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Effect of Add-on Yoga-Based Intervention on Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Thrinath Mullapudi1, Shivarama Varambally2,3, Moinak Banerjee4
1Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India.
Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Yoga therapy improved clinical outcomes in schizophrenia patients by modulating immune markers. This adjunctive intervention showed benefits in negative and cognitive symptoms, suggesting immunomodulation as a potential mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with limited treatment options for negative and cognitive symptoms.
- Current antipsychotic medications have significant limitations and adverse effects.
- Yoga shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for improving clinical outcomes in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of add-on yoga therapy on clinical outcomes in schizophrenia patients.
- To analyze changes in DNA methylation patterns and gene/protein expression of immune molecules (cytokines and complement proteins).
- To explore the potential immunomodulatory effects of yoga in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 66 schizophrenia patients assigned to yoga therapy (YT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU).
- Intervention lasted three months, with assessments at baseline and post-intervention.
- Blood samples were analyzed for plasma levels, gene expression, and DNA methylation of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, C3, C4, and C5.
Main Results:
- The YT group showed significant clinical improvements compared to the TAU group.
- YT was associated with reduced plasma IL-1β and altered expression of IL-1β and IL-6 genes.
- Changes in DNA methylation patterns of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and C4 were observed in the YT group.
Conclusions:
- Yoga-based intervention positively impacts clinical outcomes in schizophrenia.
- Yoga influences the expression and DNA methylation of specific immune markers.
- Immunomodulation may be a key mechanism underlying the benefits of yoga in schizophrenia.
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