Effect of Add-on Yoga in People with Multiple Sclerosis of Indian and German Cohort: A Cross-Cultural Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Yoga practices have shown benefits in people with multiple sclerosis, improving their memory, fatigue, bladder symptoms, perception, stress, mood, and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effects of add-on yoga in people with recurrent remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This is a single group, pre-post retrospective study, involving 92 participants with RRMS in remission and residual symptoms, undergoing neurorehabilitation at Kuratorium Wohnen Alter (KWA) in Germany (n = 32) and SVYASA University in India (n = 60). All participants received a two-week integrated yoga module, without changes to medications. Clinical assessments were performed using a symptom checklist for Indian and the Barthel index for German participants, before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant improvements (P < .05) in their symptoms and vital parameters. The Barthel index improved by 21%, and the symptom scale by 53%. Vital parameters revealed a 5.6% and 3.3% reduction in systolic blood pressure in the German and Indian cohorts, respectively, and a 2.3% and 4.0% reduction in diastolic blood pressure in the two respective cohorts. Resting respiratory rate decreased by 13.34%, with an increase in exhalation time (humming Bhramari) by 49%, indicating reduced autonomic arousal. 26 and 50 participants in the German and Indian cohorts, respectively, were on disease-modifying agents (standard medication). Symptom analysis showed significant reductions (P < .05) in fatigue, pain, imbalance, stiffness, numbness, and impaired mobility, with gait improvement. After 7 years, the Indian cohort showed a 53% reduction in their symptom score.

CONCLUSION

Add-on integrated yoga therapy improved symptoms and vital parameters for both Caucasian and Indian people with MS. No relapses were observed over 7 years in regular Indian yoga practitioners using disease-modifying agents.