Yoga for Youth With IBD: a Pilot Feasibility Study

Youth with IBD experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and psychological suffering related to their disease process. While many biologic and non-biologic therapies are available to target the inflammatory component of IBD, youth with IBD could benefit from a more holistic therapy that addresses psychological wellness, which has been shown, in turn, to reduce disease burden. It is known that stress (multiple varieties) leads to IBD flares. It is also known that mind-body intervention reduces stress. The mind-gut connection is widely discussed in medical circles, however, current therapies have not capitalized on it. The investigators would like to know if an easily accessible mind-body intervention (yoga) can improve wellness, lower stress levels, and reduce intestinal inflammation in youth with IBD.

The study will be an 8-week feasibility pilot. Participants will be asked to participate in online yoga videos and in-studio yoga sessions. Participants will be asked to complete multiple surveys throughout the intervention and continue receiving standard care from their primary gastroenterology team.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 10-21
• Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
• Patient of a Stanford Children's Health or Stanford-affiliated Pediatric Gastroenterologist
• Ability to attend in-person meetings/training

Exclusion criteria

• Initiation of biologic therapy in prior 3 months
• Hospital admission in prior 2 months
• Major surgery in prior 1 month
• PUCAI/PCDAI >65
• Current pregnancy
• Severe developmental or intellectual disability
• Non-english speaking
• Not participating in another concurrent clinical trial