Yoga for Scleroderma
(GYYB Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a pilot research study to determine the feasibility of gentle yoga and breathing exercises for symptom management in patients with scleroderma. Participants will have a first study visit that includes completing demographic and quality-of-life surveys, learning the gentle yoga and breathing exercises, and providing two saliva samples before and after doing the exercises. After this visit, participants will do the gentle yoga and breathing exercises twice daily at home (morning and evening) by following a video hyperlink. Participants will make an entry in their Yoga Practice Diaries each time they practice at home. On the 12th Week, participants will return to MUSC for a final study visit that includes doing the gentle yoga and breathing exercises, providing saliva samples, and completing a satisfaction survey. There will be a total of 2 clinic visits (on Weeks 1 and 12). The study coordinator will telephone participants weekly during the 10 weeks that they do the gentle yoga and breathing exercises at home to answer questions and help solve any problems. Each visit will take about 2 hours for this research study, in addition to any routine clinical examinations. Each home yoga and breathing practice will take 1 hour. The total study duration is 12 Weeks (3 months). Participants will receive compensation for their travel in the form of prepaid Visa gift cards.
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 and breathing exercises to your routine, so you likely won't need to stop your medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Gentle Yoga and Yogic Breathing for Scleroderma?
A case series involving two women with systemic sclerosis (a type of scleroderma) showed that practicing Yoga alongside conventional treatment helped reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation, and improved their quality of life. This suggests that Yoga might be a helpful addition to standard care for scleroderma.12345
Is yoga safe for people with scleroderma?
How does yoga differ from other treatments for scleroderma?
Yoga is unique for scleroderma as it focuses on improving quality of life and reducing symptoms like pain and stiffness through physical and mental exercises, rather than directly targeting the disease itself. Unlike conventional treatments, yoga is used as an adjunct therapy, meaning it is added to standard care to enhance overall well-being without the use of medication.1891011
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for men and women over 18 with any form of scleroderma, who are currently receiving treatment. Participants must be able to do gentle chair-based yoga movements and breathing exercises, have a working phone, and the ability to watch instructional videos online. It's not for those with psychiatric conditions that affect consent-giving, physical limitations preventing yoga practice, or anyone already doing regular yoga or in another yoga study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in gentle yoga and breathing exercises twice daily at home for 12 weeks, with weekly phone check-ins
Follow-up
Participants return for a final study visit to perform yoga exercises, provide saliva samples, and complete surveys
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Gentle Yoga and Yogic Breathing
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
Paul Nietert
Collaborator
Richard Silver
Collaborator
Marvella Ford
Collaborator
Therese Killeen
Collaborator