a record of your attendance at each session. After three months, you'll have a final visit to see how things have changed. You’ll continue with your usual medication and see your regular doctors as normal throughout the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Institut de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière (APHP), UPMCVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is chronic heart failure?
It's a long-term condition where your heart can't pump blood as well as it should, making daily activities difficult and sometimes causing tiredness or breathlessness.
What if I've never done yoga before?
That's perfectly fine! The yoga sessions are designed for everyone, including beginners, and can be adapted to suit your individual needs and abilities.
Will my regular doctors know I'm in the study?
Yes, it's important that your regular healthcare providers are aware, as you'll continue with your usual care and medications throughout the study.
What if I can't attend all the sessions?
The study asks for regular attendance to get the best results, but the team will discuss any concerns you have about attending all sessions.
Can I choose which group I'm in?
No, you'll be randomly assigned to either the yoga or the storytelling group, like flipping a coin. This helps ensure the study results are fair.
How to find out more
Lise LEGRAND, Dr
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.