Assessment of significance of Yoga on quality of life in asthma patients: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath and a tight feeling in the chest. The current study is based on the effect of Yoga on quality of life in asthmatics in Northern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 participants of mild-to-moderate persistent asthma (FEV(1) >60%) aged between 12 and 60 years were recruited from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Their quality of life was assessed with the help of mini asthma quality-of-life questionnaire (AQLQ) at baseline and then after 3(rd) and 6(th) month from baseline. Forty-five participants were dropped out during the study while 255 participants completed the study successfully. RESULTS: In “the Yoga group,” significant improvements were found in all the subdomains of AQLQ at 3(rd) month and at 6(th) month in comparison to “the control group.” The number needed to treat was found to be 2.67 for the total AQLQ score which was greater than the minimal important difference. CONCLUSION: “The Yoga group” got significantly better improvement in asthma quality-of-life scores than “the control group.” Thus, Yoga can be used as an adjuvant therapy in the management of asthma.