LoveYourBrain Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis

This study will recruit 20 subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) to participate in a 6-week yoga/meditation program. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group will complete the yoga/meditation classes, followed by a waiting period. The second group will go through a waiting period, followed by yoga/meditation classes. Two subjects assigned to classes during the first session will be selected to participate in an MRI sub-study to look for biomarkers of MS-associated fatigue. All subjects will complete questionnaires and assessments during 3 clinic visits - at baseline, in between the class sessions, and at the end of the study. Questionnaires will also be mailed to subjects 6 weeks after the last study visit.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis with EDSS score equal to or less than 6 (within last year)
• 18 years of age or older
• Ability to ambulate without assistance from a device or person
• Subjects taking medications for depression, fatigue, or anxiety must be stable for 8 weeks prior to baseline
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Willing to refrain from participating in yoga or meditation outside of the study for the duration of enrollment
• Willing and able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Participation in yoga and/or meditation more than twice within 8 weeks prior to baseline.
• MS symptom exacerbation in the 8 weeks before baseline or other serious medical conditions that would impair ability to participate in the study.
• Any other reason that, in the investigator's opinion, would exclude the subject from participation in the study.
• Contraindication to scanning, including but not limited to ferromagnetic metal in the body, claustrophobia, inability to lie still or otherwise tolerate being in the scanner.
• Pregnant women must be excluded from the imaging component of the study due to unknown but possible risk of fetal exposure to the scanner. Women of child-bearing potential will take a confidential pregnancy test immediately prior to each scan session.