Feasibility and preliminary effects of a yoga program developed for adults with post COVID-19 condition (Breathe Easy): pilot randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Effective medical management of post COVID‐19 condition (post COVID) remains challenging. Symptoms are heterogenous, debilitating, and impact health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). Complementary treatments are needed that can be self‐managed and improve health. Yoga is a promising strategy that may help reduce post‐COVID symptoms but remains understudied. METHODS: We co‐designed a unique yoga intervention for adults with post COVID and evaluated its feasibility and preliminary effects. Two‐group parallel, pilot randomized controlled trial with blinded follow‐up. Participants were randomized (1:1) to the 12‐week yoga program or a health promotion (HP) intervention. All participants received usual medical treatment for post COVID. Twenty‐nine participants aged 30‐65 years were recruited and randomized (86% follow‐up). The primary outcome was feasibility and the secondary outcome was HR‐QoL (SF‐36). Data were analysed as intention‐to‐treat using linear mixed modelling. The trial was prospectively registered and approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (2023/06518‐01). RESULTS: Through a consensus development process involving yoga experts in India and Sweden, post COVID researchers, and patient advocates, we successfully co‐designed and pilot tested a yoga program developed for adults with post COVID. The intervention was feasible with high adherence (≥2 sessions/week = 65%; ≥1 session/week = 95%) and no serious adverse events reported. Preliminary (underpowered) analyses showed no pre‐to‐post intervention group differences (SF‐36 physical health: B = ‐1.30, 95% CI = ‐3.60, 1.00, p =.269; mental health: B = 3.49, 95% CI = ‐0.06, 7.04, p =.054). CONCLUSION: Participation in a yoga program developed for patients with post COVID was feasible. Adequately powered trials are needed to assess whether yoga may help to improve symptoms associated with the condition.