RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Yoga-based Group Intervention for Outpatients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

This research explores whether a group yoga programme could be a helpful addition to usual care for people with schizophrenia. It aims to see if yoga is practical, enjoyable, and has positive effects on health, compared to a general stretching group or just receiving standard care. The study involves people with schizophrenia taking part in either yoga sessions, stretching sessions, or their usual treatment for 12 weeks. Researchers will check for improvements in mood, stress, and overall well-being, as well as how participants felt about the programmes. The goal is to gather information to help decide if a bigger study on yoga for schizophrenia should be done in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Charite University, Berlin, Germany

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Psychotic Disorders Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

What is this study about?

This study is looking into whether a group yoga programme, alongside regular medical care, could benefit people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or similar conditions. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The research aims to understand if adding yoga to someone's treatment plan is a good idea, if people enjoy it, and if it makes them feel better.

To do this, the study divides participants into three groups. One group will take part in a yoga-based exercise programme, while still receiving their usual care. Another group will do strength and flexibility exercises, also with their usual care. The third group will just continue with their standard treatment. By comparing these groups, the researchers hope to see if the yoga programme has any specific benefits over other types of exercise or just usual care alone.

They will be looking at things like how people's mood, anxiety, and stress levels change, as well as their overall quality of life and how they manage their symptoms. The main goal of this particular study is to see if it's even possible and worthwhile to run a larger, more detailed study on yoga for schizophrenia in the future. It's like a practice run to make sure everything works well before rolling it out on a bigger scale.

Key takeaways

This study explores yoga for people with schizophrenia, alongside their usual treatment.
It aims to see if yoga is practical, enjoyable, and helpful for well-being.
Participants will be in one of three groups: yoga, stretching, or usual care.
The study involves 12 weeks of intervention and checks on progress for up to 3 months.
It's a small, initial study to help plan for a larger future trial.
Your medical information will be kept private and secure.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have been diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, based on previous medical reports. You need to be an outpatient, meaning you're not staying overnight in a hospital, and be between 18 and 65 years old. It's important that you're able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part, and also be willing and able to join group therapy sessions.

There are also some things that would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you have certain brain conditions or a history of severe head injury that affects your thinking. If you're currently dependent on substances (other than nicotine or prescribed medications), or if your symptoms are very severe at the moment, you might not be suitable. The study also can't include people who are experiencing strong suicidal thoughts, or who are having certain other intensive treatments like electroconvulsive therapy or ketamine treatment, as these might interfere with the study results.

The research team will carry out a screening process to make sure the study is suitable and safe for you. This often includes a review of your medical history and a chat about your current health and symptoms.

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.

I have been diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
I am between 18 and 65 years old.
I am an outpatient, not staying in a hospital.
I can understand the study details and agree to participate.
I am willing and able to join group therapy sessions.
I am not experiencing very severe symptoms or strong suicidal thoughts right now.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a meeting with a psychologist who isn't involved in leading the exercise sessions. They'll explain the study in detail, answer your questions, and get your agreement to participate. You'll then be randomly placed into one of three groups: a yoga group, a stretching group, or a group that just continues with your usual care. Both the yoga and stretching groups will involve attending sessions for 12 weeks, while also continuing your regular treatment.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires and have assessments at the beginning, after 12 weeks, and again three months later. Before and after each exercise session (if you're in one of those groups), you'll also be asked to answer a few quick questions about your stress levels and how difficult you found the exercises. There will also be some short interviews to discuss your experiences. You will receive 50 euros as payment for your time at the end of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you a chance to try new forms of exercise, which could potentially help improve your well-being, reduce stress, or improve your physical health. However, as with any exercise, there's a small risk of minor sprains or muscle soreness. There's also the possibility that the interventions won't provide any noticeable benefits for you. Your safety and well-being are a top priority, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'schizophrenia spectrum disorder'?

This is a term doctors use for conditions like schizophrenia, which affect how someone thinks, feels, and behaves. This study includes people with these types of diagnoses.

Will I have to stop my current medication or treatment?

No, you will continue with your usual medical care and any prescribed medication while taking part in this study. The exercise programmes are designed to be an addition to your current treatment.

What if I've never done yoga before?

That's perfectly fine! The yoga and stretching sessions are designed to be suitable for everyone, regardless of previous experience. The instructors will guide you through the exercises.

How long will the study last?

The main part of the study involves 12 weeks of participation in either an exercise group or continuing usual care, with follow-up assessments happening at the start, at 12 weeks, and again 3 months later.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Absolutely. All your information will be kept confidential and anonymised using codes. Only authorised research team members will have access, and your data will be stored securely.

How to find out more

Kerem Böge, Prof. Dr. Dr.

kerem.boege@charite.de +4930450517319 Official trial record

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