None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The Yoga AF study will enrol patients with atrial fibrillation who are undergoing a rhythm control strategy (ie trying to maintain sinus rhythm, the hearts normal rhythm), half of the participants will be randomly chosen to undertake a yoga program, which we believe may help reduce the amount of AF a person has. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of participation in a regular yoga program to see if regular yoga can reduce the number of recurrences and overall amount of atrial fibrillation a person experiences.
Interventions
The intervention will consistent of 60min yoga classes three times a week for 12 months. Participants will attended group yoga classes in person at a local yoga studio for the first three months to ensure participants learn proper technique, after this, they will have the option to transition to an online format if preferred. The first 4-weeks after commencing yoga will be the blanking period in which AF episodes will not count towards the primary endpoint. From a participant perspective the
The intervention will consistent of 60min yoga classes three times a week for 12 months. Participants will attended group yoga classes in person at a local yoga studio for the first three months to ensure participants learn proper technique, after this, they will have the option to transition to an online format if preferred. The first 4-weeks after commencing yoga will be the blanking period in which AF episodes will not count towards the primary endpoint. From a participant perspective the 4 week blanking period will not involve anything different. All classes will be delivered by a qualified yoga instructor. Yoga classes will involve participants performing a series of physical postures with coordinated controlled breathing. Classes will be taught in the Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar or Yin yoga style. Participants will keep an activity diary to log their yoga participation. Study investigators will also review attendance records from the yoga studios/ online classes where available. A subgroup of 10 patients in each arm will undergo microneurography to measure MNSA. These participants will be randomly selected. MNSA will be measured at baseline and 12 months post baseline. Measurement of MNSA will take 2-3 hours and involve insertion of a microelectrode into the peroneal nerve.
Sponsors
Alfred Health
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Disease status: Persons with paroxysmal or persistent AF undertaking a rhythm control strategy who have not undergone an AF ablation in the past 6 months Willingness and ability to given written informed consent and comply with the study protocol Physical ability to undertake Yoga and willing to commit to regular practice for 12 months Medicare eligible Australian residents Internet access
Exclusion criteria
Regular yoga practice in last 6 months Permanent AF AF ablation in the past 6 months, or likely to undergo AF ablation in the next 6 months The absence of AF lasting >30 seconds in the past 3 months documented by 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), ambulatory monitoring or device interrogation Contraindications to yoga such as an inability to participate due to musculoskeletal condition Severe valvular dysfunction Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or cardiac surgery in preceding 6 months Uncontrolled thyroid disease, autoimmune or systemic inflammatory disease Dementia, cognitive impairment or lack of English language ability to a degree that would impair ability to understand instructions and participate in yoga class Advanced malignancy or other medical condition resulting in life expectancy < 12 months People not eligible for Medicare Unwilling to have an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) inserted and inability/unwillingness to use Alivecor device or smart watch.
Outcome results
None listed