Effects of MediYoga among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Title

Effects of MediYoga among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Background

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a heart arrythmia which may occur spontaneously with a frequency of 130 to 160 beats/minute. This arrythmia may proceed from a few minutes to seven days and may give symptoms as palpitations, dizziness, anxiety and worry. Factors which can affect the developing of PAF is, among others, hypertension, thyroide disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, high intake of alcohol, and highly intensive training. The standard treatment consists of medications and ablations, to reduce symptoms as well as new attacks of atrial fibrillation.

The literature suggests that changes in life – style may reduce the developing of PAF and reduce the frequencies of new attacks of atrial fibrillation. According to the literature, persons with PAF may have a reduced quality of life, which is related to the symptoms which occur. MediYoga has shown an improved effect in quality of live as well as to reduce blood pressure, heart frequency and attacks of atrial fibrillation.

Method

An international randomised multicentre study is planned with 100 participants in every centre (three centres). Patients, with the diagnosis of PAF, will be randomised to MediYoga- or control group. The MediYoga group will perform yoga in group online, with support of a web-based yoga program (TeleYoga), in one hour per week in 12 weeks. In addition, the MediYoga group will receive standard treatment. The control group will only receive standard treatment.

Assessments which will be measured at baseline (before study start) and after 12 weeks (end of study) are:

• Quality of life with one disease-specific (ASTA) and one generic questionnaire (SF-36)
• Blood-pressure
• Heart frequency
• NTpro-BNP (blood sample)
• Attacks of atrial fibrillation will be recorded with an ILR (implanted loop recorder) which record the heart rhythm for six months.

Consideration

Persons with PAF may have reduced quality of life with high encumbrance of symptoms, which may convey sick leaves as well as they seek health care in a high extend. The standard treatment has not often an adequate effect and may cause side effects. A complementary treatment, such as yoga, is needed to be implement in health care to supply those persons to a better quality of life and to reduce suffering. This complementary treatment, MediYoga, can be performed in hospitals, primary care as well as a self-care at home.

Head of research

Sophiahemmet Högskola

Funders

Sophiahemmet Ideell förening

Contact

Projektledare: Maria Wahlström