Impact of Yoga Intervention in Lower Limb Amputees following Trauma in Relation to Behavior and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Yoga is an emerging intervention causing improvement in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Its role in improving outcomes in patients with amputation was investigated.

METHODOLOGY

Patients with traumatic lower limb amputation ( = 50) were enrolled and randomized to the Yoga group ( = 26) against control ( = 24). Sociodemographic details, quality of life (QOL) (World Health Organization QOL-BREF), Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS), Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and amputee body image score were applied at baseline, 6,-18 weeks of amputation.

RESULTS

Sociodemographic and clinical variables were comparable between groups. At 18 weeks, the Yoga group had better QOL ( = 0.005) than the control group. Symptoms of depression (0.02) and anxiety (<0.001) reduced, and self-image ( = 0.015) improved significantly at 6 weeks, while stress ( = 0.003) reduced at 18 weeks in the yoga group. Despite comparable body image scores, the prosthesis usage (hours/day) was more ( = 0.005) in the Yoga (6.9 ± 3.2) group against the control (12 ± 2.7).

CONCLUSION

Yoga improves QOL and self-esteem and reduces depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients with traumatic amputation.