Randomized-controlled Trial of Yoga for Ulcerative Colitis

Randomized-controlled Trial of Yoga for Ulcerative Colitis

The aim of this randomized trial is to investigate the effects of a 12-week yoga intervention compared to self-care on quality of life, stress, psychological health, and physiological parameters in 77 patients with ulcerative colitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ulcerative colitis (clinical, endoscopic and histological diagnosis)
• Disease duration at least 12 months
• Clinical remission for at least 4 weeks and less than 12 months
• CAI < 5
• IBDQ < 170
• Physical and mental ability to perform yoga
• No regular practice of yoga or Pilates in the previous 12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically active disease (CAI > 4 Rachmilewitz)
• Complete resection of the colon
• Acute, infectious or chronic active ulcerative colitis
• Severe disease precluding yoga practice
• Malignancy with a disease-free survival < 5 years except curatively treated basalioma of the skin
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Dementia
• Pregnancy