A mindful yoga intervention for children with severe asthma: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Integrative Medicine
• Mind-Body Therapies

Background:

• Severe asthma in children often requires multidisciplinary management.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly explored for symptom control.
• The role of mind-body approaches like mindful yoga is understudied in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the tolerability, feasibility, and acceptability of a mindful yoga intervention.
• To examine the immediate effects of mindful yoga on children with severe asthma.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 15 children (ages 7-11) with severe asthma.
• Single session of mindful yoga followed by child and caregiver interviews.
• Collection of vital signs and pulmonary function tests pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Children reported positive experiences; caregivers were supportive.
• One child experienced transient, self-limited bronchoconstriction.
• No significant changes in lung function or vital signs were observed.

Conclusions:

• Mindful yoga is a potentially safe and acceptable intervention for children with severe asthma.
• Larger studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of mindful yoga for this group.