Background and objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Rectification of lifestyle with the use of non-conventional modalities can help to reduce the rate of disease progression. Aim of the study was to find out the effect of yoga intervention for one year in improvement of joint movement and disability by measuring range of joint motion (ROM), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in patients with RA. Effect of yoga was studied on regression of symptoms and improvement of condition.
Methods: Total of Seventy two rheumatoid arthritis patients were enrolled and divided in two groups. Group 1 included 36 patients taking Allopathic medication. Group 2 included 36 patients taking yoga along with allopathic medication. Range of joint movement in shoulder, elbow, wrist, MCP, hip, knee, ankle, PIP was assessed bilaterally in terms of degree. Disability was assessed using HAQ, an observational and self‐reporting method.
Results: The patients, after yoga intervention, experienced improvement in ROM for many joints of hand, shoulder, knee, hip and in HAQ.
Interpretation and conclusions: The study concluded that yoga therapy, when used in conjunction with other prescribed treatments, can have a positive systemic effect on ROM and HAQ and thus helps in the effective management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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