Research is extremely important to support different approaches to health care. In the recent past, Yoga has been gaining lot of attention as Yoga Institutes, reseachers, scholars have started offering substantive clinical research evidence. In this issue, Indian Yoga Association brings to you the Research Papers published by our Member Institutes and other Institutes or individuals on Benefits of Yoga in during COVID -19 Pandemic

Kaivalyadhama

Integrated Therapy as a Tool to Help Fight Asymptomatic COVID-19: A case report

Author: Subodh Tiwari, Shruti Sharma and Anita Verma
Published In: IMCR Case Report
Published On: July 2021

Abstract

COVID-19 is a rapidly changing and evolving situation and is extremely challenging to the humankind since it is highly infectious. Around 80% of the COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic but still need special care so that they don’t develop any further serious complications in due course of infection. The aim of present case study was to assess the effect of integrated therapy of yoga and Ayurveda on vital parameters of a COVID-19 positive asymptomatic patient. He was found to be COVID-19 positive with ORF CT value of 29.85. He remained asymptomatic throughout the course of disease. Vital parameters such as body temperature, oxygen saturation, and heart rate remained optimal throughout the course of infection. This was probably due to physical activity such as walking, yoga and Ayurvedic medications which helped in building of immunity. This further prevented progression of the disease to moderate/severe stage and there were no unanticipated events. The patient was rechecked after 8 days and was found to be COVID-19 negative. This implies that Yoga and Ayurveda treatment is effective in controlling symptoms of COVID-19 and prevention of disease progression.

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga

Efficacy of Pranayama in Preventing COVID-19 in Exposed Healthcare Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author: Rakesh Sarwal, Dr,Rajinder K. Dhamija, Khushbu Jain, Ishwar V. Basavaraddi
Published In: OSE Preprints
Published On: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Background: The global outbreak of COVID-19 has created a challenging situation, especially among the frontline Health Care Professionals (HCPs), who are routinely exposed and thus at a relatively higher risk of infection. A few studies have shown the practice of Pranayama, a component of Yoga, to be effective in improving immune function and reducing infection. However, no clinical trial on the efficacy of Pranayama in preventing COVID-19 has been conducted.

Aim & Objective: This randomized clinical trial assessed the effect of Pranayama in preventing COVID-19 infection in Health Care Professionals (HCPs) routinely exposed to COVID-19 cases.

Methodology: The study was conducted at 5 different COVID-19 hospitals in New Delhi, India during September-November, 2020. 280 HCPs assigned duties with COVID-19 patients who were found negative in COVID-19 antibody test in pre-intervention assessment were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group practiced especially designed Pranayama modules twice a day (morning and evening) for 28 days under the supervision of Yoga instructors through online mode, while those in the control group were advised general fitness practices (like walking, jogging, running). Participants who became symptomatic underwent RTPCR / Point of Care Rapid Antigen test for confirmation of COVID 19 diagnosis. All the patients also underwent antibody testing for COVID-19 on 28th day of the intervention to detect asymptomatic infection.

Results: 250 participants, comprising 123 in the intervention group and 127 in the control group, completed the study. The intervention and control groups had comparable demographics and baseline characteristics. Three participants (all controls) developed COVID 19 symptoms during the study. On the completion of the study, only one participant in the Intervention group tested positive, while 9 participants in the control group (Including three symptomatic participants) tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. This difference was statistically significant (P-value: 0.01). Conclusion: Practice of our especially designed Pranayama module, every day for 28 days was highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infection in exposed healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Centre

Role of Yoga for the Prevention & Management of COVID-19: A review

Author: Anil Patange (Department of Panchakarma, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha), Punam Sawarkar (Datta Meghe University of Health Sciences, (DMIMSU), Maharashtra, India)

Published In: International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Published On: December 2020

Abstract and Figures
The current outbreak of the COVID-19 has declared as a global health emergency. Moreover, COVID -19 mostly affects the persons having low immunity & mortality rate is also more in such persons. The standard line of treatment for this disease is not yet established. Considering the current need-based scenario, prevention of the disease by improving the immune system is the best & ultimate way to combat this dreadful situation. Therefore, various Yoga Practices useful for immunity building, described in Ayurvedic literature are compiled through this paper, which may become helpful to improve the strength of lungs as well as general immunity of the body. This conceptual study is narrated in a clear & tabular manner under heads of the concept of immunity in Ayurveda, the importance & advantages of Pranayam & Asanas with Immuno-modulator effect of Yoga in COVID -19. All narration is given along with suitable discussion in contemporary science. Daily practices of Yoga play a crucial role in the improvement in the body defense mechanism by making comfortable & relaxed breathing with an increase in elastic recoiling of lungs but without increasing the respiratory rate. It also nourishes the specific organs by increasing the oxygen level in the blood. From that, it is reflected that these Yoga Practices can be used as supportive & preventative therapy for COVID -19 & can fulfill the above-said need.

Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana

A Perspective on Yoga as a Preventive Strategy for Coronavirus Disease 2019

Author: R Nagarathna, HR Nagendra
Published In: International Journal of Yoga
Published On: May – August 13, 2020

Abstract

The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 has led to profound public health crisis. In particular, individuals with pre-existing conditions of heart disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases and the elderly are most vulnerable to succumb to this infection. The current COVID-19 emergency calls for rapid development of potential prevention and management strategies against this virus-mediated disease. There is a plethora of evidence that supports the add-on benefits of yoga in stress

management, as well as prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases. There are some studies on the effect of yoga in communicable diseases as well but very few for acute conditions and almost none for the rapidly spreading infections resulting in pandemics. Based on the available scientific evidences on yoga in improving respiratory and immune functions, we have formulated very simple doable integrated yoga modules in the form of videos to be practiced for prevention of the disease by children, adults, and the elderly.