Yoga for Indigestion and Delayed Gastric Emptying

(FD-GP Trial)

Overseen By Elizabeth Meyer, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Disqualifiers: Celiac, IBD, GI obstruction, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 weeks

10 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Seated Yoga Skills Training for indigestion and delayed gastric emptying?

The research on autonomic training (a behavioral technique) shows that it can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms by over 30% in some patients with delayed gastric emptying, suggesting that similar mind-body approaches like yoga might also be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is yoga safe for managing indigestion and delayed gastric emptying?

Yoga has been used safely as an additional therapy for managing symptoms of functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion) in patients who did not initially respond to medication, showing marked improvement without reported safety concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does Seated Yoga Skills Training differ from other treatments for indigestion and delayed gastric emptying?

Seated Yoga Skills Training is unique because it focuses on maintaining a sitting position after eating, which has been shown to promote faster gastric emptying compared to lying down. This approach is different from other treatments that might involve medication or dietary changes, as it uses body posture to aid digestion. ^{9 11 12 13 14}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research study is to assess whether using a yoga-based intervention in practice is feasible (possible) and acceptable to patients with Functional Dyspepsia and/or Gastroparesis (FD-GP).

Research Team

Elyse Thakur, MD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with Functional Dyspepsia or Gastroparesis diagnosed by a doctor. It's not for those who've practiced yoga or similar activities like tai chi in the past 6 months, have certain GI disorders, recent GI surgery, severe liver disease, active cancer (except some skin cancers), psychosis, high suicide risk, eating disorders, cognitive issues, or substance abuse.

Inclusion Criteria

Signed, written consent

I have been diagnosed with Functional Dyspepsia or Gastroparesis by a doctor.

Exclusion Criteria

Underwent a regular yoga or other mediative movement practice (tai chi or qi gong) in the past 6 months

I have a chronic GI or liver condition, but not skin cancer in remission.

A positive screen for the following: current psychotic symptoms, elevated suicide risk, active eating disorder, cognitive impairment, current harmful alcohol or substance use

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

0 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo two one-hour yoga sessions with home practice administered individually by a yoga interventionist in GI clinic

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

Qualitative Assessment

30-minute semi-structured interview to gather perspectives on the intervention

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Seated Yoga Skills Training

Trial Overview The study tests if a seated yoga program is doable and acceptable for patients with indigestion and delayed gastric emptying due to Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis. The goal is to see if this intervention can be integrated into their treatment routine.

Participant Groups

Group I: Seated Yoga Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Two one-hour yoga sessions with home practice administered individually by a yoga interventionist in GI clinic

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,432

Recruited

2,506,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lack of association between gastric emptying of solids and symptoms in nonulcer dyspepsia. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of response to a behavioral treatment in patients with chronic gastric motility disorders. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of body position changes on postprandial gastroesophageal reflux and gastric emptying in the healthy premature neonate. [2007]

4. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Therapeutic mechanism of diaphragm training at different periods in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease]. [2014]

5. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gastric emptying time of fluids and solids in healthy subjects determined by 13C breath tests: influence of age, sex and body mass index. [2016]

6. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Benson's relaxation therapy alone or combined with aerobic exercise on cortisol, sleeping quality, estrogen, and severity of dyspeptic symptoms in perimenopausal women with functional dyspepsia. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. [2020]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adjuvant yoga therapy for symptom management of functional dyspepsia: A case series. [2023]

9. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of regular exercise on gastric emptying in healthy men: a pilot study. [2020]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia. [2023]

11. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Effect of body position on gastric emptying of solid food--a study using a sulfamethizole capsule food method]. [2020]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of posture on gastric emptying and satiety ratings after a nutritive liquid and solid meal. [2020]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Associations Between Physical Activity and Gastrointestinal Transit Times in People with Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obesity. [2023]

14. Indonesia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delayed gastric emptying in an indonesian population with reflux esophagitis. [2011]