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NCT Number: NCT07842003

Modified Yoga for Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

This pilot interventional study evaluated whether adding wheelchair-adapted Modified Yoga Therapy to conventional physical rehabilitation could improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in adults with traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury.

Participants with operated traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury were assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The control group received Conventional Physical Rehabilitation Therapy (CPRT), while the experimental group received CPRT together with a 20-minute Modified Yoga Therapy program, five days per week for four weeks. The yoga program included wheelchair-adapted postures, breathing exercises (Pranayama), and relaxation.

Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after four weeks and included Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), and quality of life measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

The study evaluated whether Modified Yoga Therapy could serve as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for individuals with thoracic spinal cord injury.

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Key information

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injury Central Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Diseases Spinal Cord Diseases Spinal Cord Injuries Trauma, Nervous System Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Government (CL&SC) Spine Institute and Hospital

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380016, India

About this study

This pilot interventional study was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of the General Hospital, Ahmedabad, and evaluated the addition of Modified Yoga Therapy (MYT) to Conventional Physical Rehabilitation Therapy (CPRT) in adults with operated traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury.

Participants were assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The control group received CPRT, which included respiratory exercises and conventional physical and occupational rehabilitation. The experimental group received the same conventional rehabilitation together with MYT.

MYT was specifically adapted for participants using wheelchairs and was administered for 20 minutes per session, five days per week for four weeks. The program included Sukshmakriya as a warm-up; wheelchair-adapted Yogasana including Hastauttanasana, Padahastasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Garudasana, and Ardhachandrasana; Anulom Vilom Pranayama; and relaxation with Savasana.

Assessments were performed at baseline and after four weeks to evaluate pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants with operated traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury at levels T1-T12.

Participants who had completed Tilt Table Mobilization with weight-bearing permission from the orthopedic surgeon.

Participants classified as American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale Grade A or Grade B.

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants with associated chest, rib, or abdominal trauma. Participants who had undergone recent secondary surgeries. Participants with cardiopulmonary diseases. Participants with autonomic dysreflexia.

Treatment and study plan

Conventional Physical Rehabilitation Therapy

Behavioral

Conventional Physical Rehabilitation Therapy included diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, upper-limb strengthening, passive and active lower-limb movements, pelvic bridging, abdominal curl-ups, balance training, mat activities, and standard occupational therapy.

Modified Yoga Therapy

Behavioral

Modified Yoga Therapy was administered for 20 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The program included Sukshmakriya, wheelchair-adapted Hastauttanasana, Padahastasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Garudasana, Ardhachandrasana, Anulom Vilom Pranayama, and Savasana relaxation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) was assessed using a Helios 401 computerized spirometer to evaluate expiratory pulmonary function. PEFR was recorded in liters per second (L/m).

  2. Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) was measured using a MicroRPM respiratory pressure meter to assess inspiratory respiratory muscle strength. MIP was recorded in cmH2O.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF)

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluates physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental domains.

Interested in participating?

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Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Government (CL&SC) Spine Institute and Hospital, Ahmedabad

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Modified Yoga on Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Acronym: Leave blank

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2016
Study completion
2016
First posted
Sep 25, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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