Yoga-based Group Intervention (YoGI) for In-patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
This research is investigating if a special yoga-based group program, called YoGI, can help adults living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are currently in hospital. The study compares YoGI alongside their regular mental health treatment, with just the regular treatment alone. Researchers want to see if the yoga program makes symptoms better, improves quality of life, and helps with stress and other feelings. They are carefully measuring changes over four weeks. The study is also checking if the program is practical and liked by participants. The aim is to gather strong evidence to understand if yoga can be a helpful extra treatment option.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is exploring a new way to support people in hospital who have mental health conditions like schizophrenia. It's called the Yoga-based Group Intervention, or YoGI for short. The main idea is to see if taking part in regular yoga sessions, alongside the usual care they receive, can help to improve their symptoms and overall well-being.
Researchers are comparing two groups of people. One group will take part in the YoGI program in addition to their standard treatment. The other group will continue with their standard treatment only. By comparing these two groups, the researchers can find out if the yoga program makes a real difference. They will look at how symptoms change, how people feel about their quality of life, their stress levels, and other important aspects of health over a four-week period.
The study also wants to make sure that the YoGI program is practical for hospitals to offer and that people enjoy taking part. If the results show that YoGI is helpful, it could become a valuable additional support for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study explores if yoga can help people in hospital with schizophrenia.
- It compares a yoga program with usual mental health care.
- Participants will be in the study for four weeks.
- The aim is to see if yoga improves symptoms, mood, and stress.
- It's open to adults aged 18-90 who meet certain criteria.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 90 who are currently staying in a hospital ward for mental health conditions, specifically psychosis, or attend a related day clinic. To join, you must have a formal diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and be able to understand the study information and agree to take part. You also need to be willing and able to participate in a group therapy setting.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you are experiencing very severe psychotic symptoms at the moment, or if you are at high risk of harming yourself. People with certain brain conditions, active substance abuse (other than nicotine or prescribed medication), or those receiving treatments like ECT would also not be able to participate. This is to ensure everyone in the study can take part safely and that the results are clear.
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 between 18 and 90 years old?
- Are you currently receiving care as an inpatient on a psychosis ward or attending a related day clinic?
- Do you have a diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder?
- Are you able to agree to take part and willing to participate in group therapy?
- Are you not experiencing very severe psychotic symptoms or acute suicidal feelings?
- Are you not receiving treatments like ECT or ketamine therapy?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your time in the hospital will be split into two groups. Researchers will decide randomly which group you're in – like flipping a coin. One group will continue with their usual mental health care. The other group will have their usual care *plus* they will take part in the special yoga-based group sessions (YoGI) for four weeks.
Before the yoga sessions start, and again after four weeks, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires about how you're feeling. A specially trained psychologist, who doesn't know which group you're in, will also do some assessments with you. You might also be asked to provide some saliva samples to check for stress levels. All your information will be kept private, using a special code instead of your name. You'll be able to see your own study data if you wish, and you have the right to leave the study at any time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin FranklinVerified postcodeSteglitz, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is YoGI?
YoGI stands for Yoga-based Group Intervention, a special program combining yoga with group support designed for people in hospital.
How long will I be in the study?
The main part of the study where you might take part in yoga or have assessments will last for four weeks.
Will my regular doctors know I'm in the study?
Your mental health team will be aware of your participation, as the study works alongside your usual care.
Do I need to have done yoga before?
No, you don't need any previous yoga experience to take part in the YoGI program.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Kerem Böge, Dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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