Introduction:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern, particularly in India. Previous studies highlighted yoga's effectiveness in managing hypertension and diabetes. This research explores whether the ancient Indian practice of yoga could serve as an effective tool for managing CKD. The study aims to assess yoga and meditation's impact on renal function and quality of life (QoL) in CKD patients.
Methods:
The study involved 110 stable CKD patients who were not on hemodialysis attending the nephrology Outpatient Department. Over a two-year study period, CKD patients were monitored for six months to evaluate the impact of yoga on both quality of life and disease progression. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A received yoga in addition to standard care as per KDIGO-guideline treatment, while Group B served as the control, receiving only standard treatment. Patients in the study group underwent rigorous yoga-based lifestyle modifications, including training in kidney-specific yoga techniques and asanas such as Standing asanas (Urdhva-Hastasana, Ardha chakrasana), Sitting asanas (Purvottanasana, Shashankasana), and Pranayama. Initial data collection included detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory examination including serum creatinine, blood hemoglobin and WHO-QoL scores, with follow-up assessments conducted after six months. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation. Student t-test was employed for statistical analysis. The CKD-EPI equation was utilized to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS V21.0.
Results:
In Group A, the mean age was 55.64 ± 15.51 years, with a BMI of 23.32 ± 5.89 kg/m2, while Group B had a mean age of 55.38 ± 11.87 years, with a BMI of 23.03 ± 3.32 kg/m2. Group A comprised 35 males and 20 females, while Group B had 36 males and 19 females. Approximately 61% of patients in both groups had microalbuminuria. The student t-test revealed no statistically significant difference in Hb levels between the two groups (Group-A, p 0.14; Group-B, p 0.08). The eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) was stable in both the groups after six months, with no statistically significant difference (Group-A; P=0.18 vs Group-B; p=0.10). Quality of life parameters, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, significantly improved in both groups after six months (p 0.0001), with group A showing more pronounced improvement.
Conclusions:
Due to the meticulous adherence to the treatment plan, renal functions in CKD patients from both groups showed equal improvement after six months. Nevertheless, CKD patients incorporating yoga and meditation alongside standard of care reported a greater quality of life enhancement than those receiving standard of care alone.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.