Efficacy of Yoga Nidra vs Supine Relaxation Technique on Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia in frontline COVID-19 Health Care Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Mental health disturbances have been well documented due to COVID-19 pandemic. There was surge in literature about use of various Mind Body Therapies during pandemic to curb these disturbances. But none have been studied to prospectively during COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Yoganidra in frontline Health care workers (HCW) during pandemic using online and digital tools. Methods This open label randomized trial consisting of 2 arms (Yoganidra and Supine Relaxation technique [SRT]) was conducted at Level- III COVID care centre involving dedicated frontline HCWs. Online YouTube digital platform was used deliver the respective intervention to study participants. Daily reminders were sent using digital social media. Each intervention lasted for 30min a day. Participants completing > 9 days of practice were included for analysis. Primary outcome was changes in scores of Physical Health Quality (PHQ)-9, Generalized Anxiety Score (GAD)-7, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scale. Secondary outcomes were rate of recruitment, days of intervention practice, satisfaction of digital contents. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v.23. Results Of 139 HCWs contacted, 79 HCWs (40 in SRT and 39 in Yoganidra) consented and were recruited into study. After withdrawal and incomplete practice days, 32 in SRT group and 30 in Yoganidra group were included for final analysis. Demographics and pre-intervention scores of PHQ-9, GAD-7, ISI were comparable at baseline. After completion of study, there were significant reduction in scores of PHQ-9, GAD-7 and ISI in Yoganidra 0.002 vs 0.064, < 0.001 vs 0.123, < 0.001 vs 0.828 respectively and effect size was 0.041, 0.013 and 0.024 respectively compared to SRT group. Recruitment rate was 56.8%, 78% of participants completed > 9 days of practice and 100% satisfaction among participants. Conclusion Yoganidra significantly reduces depression, anxiety and insomnia scores among frontline COVID HCWs compared to SRT using virtual session platform. It is also feasible to conduct the virtual sessions of Yoga Nidra using digital platform. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry of India REF/CTRI/2020/07/026609, (ctri.nic.in/clinicaltrials/login.php, number REF/CTRI/2020/07/026609)