Kundalini Yoga for Improving Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Despite adequate pharmacologic treatment and transfusion support for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), there is an ongoing need to explore non-pharmacologic approaches for managing MDS symptom burden. Yoga has proved effective in oncologic patients. The aim of this observational study was to explore the feasibility of an 8-week online Kundalini yoga program, including its impact on symptom burden in MDS patients.

Methods: All patients diagnosed with MDS in our medical center were offered an 8-week online program, in which a 1-h weekly kundalini yoga session was held live via Zoom. All segments included postures in the sitting position, specifically planned for this patient population. Symptom burden was assessed before and after each session and at a later timepoint - 8 weeks post-course completion, using the Edmonton Symptom Self-Assessment Scale - global distress score (ESAS-GDS).

Results: Fourteen patients participated in the program. The median number of sessions per patient was 4. The questionnaires were reasonably easy for the patients to complete. Mean GDSs significantly improved after yoga sessions. Patients consistently endorsed reduced fatigue (78%), increased alertness (65%), increased general well-being (60%), and reduced anxiety (42%) after practicing yoga. Furthermore, symptom burden remained significantly improved 8 weeks after course completion.

Conclusion: This Kundalini yoga program for MDS patients was feasible and resulted in significantly better patient-reported health outcomes, ongoing for at least 8 weeks after the last intervention. Longer follow-up within a longer practice program is planned.