Developing a new improved yoga therapy treatment for asthma

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma afflicts many millions of people worldwide, with multinational studies finding over 4% of young adults on asthma medication. Prescribed medication may alleviate symptoms but does not cure. The complementary system of yoga therapy has developed yoga practice modules that improve symptoms, but are cumbersome, and lead to high dropout rates. Results: We report the development of a new, shorter yoga module that achieved zero dropouts over a 90-day randomized controlled trial. Discussion: All yoga breathing exercises could be done standing or sitting in a chair, making the module suitable not just for young adults, but for all ages.