Forge AHEAD: Feasibility of Yoga to Improve Cognitive Function

Engaging Stakeholders and Patients to Evaluate the Feasibility of Yoga to Improve Cognitive Function in Rural Heart Failure Patients in the Deep South

The investigators will conduct a two-phase pilot study to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week Chair Yoga intervention for 20 heart-failure patients. Using a patient-centered approach, investigators will involve stakeholders in designing the protocol, gather patient feedback, and refine the protocol accordingly.

The aims of this study include:

Phase 1: Engaging stakeholders and patients to develop the initial study protocol.

1. Engage stakeholders and patients to develop the initial study protocol.
2. Recruit the first 10 patients to complete a 12-week online yoga intervention and collect data before and after the yoga intervention.
3. Evaluate the feasibility of yoga intervention and revise the initial study protocol with stakeholders based on the data collected from the patients.

Phase 2: Pilot the revised protocol and finalize plans.

1. Implement the revised study protocol for the next 10 patients, deliver a 12-week online yoga intervention, and collect data before and after the yoga intervention.
2. Evaluate the pilot results on the feasibility of yoga intervention to enhance patient-centered outcomes and cognitive function based on the data collected from the patients.
3. Finalize the study protocol with stakeholders and disseminate findings with communities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Heart failure diagnosis
• Aged 55 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Traumatic brain injury, co-existing neurological and psychiatric disorders
• Implanted defibrillator or metal objects, left ventricular assist device placement, or cardiac transplant
• Substance abuse
• Unable to perform yoga due to physical limitations or severity of illness
• Currently engaged in a yoga program