Yoga for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

(YES-IPF Trial)

Overseen By Bridget Collins, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Washington

Disqualifiers: Paralysis, Musculoskeletal discomfort, Lung transplant, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 24

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether yoga can improve the quality of life for people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a lung condition that makes breathing difficult. Participants divide into two groups: one group attends yoga sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, while the other continues their usual activities without yoga. Individuals with IPF who regularly visit the University of Washington Medical Center and have not had a lung transplant or regularly practiced yoga before might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore potential lifestyle improvements for managing IPF.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on adding yoga to your routine rather than changing your medication.

What prior data suggests that yoga is safe for patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Research has shown that yoga is generally safe and can improve the quality of life for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs. One study found that patients who participated in a yoga program felt significantly better, suggesting that yoga could be a helpful addition to other treatments.

Yoga includes exercises and breathing techniques that are low-risk. Reports indicate that most people can practice yoga without any problems. Another study found that yoga can safely help reduce stress, which might also improve mood and quality of life. Overall, existing research supports yoga as a safe option for patients interested in trying something new as part of their care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using yoga for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) because it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach that may complement existing treatments. Unlike standard options like antifibrotic medications, which aim to slow disease progression, yoga focuses on enhancing the patient's quality of life by improving breathing, flexibility, and stress reduction. The virtual delivery of yoga sessions allows for safe, accessible participation, especially during times like the COVID pandemic, making it a convenient option for individuals with IPF.

What evidence suggests that yoga might be an effective treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Research has shown that yoga can greatly improve the quality of life for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In a past study, participants in a yoga program experienced noticeable improvements in their overall well-being. In this trial, participants in Group A will engage in a 12-week program of twice-weekly yoga sessions designed specifically for IPF patients. This suggests that regular yoga might help manage symptoms and enhance daily life. Meanwhile, Group B participants will continue with their usual care and activities. Additionally, similar mindfulness practices have been found to reduce stress and lift mood in people with lung diseases, potentially easing the experience of living with IPF. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bridget F Collins, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Washington, Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases

Ganesh Raghu, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Washington, Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis who can give informed consent and are followed at the University of Washington Medical Center's Center for Interstitial Lung Disease. Details on who cannot participate are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 or older with IPF and can give informed consent.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants randomized to 12 weeks of twice weekly yoga sessions conducted virtually

12 weeks

24 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in quality of life after the yoga intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Yoga

Trial Overview The study tests if yoga, tailored for those with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and conducted virtually, affects their quality of life compared to usual care. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the yoga group or a control group receiving standard care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients randomized to 12 weeks of twice weekly yoga sessions. The yoga exercises have been designed specifically for patients with IPF. Yoga sessions were virtual in the setting of the COVID Pandemic

Group II: Group B Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients who are not randomized to yoga sessions will continue with their usual care and usual activities

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Washington

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,858

Recruited

2,023,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 94 randomized controlled trials involving 8,430 participants found that yoga is as safe as usual care and exercise, with no significant differences in serious adverse events or dropouts due to adverse events.

While yoga had a higher occurrence of nonserious adverse events compared to psychological or educational interventions, the overall safety profile suggests that it is a viable therapeutic option, highlighting the need for better reporting of safety data in future studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safety of Yoga: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cramer, H., Ward, L., Saper, R., et al.[2018]

A pilot study involving 21 patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease showed that a 12-week home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program improved patient-reported outcomes related to dyspnea and quality of life, although the results were not statistically significant due to the small sample size.

Qualitative feedback indicated that participants, despite having varying expectations and disease severity, found the program beneficial for coping with their condition, highlighting the importance of psychological support alongside physical rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Health Coaching in Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease: IMPLEMENTATION AND QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF A PILOT TELEHEALTH PROGRAM. Duke, JD., Moua, T., Ridgeway, JL., et al.[2023]

Patients with fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia showed improvements in exercise tolerance, anxiety, depression, and quality of life after participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

The rehabilitation program was effective without increasing the patients' daily physical activity levels, suggesting that structured rehabilitation can enhance well-being without requiring more physical exertion in their daily lives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on daily life physical activity of fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients. Wallaert, B., Masson, N., Le Rouzic, O., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.20.25327762v1.full-text

Yoga Effect on Quality-of-Life Study Among Patients with ... Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis participating in a yoga program demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02848625

Yoga Effect on Quality of Life Study Among Patients ... This study will evaluate whether regular yoga exercises designed specifically for patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is associated with any change in ...

3. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.20.25327762v2.full.pdf

Yoga Effect on Quality-of-Life Study Among Patients with ... Conclusion: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis participating in a yoga program. 77 demonstrated significant improvement in quality ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4360722/

Mindfulness-based stress reduction in patients with ... An MBSR program appears to be safe and feasible in patients with ILD, and might affect perceived moods and stress producing a positive and lasting improvement.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229924000943

Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention (eMBI) in ... An eight-week online Mindfulness resulted in a proportional reduction of dyspnea in patients with interstitial lung diseases.