AzTrials
AzTrials

Depression, UnipolarNCT01210651

Treating Major Depression With Yoga: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

A study testing Hatha Yoga Practice Group in people with Depression, Unipolar, run by University of California, San Francisco at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This was a randomized controlled pilot trial to evaluate clinical efficacy and feasibility of hatha yoga as a mono-therapy for major depression. Investigators recruited 38 adults in San Francisco meeting criteria for major depression of mild-to-moderate severity, per structured psychiatric interview and scores of… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 14 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Depression, Unipolar
What is being tested?
Hatha Yoga Practice Group
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
38 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
May 2010to Jan 2011
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 14 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals 14 years of age and older
  • English proficiency sufficient for study participation
  • Diagnosis of Axis I unipolar major depression, per screening Mini International Neuro-Psychiatric Interview (MINI)
  • Depressive symptoms of mild to moderate intensity, per score of 14-28 on screening Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI)
  • Able to attend all required study sessions

Who cannot join

  • Cognitive Impairment, as per Folstein Mini-mental Status Exam Score < 24
  • Use of any antidepressant medication or herbal/nutraceutical mood therapy within the 2 months prior to screening, or during study period
  • Use of psychotherapy during study period
  • Use of any yoga or other mind-body practices during study period, other than study intervention
  • Per screening MINI, diagnosis of any Axis I disorder other than unipolar major depression, such as bipolar disorder, dysthymia or anxiety disorders
  • Per screening MINI, diagnosis of substance use disorders within prior 3 months
  • Per screening MINI, current suicidal ideation or past suicide attempts
  • Severe depressive symptoms, as per screening BDI score > 28

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of California San Francisco

    San Francisco, California, 94115

Other trials in United States

About this study

This was a randomized controlled pilot trial to evaluate clinical efficacy and feasibility of hatha yoga as a mono-therapy for major depression. Investigators recruited 38 adults in San Francisco meeting criteria for major depression of mild-to-moderate severity, per structured psychiatric interview and scores of 14-28 on Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI). At screening, individuals engaged in psychotherapy, antidepressant pharmacotherapy, herbal/nutraceutical mood therapies, or mind-body practices were excluded. Twenty participants were randomized to 90-minute hatha yoga practice groups twice weekly for 8 weeks. Eighteen participants were randomized to 90-minute attention control education groups twice weekly for 8 weeks. Certified yoga instructors delivered both interventions at a university clinic. Primary outcome was depression severity, measured by BDI scores every 2 weeks from intervention start at 0 weeks until finish at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy and self-esteem, measured by scores on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) at 0 weeks and 8 weeks. Blinded assessors analyzed whether change in outcome measures would be statistically comparable between the two intervention groups.

Read the detailed description

This was a prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel group, pilot trial of an 8-week hatha yoga program as mono-therapy in major depression. Recruitment occurred from May to October 2010, and the trial was concluded in January 2011.

We recruited 38 adults from the San Francisco community who met criteria for major depression of mild-to-moderate severity, as per screening diagnostic evaluation with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and scores of 14 through 28 on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI). At screening, individuals engaged in psychotherapy, antidepressant pharmacotherapy, herbal/nutraceutical mood remedies, or any mind-body practices were excluded.

Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two instructor-led intervention groups: a hatha yoga practice group assigned to 90-minute hatha yoga practice sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, versus an attention control education group assigned to 90-minute yoga history seminars twice weekly for 8 weeks. Participants in the hatha yoga group learned and practiced a specific sequence of classical yoga breathing techniques, mindful body postures, and a final deep relaxation pose. The attention control education group explored the history and philosophy of the main branches of yoga through seminars featuring lectures, documentary films, and interactive dialogue between instructor and participants; the seminars were designed to control for non-specific mood benefits of the hatha yoga intervention, such as attention from study personnel, peer interaction, time spent away from routine activities, and anticipation/interest related to mastering novel yoga-related information.

Stratified block randomization was undertaken to ensure that each intervention group had equal numbers of participants with mild depression (per screening BDI scores of 14 to 19) versus moderate depression (per screening BDI scores of 20 to 28).

Participants were informed at screening that anyone randomized to the education group would be offered 16 free hatha yoga classes, upon completion of the study, to learn and practice the same exercises taught to the hatha yoga practice group.

The primary outcome was depression severity, measured by BDI scores at 2-week intervals from intervention start at 0 weeks until intervention end at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy and self-esteem, measured respectively by scores on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) at 0 weeks and at 8 weeks. Blinded assessors analyzed outcome data from both intervention groups, testing whether change in outcome measures would be statistically comparable between the two groups.

Being tested
Hatha Yoga Practice Group, Attention Control Education Group
Keywords
Yoga, Major Depression, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, Hatha yoga, mind-body therapies, depression
Medical subject headings
Depressive Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Major, Depression

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Hatha Yoga Practice GroupBehavioural

    Also called Yoga Practice Group, Hatha Yoga Group, Yoga Exercise Group

    The hatha yoga intervention was a sequence of classical yoga practices, comprised of breathing techniques, mindful body postures, and a final deep relaxation pose. The same sequence was used in all sessions. Yoga practices were broken down into component elements and taught progressively to each student in accordance with his or her ability. Participants were encouraged to remain within their range of motion or comfort. Accommodations were made for those with limitations in tolerance or flexibility for any exercise. Blocks, bolsters and other props were used to support participants in learning and holding yoga poses safely, particularly during back-bends or inverted poses. The intervention was delivered by a licensed, registered nurse, who was also a registered yoga teacher.

