Effects of a Coach-Guided Online Yogic Breathing Program on Quality of Life in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Mixed-Methods Pilot RCT

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an online coach-guided yogic breathing exercise (YBE) program on improving quality of life (QoL) in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS).

Methods

A waitlist pilot randomized controlled trial with a post-program individual qualitative interview was employed. Thirteen adults with ALS participated in the YBE program, with 7 in the YBE group and 6 in the waitlist group. The program consisted of twelve 30-min online YBE sessions in which each participant received one-on-one coaching from a certified yoga therapist over six consecutive weeks. ALS Specific Quality of Life-Revised (ALSSQOL-R) was the outcome measure.

Results

All but 2 participants in the YBE training group completed the 12 sessions, with an overall attendance rate of >97%. Compared to the waitlist group using the Mann–Whitney U test, the YBE group showed significant improvement in the change scores of the physical symptoms and intimacy domains of the ALSQOL-R at post-test. No significant differences in the change scores between the YBE and waitlist groups in the total score and other domains of the ALSQOL-R were observed. Thematic analysis of participants’ interview about their experiences with the program revealed two themes: sense of control over breathing and emotional regulation through relaxation.

Conclusion

Despite the small sample size, the high attendance rate and positive feedback indicate that the YBE program is feasible and acceptable to PwALS. The YBE program demonstrated significant QoL benefits for PwALS. Participants reported enhanced control over their breathing and better emotional regulation.