An integrated approach of yoga therapy did not significantly improve left ventricular ejection fraction compared to standard care in patients with acute myocardial infarction (P=0.218).
RCT (n=66)
No
Does an integrated approach of yoga therapy improve left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular dysfunction?
Integrated yoga therapy in a cardiac rehabilitation program for post-MI patients with LV dysfunction improves depression, anxiety, and quality of life, but does not improve cardiac function (LVEF).
p-value: p=0.218
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a detrimental noncommunicable disease, which is increasing due to sedentary lifestyle and urbanization in the young population. It is further elevated with risk factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, an increase in triglycerides, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and so on, which manifests as atherosclerotic disease. Yoga-based lifestyle intervention is a noninvasive effective treatment method to control and prevent cardiac risk factors in CAD patients. Yoga has been used in India as a therapeutic method to manage hypertension and other chronic disorders and is fast gaining popularity as an effective means for the alleviation of stress, improvement of fitness, and enhancement of well-being. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of introducing the integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) in a cardiac rehabilitation center in India and understand its usefulness in improving the cardiac function and managing the cardiac risk factors in acute myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Methods and Design: Cardiac patients were randomized to a yoga-practicing group (n = 33) and a control group (n = 33). The yoga-practicing group was instructed to attend three supervised IAYT classes 3 days per week for 12 weeks at the hospital yoga center. The control group received standard care that included pharmacologic treatment and the instructions of the cardiologist. The outcome measures were assessed at baseline (T1 = 0) and completion (T2 = 3 months). The primary outcome measure was the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in LVEF (U = 420.500, p value = 0.218) between the two groups. However, the yoga-practicing group showed significant reduction in depression (Cardiac Depression Scale CDS, U = 71, p value = 0.0), anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale HAM-A, U = 128, p value = 0.0), and a significant increase in quality of life (QOL) scores (Duke Activity Status Index DASI, U = 146, p value = 0.0; and metabolic equivalents (METs), U = 136, p value = 0.0) at 3 months compared to control. Overall, the CAD patients practicing yoga showed a favorable profile compared to control individuals on CDS, HAM-A, DASI, and MET outcomes. Control and yoga practicing groups did not differ significantly in the lipid levels. Conclusion: This study indicated that the integration of yoga practice in a cardiac rehabilitation program is feasible and has no added benefit in improving the cardiac function. However, the addition of yoga to cardiac rehabilitation may be beneficial in reducing depression and anxiety and improving QOL in patients.
Sharma et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction (n=66). Integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) vs. Standard care was evaluated on Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p=0.218). An integrated approach of yoga therapy did not significantly improve left ventricular ejection fraction compared to standard care in patients with acute myocardial infarction (P=0.218).