  • Attention Control Education GroupBehavioural

    Also called Attention Control Group, Education Group, Yoga History Group

    The educational seminars taught to participants covered the history and philosophy of the main branches of yoga. Documentary films were used during the seminars to enhance lectures, and interactive dialogue was encouraged between instructor and participants. Seminars were designed to control for non-specific mood benefits of study participation, such as attention from instructors, peer interaction, time spent away from routine activities, and anticipation/interest related to mastering novel yoga-related information. Since participants would join the attention control group on a rolling basis, seminars were designed to function as stand-alone educational modules, rather than requiring presentation in a specific sequence. The instructor for the seminars was a registered yoga teacher.

Study groups in NCT01210651
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Hatha Yoga Practice GroupExperimentalParticipants in this group practiced 90-minute sessions of hatha yoga exercises twice weekly for a total of 8 weeks.
Receives: Behavioral: Hatha Yoga Practice Group
Attention Control Education GroupActive comparatorParticipants in this group attended 90-minute educational seminars on yoga history twice weekly for a total of 8 weeks.
Receives: Behavioral: Attention Control Education Group

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Intent-to-Treat Analysis of Adjusted Mean Beck Depression Inventory-II Scores Over Intervention Period

    The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) is a 21-item validated instrument for the self-report of depressive symptoms, with individual item scores summed to yield a total possible BDI score that ranges from 0-63. BDI scores from 0-13 suggest absent to minimal depressive symptoms, from 14-19 mild symptoms, from 20-28 moderate symptoms, and from 29-63 severe symptoms. Regression analysis software examined the BDI scores measured in study participants every 2 wks from intervention start at 0 wks until intervention end at 8 wks, using maximum likelihood estimations to derive an adjusted mean BDI score for each intervention group at each measurement point.

    Measured: 0 wks, 2 wks, 4 wks, 6 wks, 8 wks

  2. Total Change Scores on Beck Depression Inventory-II Among Study Completers

    The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) is a 21-item validated instrument for the self-report of depressive symptoms, with individual item scores summed to yield a total possible BDI score that ranges from 0-63. BDI scores from 0-13 suggest absent to minimal depressive symptoms, from 14-19 mild symptoms, from 20-28 moderate symptoms, and from 29-63 severe symptoms. BDI scores of study completers were examined, and the total change score on BDI was calculated for each intervention group as the mean BDI score at 0 wks subtracted from the mean BDI score at 8 wks.

    Measured: 0 wks and 8 wks

  3. Number of Study Completers With Remitted Depression, Per Completers Analysis of BDI Scores at 8 Weeks

    The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) is a 21-item validated instrument for the self-report of depressive symptoms, with individual item scores summed to yield a total possible BDI score that ranges from 0-63. BDI scores from 0-13 suggest absent to minimal depressive symptoms, from 14-19 mild symptoms, from 20-28 moderate symptoms, and from 29-63 severe symptoms. Analysis examined BDI scores of study completers and identified in each intervention group the number of participants with an 8-wk BDI score ≤ 9, defined as remitted depression.

    Measured: 8 Weeks

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Total Change Scores on General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) Among Study Completers

    The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) is a 10-item, self-administered, validated psychometric instrument to measure self-efficacy, defined as the belief that one's actions are responsible for successful outcomes in coping with difficult life demands. Each item is scored from 1 to 4, with a total GSES score derived by summing the individual item scores. Possible GSES scores range from 10 (no belief in one's self-efficacy) to 40 (strongest belief in one's self-efficacy). GSES scores of study completers were examined, and the total change score on GSES was calculated for each intervention group as the mean GSES score at 0 wks subtracted from the mean GSES score at 8 wks.

    Measured: 0 wks, 8 wks

  2. Total Change Scores on Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) Among Study Completers

    The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is a 10-item, self-administered, validated psychometric instrument to measure self-esteem, defined as having an overall feeling of self-worth and self-acceptance. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, and individual item scores are summed to yield a total possible RSES ranging from 0-30. RSES scores from 0-14 suggest low self-esteem, from 15-25 normal self-esteem, and from 26-30 high self-esteem. RSES scores of study completers were examined, and the total change score on RSES was calculated for each intervention group as the mean RSES score at 0 wks subtracted from the mean RSES score at 8 wks.

    Measured: 0 wks, 8 wks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Sep 2010 (estimated)
  2. Study startMay 2010
  3. Primary completionJan 2011
  4. Study completionJan 2011

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
38 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT01210651
Sponsor's protocol ID
H49362-35940-01
Status last verified
Nov 2016
First submitted
21 Sep 2010
Last updated
11 Jan 2017
Data monitoring committee
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Individual participant data from this clinical trial have been de-identified of any protected health information, and made available for sharing with other researchers. The dataset includes demographic/clinical variables obtained from all randomized participants at screening, as well as primary and secondary outcome measures obtained from participants in both intervention groups over the course of the 8-week intervention period. The dataset is accessible as an Excel file via the following web link: http://prathikanti.com/studydata/

Publications

  • Prathikanti S, Rivera R, Cochran A, Tungol JG, Fayazmanesh N, Weinmann E. Treating major depression with yoga: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial. PLoS One. 2017 Mar 16;12(3):e0173869. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173869. eCollection 2017.

    PubMed 28301561

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Hatha Yoga Practice Group in people with Depression, Unipolar, run by University of California, San Francisco at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Jan 2017. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 11 Jan 2017). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Intent-to-Treat Analysis of Adjusted Mean Beck Depression Inventory-II Scores Over Intervention Period (time frame: 0 wks, 2 wks, 4 wks, 6 wks, 8 wks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01210651, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Jan 2017.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in