Ashtangayoga for irritable bowel syndrome in a primary care setting: A feasibility study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by diarrhea or constipation and other symptoms such as pain, bloating, and flatulence. The disease often has a negative effect on quality of life and is also associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Pharmacological treatments are not always effective, and complementary and alternative treatments are common.MethodsWe conducted a study on a group intervention based on the Ashtanga school of yoga. Fourteen participants (three men, 11 women; average age 51.4, SD = 16) were recruited from primary care, and 10 completed treatment. At pre‐measurement, 4 participants had severe, 9 moderate, and 1 mild IBS, according to the IBS‐SSS scale.Key ResultsThe intervention was regarded as credible (CEQ M = 39.2 SD = 8.8), and no serious adverse events were reported. The intervention showed significant effects on all measurements at post, as follows: IBS‐SSS PRE (M = 272.0 SD = 75.5); IBS‐SSS POST (M = 177.0 SD = 103.5); GSRS‐IBS PRE (M = 48.4 SD = 15.9); GSRS‐IBS POST (M = 37.4 SD = 12.4); VSI PRE (M = 38.8 SD = 10.0) VSI POST (M = 25.9 SD = 10.1); PHQ12 PRE (M = 10.0 SD = 4.3); PHQ12 POST (M = 6.9 SD = 4.3); HADS anxiety PRE (M = 8.9 SD = 5.0) HADS anxiety POST (M = 5.7 SD = 3.3) HADS depression PRE (M = 5.6 SD = 3.2) HADS depression POST (M = 3.8 SD = 2.9) IBS‐QOL PRE (M = 64.5 SD = 12.5) IBS‐QOL POST (M = 72.3 SD = 10.0). The effects were maintained at follow‐up, except for general anxiety and depression. Preliminary effects at 3‐month follow‐up were in the moderate to large range for main outcomes.Conclusion & InferencesA 10‐week group Ashtanga intervention was a feasible intervention for participants with IBS. Preliminary effects were promising and should be explored further in a randomized trial.