Yoga as a Novel Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Abstract

Context: Recent studies have demonstrated that physical activity is well tolerated by patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and can have additional benefits as an adjuvant therapy to pharmacologic agents, especially if started early. To date, no studies have examined the effects of yoga on patients with IIMs. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of yoga on self-reported difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADL) and muscle strength in patients with mild-to-moderate IIMs. Subjects and Methods: A longitudinal cohort study in which participants were assessed using the Myositis Activities Profile (MAP) and manual muscle testing (MMT) before and after the completion of an 8-week instructor-guided yoga course was performed. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon signed-ranked test was performed for statistical analysis. Results: The average posttreatment MAP scores of six participants demonstrated an increase of 2.51 points, while the average MMT score of four participants demonstrated an increase of 11 points. Conclusions: This study is the first study to date to examine the effect of yoga as an adjuvant complementary therapy for patients with IIM. Continued research should be done on the effect of yoga as an adjuvant therapy, for in addition to increase in muscle strength and ability to perform ADL, yoga may offer potential improvements in mood, mental health, and sleep.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: one year in review 2022

“…Indeed, infectious adverse events represent a common and fearsome complication of IIM-ILD, with a mortality rate of 41.2% (126). Nonpharmacological treatments, too, have a paramount role in IIM: low-load blood-flow restricted resistance training may reduce the rate of muscle loss in IBM (157), as well as constant training and physical activity in all patients affected by IIM, in whom aerobic and resistance exercises, as well as yoga (158), may be helpful in the overall management of the disease (159)(160)(161).…”

Harnessing the benefits of yoga for myositis, muscle dystrophies, and other musculoskeletal disorders

“…To date, only one article has been published looking at the effects and benefits of yoga in patients with myositis (Table 1 ). In this study published in February 2021, Kong et al examined the patients’ self-reported perception of difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), as well as muscle strength, both before and 8 weeks after weekly yoga intervention [ 25 ]. The measured outcomes were scores on a Myositis Activity Profile (MAP).…”

“…The measured outcomes were scores on a Myositis Activity Profile (MAP). This is a measure of the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) — measuring muscle strength in the axial, proximal and distal muscle groups [ 25 ]. The MAP score increased from 66.67 (SD: 25.34) before beginning yoga intervention to 69.17 (SD: 30.71) upon completion of the 8-week yoga program.…”

“…While the difference between pre- and post-MAP scores was not a statistically significant one, examination of the individual components of the ADLs showed significant improvements in patient’s personal care, self-hygiene, and domestic activities. Muscle strength also increased, from 217.25 (SD: 41.65) pre-intervention to 228.25 (SD: 23.99) out of a possible 260 points on the Kendall 0–260 scale post yoga intervention [ 25 ]. This muscle strength improvement was found in both the proximal and distal muscle groups, even though statistical significance could not be determined due to the small sample size.…”

“…The fear of damage or progressing symptoms resulting from exercise is a misconception, as lack of physical activity may spur muscle atrophy in myopathies. Furthermore, studies show that muscle weakness may persist even after long-term treatment with pharmacological therapeutic regimens [ 25 ].…”