CompletedInterventional

Yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder

This study is investigating if a special type of yoga can help people living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). FND causes symptoms like weakness or seizures that aren't due to other clear medical problems. The research aims to see if gentle yoga movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness can improve symptoms, daily life, and overall well-being. Researchers believe yoga might help by improving how people sense their own bodies and manage emotions. Participants will either join a yoga programme or a music relaxation programme. The study will check if yoga is helpful, easy to do, and if it makes a positive difference for people with FND.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2025

Functional neurological disorder (FND)

What is this study about?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a real and challenging condition where people experience physical symptoms like limb weakness, movement problems, or non-epileptic seizures. These symptoms are genuine but aren't caused by damage or disease to the brain or nervous system that we can easily see with current tests. It's thought that difficulties in how our brain processes bodily sensations and emotions might play a big part in FND.

This study is looking into a type of yoga, called somatic yoga, as a possible way to help. Somatic yoga uses gentle movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness to help people connect better with their bodies and emotions. There's already some research suggesting that yoga can help reduce stress, improve mood, and generally make people feel better. For people with other neurological conditions, yoga has shown promise in improving brain function and emotional control. This particular study wants to find out if this tailored yoga approach can also help those with FND by improving their symptoms, how well they function day-to-day, and their overall quality of life.

The main goal is to understand if this yoga programme is something people with FND can easily take part in and if it's helpful. This research is important because it could lead to new ways to support people living with FND, giving them more tools to manage their condition and improve their well-being.

Key takeaways

The study explores if gentle yoga helps people with FND.
It aims to improve symptoms, daily life, and emotional well-being.
Participants will join either a yoga or music relaxation programme.
It involves online sessions, home practice, and in-person lab visits.
There are very few risks, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over. You must have a confirmed diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) that causes movement problems (like weakness), seizures, or sensory symptoms (like numbness or tingling).

It's important that you don't have other major health issues that might make it unsafe or difficult to take part, such as severe heart conditions, serious mental health problems like psychosis, or other neurological conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. If your FND primarily causes mind-related symptoms (like brain fog) rather than physical symptoms, this study might not be suitable. Also, if you're already doing another similar body-based therapy (like yoga or acupuncture) or music therapy, you won't be able to join unless you can pause that activity during the study.

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 a confirmed FND diagnosis with physical symptoms (not just cognitive ones)?
Are you able to speak and understand English well?
Are you able to attend in-person sessions?
Are you NOT currently having serious mental health problems?
Are you NOT already in another similar body-based therapy for FND?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups: either a gentle yoga programme or a music relaxation programme. It's a bit like flipping a coin to decide, making sure the groups are fair.

You'll have two in-person visits to a lab: one at the very start and one after six weeks. During these visits, if you're in the yoga group, you'll have an individual yoga session. If you're in the music group, you'll have a music relaxation session. Between these visits, if you're in the yoga group, you'll have weekly online yoga sessions with a therapist and get a manual to help you do more yoga at home. If you're in the music group, you'll get a manual and playlists to guide your own music relaxation at home. The therapist will check in with all participants weekly to see how they're doing.

You'll also fill out questionnaires at the start, halfway through, at the end of the six weeks, and again three months later. Some measurements will also be taken at the lab visits. At the very end, some people will be asked to share their experiences in a short interview. The total study period is 6 weeks of active intervention, with a 3-month follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you'll either receive the yoga or the music relaxation programme, which could be a new and potentially helpful experience for you, though benefits can’t be guaranteed. There are very few risks. You might feel a bit uncomfortable or your FND symptoms could briefly act up during yoga, but movements will be gentle and adjustable, and you can stop anytime. Some questionnaires might ask about sensitive topics, and lab visits could feel unfamiliar. However, you can always decline to answer any question or take a break. You're also free to leave the study at any point without needing to give a reason. If you feel any distress, the research team will provide support.

Locations (1)

King's College London
Approximate
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

FND causes real physical symptoms like weakness or seizures, but these aren't caused by visible damage to the brain or nervous system.

What is 'somatic yoga'?

Somatic yoga uses gentle movements, special breathing, and mindfulness to help you feel more connected to your body and emotions.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, there is no cost to participate in the study.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about six weeks of hands-on activities, with a follow-up check after three months.

Can I choose whether I do yoga or music relaxation?

No, participants are randomly assigned to either the yoga or music relaxation group, like drawing lots.

How to find out more

Susannah Pick

susannah.pick@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0) 7881 230 244 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.