None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This is a pragmatic, proof-of-concept study which aims to explore yoga as an adjunct treatments to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for adults with anxiety and depression. Up to 60 participants will be recruited from an existing eight week group CBT program for treatment of anxiety or depression at a primary mental health clinic and invited to take part in a tailored yoga program in addition to their usual treatment, consisting of weekly group classes and an individualised home practice. Mixed-methods data will be collected at pre post and follow up time points. It is expected that individualised who complete yoga in addition to CBT will experience significantly greater reduction in clinical symptoms compared to those engaged in CBT alone. Furthermore, it is expected that qualitative findings will provide insights into whether yoga is an acceptable adjunct treatment to CBT, if adults with anxiety and depression experience yoga as complementary and how.
Interventions
As a pragmatic trial, all participants have the option to self-select into an eight week, yoga therapy program in addition to treatment as usual (control condition) consisting of 8 weekly group yoga sessions of 60 minutes each and a personalised home practice. The yoga practice includes:
- Gentle asana (physical postures) suitable for all levels of experience and utilising suitable modifications where necessary. Postures may be standing, lying or sitting.
- Breath awareness and implementation of
As a pragmatic trial, all participants have the option to self-select into an eight week, yoga therapy program in addition to treatment as usual (control condition) consisting of 8 weekly group yoga sessions of 60 minutes each and a personalised home practice. The yoga practice includes: - Gentle asana (physical postures) suitable for all levels of experience and utilising suitable modifications where necessary. Postures may be standing, lying or sitting. - Breath awareness and implementation of pranayama techniques. The main technique taught and utilised during the 8 weeks will be ujjayi breathing (observation of breath drawing softly through back of nose and throat space during inhalation and exhalation) with a focus on extending breath length. - Relaxation with a movement towards meditative focus. The goal at the end of each class will be to give participants a deep experience of relaxation and a direction towards focusing the mind. The personalised practice will be developed by the Yoga Teacher based on the participants needs and abilities. It will consist of 15-30 minutes of breath-based movement and relaxation, encouraged to practice at home practice each day (at least three days per week). Participant attendance to group classes will be recorded by the yoga teacher and they will complete weekly practice logs regarding the frequency and their experiences of the home practice.
Sponsors
Deakin University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of anxiety or depression of mild to moderate severity, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), established via Clinical Interview based on the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for DSM-5 (American Psychological Association (APA), 2013). - English speaking. - Capacity to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Based on the clinic exclusion criteria for participating in a group program, individuals will not be eligible to participate in the trial if they are: - Deemed to have a high risk of harming self or others. - Deemed unsuitable for group treatment at the time (e.g. presentation is too complex, or individual may not benefit due to personality style etc.). Screening procedures used by the clinic identify such individuals. - Not available to participate in the group programs at the allocated times. - Experiencing a significant medical comorbidity, cognitive impairment, or substance dependence.
Outcome results
None listed