Yoga In Patients With Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases - A Feasibility Trial

Background: Physical activity and quality of life (QoL) are significantly reduced in patients with fibrosing ILD (fILD). As until today improvements in these patient related outcomes could not have been achieved with drug treatments but with physical training, we aimed to assess effects of yoga. Methods: Patients with fILD were randomized between yoga (2x/week, 12 weeks, n=9) and surveillance (n=7) to our feasibility trial. Primary endpoint was change in QoL. Using a mixed method approach for QoL, qualitative data were collected in focus group interviews and quantitative data through established QoL questionnaires (K-BILD, HADS, LCQ, AVA) at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Baseline characteristics in the respective groups were yoga vs. surveillance: median age 65 vs. 71 years, female 44% vs. 14%, FVC 68% vs. 78%, DLCO 48% vs. 56%, 6MWT 412 m vs. 390 m. After 12 weeks there were no significant differences with regards to FVC, DLCO or 6 MWD. For QoL, the qualitative analyses showed discontent with own health status and QoL and expectation to improve health as main reasons for trial participation. At follow-up, health related improvements and transfer of yoga practices into daily life to overcome dyspnea sensation were perceived as main benefits. In the quantitative analyses there were significant differences for K-BILD total and dyspnea score (p<0.05) favoring Yoga, while HADS, LCQ and AVA showed no differences. Conclusion: Yoga for fILD might be associated with significant benefits in QoL. However, data interpretation is limited by imbalances in patient characteristics and small numbers. Yoga as a new therapy approach for fILD should be assessed in larger, controlled trials.