No abstract

Distress is an increasing public health problem. We aimed to investigate the effects of an Iyengar yoga program on perceived stress and psychological outcomes in distressed women and evaluated a potential dose-effect relationship. Seventy-two female distressed subjects were included into a 3-armed randomized controlled trial and allocated to yoga group 1 (n = 24) with twelve 90 min sessions over 3 months, yoga group 2 (n = 24) with 24 sessions over 3 months, or a waiting list control group (n = 24). The primary outcome was stress perception, measured by Cohen Stress Scale; secondary outcomes included state trait anxiety, depression, psychological and physical quality of life (QOL), profile of Mood States, well being, and bodily complaints. After three months, women in the yoga groups showed significant improvements in perceived stress (P = 0.003), state trait anxiety (P = 0.021 and P = 0.003), depression (P = 0.008), psychological QOL (P = 0.012), mood states being (P = 0.007), and bodily complaints well(P = 0.012) when compared to controls. Both yoga programs were similarly effective for these outcomes; however, compliance was better in the group with fewer sessions (yoga group 1). Dose effects were seen only in the analysis of group-independent effects for back pain, anxiety, and depression. These findings suggest that Iyengar yoga effectively reduces distress and improves related psychological and physical outcomes. Furthermore, attending twice-weekly yoga classes was not superior to once-weekly classes, as a result of limited compliance in the twice-weekly group.

BACKGROUND Medical cannabinoids are controversial in Germany and worldwide. Their use is still comparatively rare but rising rapidly. Little is known about their therapeutic advantages and disadvantages at the individual patient level. In addition, few representative data is available. OBJECTIVE The study is intended as a representative explorative data collection. Main goal is to provide a detailed picture of the current use of medical cannabinoids in Germany. It is intended to identify subgroups that may benefit particularly well or poorly. To ensure a relevant selection of parameters in this survey, we conducted qualitative interviews in advance. Their main objective was to improve scientific understanding of the individual experience of receiving medical cannabinoids. METHODS We are conducting a mixed-methods, representative, anonymous, cross-sectional online-survey in three German federal states. Survey composition involves qualitative interviews to identify relevant variables. Based on these, variable-specific, existing validated questionnaires were selected. Representative samples are being obtained using cluster-sampling via the panel physicians of the statutory health insurance companies. RESULTS The survey is currently active with participant recruitment. As of April 15, 2022, 192 patients were enrolled. Recruitment started in March 2021 and finishes by mid 2022. Qualitative interviews are completed and were held from September 2020 until March 2021. CONCLUSIONS The design is representative for approx. 80.3 % of total cannabinoid prescriptions in Germany. It may provide less bias of social desirability and more in-depth information than existing studies. CLINICALTRIAL Registration: German Clinical Trials Register - DRKS00023344 Recruitment Status: Recruiting First Posted: October 13, 2020 Last Update Posted: February 8, 2022 Protocol version: January 20, 2022 Version 1.1