Effects of an Online Yoga Program on Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Bronchiectasis Patients

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by persistent cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, and recurrent infections, which can reduce physical capacity and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as exercise-based approaches, are increasingly used to support symptom management in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week online yoga program on exercise capacity, dyspnea severity, respiratory function, and quality of life in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned to either a yoga intervention group or a control group. The yoga group participated in supervised online sessions three times per week, including breathing exercises, postures, and relaxation techniques, while the control group received usual care without additional intervention. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after eight weeks using pulmonary function tests, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, and the St. George\'s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The study investigated whether yoga could provide a safe and effective complementary approach to improve symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with bronchiectasis.