RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Yoga Therapy in Rehabilitation Compared to Physiotherapy in Moderate Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSPA)

This research is looking into how effective yoga therapy is compared to standard physiotherapy for people living with a type of arthritis called axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). AxSpA causes long-term pain and stiffness, mainly in the spine. While physiotherapy is a common treatment, doctors want to explore other options that might help improve physical and mental well-being. Past studies suggest yoga could be beneficial for other conditions, affecting pain, stiffness, and even fatigue. This new study aims to rigorously test if yoga can offer similar benefits for axSpA patients, helping them feel better physically and mentally and improving their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

27 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

27 Aug 2028

Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSPA)

What is this study about?

Axial spondyloarthritis, or axSpA, is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in your spine and sometimes other joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and tiredness, often affecting young adults. It includes conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. While there are good medical treatments available, doctors are also very interested in ways to improve your quality of life through non-drug approaches. This is where treatments like physiotherapy and exercise come in, and now, researchers are looking at yoga.

Yoga therapy is a 'mind-body' approach that involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It’s thought to help with both physical symptoms like pain and stiffness, and mental well-being, such as reducing anxiety and improving mood. We know that exercise is generally good for people with axSpA, and physiotherapy has been shown to be helpful in managing symptoms. This study aims to compare yoga therapy directly with standard physiotherapy to see if yoga can be an effective way to manage your condition.

The main goal of this study is to find out if yoga therapy can reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue, and improve overall quality of life for people with moderate axSpA, just as well as, or even better than, physiotherapy. Discovering other reliable ways to help people live better with axSpA is important, as it could offer more choices for managing this condition.

Key takeaways

This study carefully compares yoga therapy with standard physiotherapy for axSpA.
It aims to find new ways to help manage pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Participation could offer new tools for improving your physical and mental well-being.
You would be assigned to either the yoga or physiotherapy group.
The study focuses on 'non-drug' approaches and your current medications should remain stable.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for French-speaking adults, aged 18 or over, who have a confirmed diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from a rheumatologist. Your axSpA should be considered 'moderately active'. It's important that your current axSpA medication plan is stable and not expected to change significantly in the next six months (apart from pain relief).

You won't be able to join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've recently given birth (in the last six months). If you already practice yoga regularly, or have done so in the last six months, this study might not be for you. Similarly, recent abdominal or spinal surgery, certain neurological issues, or severe depression that needs specific treatment would also mean you can't take part. The study also cannot include individuals who are currently in other interventional research studies.

Essentially, the research team wants to make sure that yoga or physiotherapy would be safe and practical for you to do, and that any improvements seen are likely due to the study intervention, not other factors.

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 or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) that's currently 'moderately active'?
Is your axSpA medication plan stable, with no expected changes (apart from pain relief) in the next 6 months?
Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you *not* regularly practiced yoga in the last six months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail the specifics of what participating would involve, such as the number of visits, types of assessments, frequency of sessions, or the total duration of the study. However, generally, in studies like this comparing interventions, you would typically be assigned to either the yoga therapy group or the physiotherapy group. Both groups would likely involve regular sessions over a period, and you would have assessments before, during, and after the intervention to check your pain, stiffness, fatigue, and overall well-being. There would also be follow-up appointments to see how you are doing over time. This study is exploring a 'non-drug' approach, so it focuses on exercises rather than new medications.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of learning new techniques to manage your axSpA symptoms, potentially improving your pain, stiffness, fatigue, and overall well-being, whether through yoga or physiotherapy. However, as with any exercise program, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or mild injury, especially if movements are unfamiliar. Your safety is important, and you would be supervised. Remember, joining a study is always your choice, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (5)

Hôpital Avicenne
Verified postcode
Bobigny, France· Recruiting
Hôpital Henri Mondor
Verified postcode
Créteil, France· Active not recruiting
Hôpital Henri Mondor
Verified postcode
Créteil, France· Recruiting
Hôpital Pitié Salpetrière
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Active not recruiting
Hôpital Cochin
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)?

It's a long-term condition that causes inflammation in your spine and sometimes other joints, leading to pain and stiffness.

What is yoga therapy?

It's a 'mind-body' practice involving physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, thought to help with both physical and mental well-being.

Why are they studying yoga for axSpA?

Researchers want to see if yoga can effectively help manage pain, stiffness, and fatigue, potentially offering another way to improve quality of life for people with axSpA.

Will I have to stop my current medication?

No, your current axSpA medication should remain stable throughout the study, but the study focuses on 'non-drug' treatments like yoga or physiotherapy.

Can I still join if I occasionally do yoga?

No, if you regularly practice yoga or have done so in the last six months, you would not be eligible for this specific study.

How to find out more

Petra PAREJO MARGALLO

petri.parejo-margallo@aphp.fr +33 1 40 27 43 13 Official trial record

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