Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of a Hatha Yoga-in Patients Hospitalized for Schizophrenia

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Hatha Yoga-on Reminiscence Functions and Mindfulness in Patients Hospitalized for Schizophrenia

The current study aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a Hatha yoga-based group intervention on reminiscence functions and mindfulness in a sample of patients hospitalized for schizophrenia.

This study employs a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Convenience sampling will be used to recruit 36 participants for a cross-culturally adapted Hatha yoga-based group intervention (16 one hour-long sessions over 8 weeks). Feasibility indicators will be monitored systematically. Acceptability will be assessed using semi-structured interviews. Preliminary effectiveness will be evaluated using a quasi-experimental one-group pre-post test design to test group-level (paired t-test) and individual-level (reliability change index) changes in mindfulness and reminiscence functions. Thematic analysis will be conducted to analyze qualitative data, with meta-inference used to integrate the qualitative and quantitative findings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients are diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-5-TR or ICD-10 criteria
• Patients are aged between 18 and 65 years old
• Patients are clinically stabile, defined as being in the post-acute phase of care with no acute psychotic episode or psychiatric hospitalization within the 30 days preceding enrollment
• Patients have adequate cognitive functioning, as evidenced by passing the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), with sufficient insight and capacity to respond meaningfully to study procedures
• Patients have the ability to attend group-based sessions and provide informed consent
• Patients have the willingness and physical ability to engage safely in light-to-moderate yoga practice.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe cognitive impairment or intellectual disability that would disqualify meaningful participation
• Patients with acute psychiatric symptoms or active suicidal ideation
• Patients with physical limitations, such as a severe musculoskeletal condition, that would contraindicate safe participation in yoga practice.