Sudarshan Kriya Yoga Program in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Yoga and Mindfulness Interventions
• Trauma and PTSD Studies

Background:

• Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breath-based intervention, has shown promise for PTSD post-disaster or war.
• Previous research has not explored SKY's efficacy in civilians with PTSD from varied trauma types.
• This study investigates the feasibility of a clinical trial for SKY in a broader PTSD population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial of SKY in civilians with PTSD from diverse trauma sources.
• To evaluate enrollment, retention, and adherence rates for SKY intervention in a PTSD cohort.
• To examine changes in PTSD symptoms, mood, and physiological measures.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility trial enrolled 32 participants (aged 18-75) with PTSD from various traumas.
• Participants underwent a 6-day SKY learning phase followed by 7 sessions over 11 weeks.
• Feasibility outcomes included enrollment/retention rates, adherence, and symptom changes.

Main Results:

• 32 participants were enrolled over 9 months, with 21 completing the intervention and assessments.
• Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 scores) were observed at week 12 (p=0.004) and sustained at week 24 (p<0.001).
• The intervention demonstrated a moderate effect size (Cohen's d=0.58 at week 12, d=0.91 at week 24).

Conclusions:

• Conducting a clinical trial of SKY in a general psychiatry clinic for diverse PTSD populations is feasible.
• SKY shows potential as an adjunct treatment for PTSD across a wide range of trauma.
• Future research should employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design.