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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder SymptomsYoga4ADHDNCT07541820

Tailored Yoga Therapy for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A study testing Tailored yoga therapy. and Functional movement. in people with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, run by King's College London at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study will explore the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of a group-based tailored yoga programme designed for adults experiencing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The yoga intervention will be compared to an active control (group-based functional movement classes). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Tailored yoga therapy. and Functional movement.
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
23 Feb 2026to 31 Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Are aged 18 or older.
  • Score above the clinical cut-off threshold on the Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Self-Report Scale.
  • Are fluent in English.
  • Have normal or corrected eyesight.

Who cannot join

  • Major physical health disorders or disabilities that may affect participation (e.g., uncontrolled epilepsy, significant mobility challenges).
  • Major mental health disorders that may affect participation (e.g., active psychosis, severe alcohol/substance use disorder).
  • Current recipient of any other mind-body therapy for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • Current participation in a regular yoga activity.
  • Current pregnancy.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • King's College London

    London

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: Tailored Yoga Therapy for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

This study will explore the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of a group-based tailored yoga programme designed for adults experiencing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The yoga intervention will be compared to an active control (group-based functional movement classes).

Read the detailed description

The primary aim of the study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored, group-based yoga intervention for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, by monitoring recruitment, engagement, and completion rates, and through obtaining qualitative feedback from participants at the end of the intervention.

A secondary aim is to explore whether the yoga intervention is associated with improvements in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and related symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression), quality of life, and general functioning, compared to a control intervention (group-based functional movement sessions). The secondary outcomes will be assessed with self-report questionnaires at the start, middle and end of the yoga and control interventions, and three months after completion of the interventions.

The investigators will also examine aspects of cognitive and physiological functioning through laboratory testing at the start and end of the intervention, focusing on measures of autonomic activation (e.g., the 'fight or flight response), bodily awareness, attention, and response inhibition. Physiological functioning, such as sleep quality, activity levels, and heart rate, will be monitored throughout the six-week study with wearable devices (e.g., Fitbit activity trackers), to provide longer-term, real-world insights into the possible benefits of the intervention.

The investigators will explore whether the yoga intervention is associated with improvements in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and related symptoms/abilities, including emotional regulation, social behaviour, attention, focus, interoception and stress reactivity. The investigators will also explore whether the yoga intervention is linked with improved bodily stress markers (heart rate variability), sleep, and physical activity.

This feasibility randomised controlled trial will include 20 participants who will be randomly allocated (1:1) to either the group-based tailored yoga therapy intervention (n=10), or a group-based functional movement class (n=10). The latter will be a structured class focusing on light strength, mobility and flexibility.

All participants will attend an initial in-person laboratory testing session at the start and end of the 6-week intervention. Each week, both intervention group and control group will attend an in-person one-hour group session. Each week, participants will be asked to practice at least twice, using a 20-minute video recording on demand from home. Outcomes will be measured using self-report, lab-based, and digital wearable measures.

Being tested
Tailored yoga therapy., Functional movement.
Keywords
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Yoga, Therapy, Feasibility, Treatment
Medical subject headings
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

What participants receive

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

  • Tailored yoga therapy.Behavioural

    Participants in this arm will participate in a six-week study. They will attend one hour-long group-based in-person session per week, as well as practising from home at least twice weekly following along an online video (which will be a practice of what was learnt in-person that week).

    Each group yoga session will start with some Pranayama (yogic breathwork) to engage participants' attention and to help them focus. The intervention will progress from purely activating yogic breathwork techniques, to some calming and grounding techniques to aid relaxation, bodily awareness and to reduce stress. Sessions will also involve some faster movements to align the body with typically faster mental activities as seen within individuals with ADHD. Some sessions may progress to include some mindful somatic movements and some longer held poses to enhance relaxation and tension release. Towards the end of the intervention there will be longer opportunities for mindful awareness through meditation.

  • Functional movement.Behavioural

    Participants in this arm will similarly participate in a six-week study. They will attend one hour-long group-based in-person session per week, as well as practising from home at least twice weekly following along an online video (which will be a practice of what was learnt in-person that week).

    The functional movement control sessions will serve as an exercise class, with educational aspects. All sessions will follow a similar structure of light strength exercises, mobility exercises and end with some flexibility exercises. This control condition was selected to control for the physical aspects the yoga intervention, allowing us to isolate the possible benefits of yoga due to breathwork and mindfulness.

Study groups in NCT07541820
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Tailored yogaExperimentalA 6-week group-based yoga programme designed for people experiencing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.
Receives: Behavioral: Tailored yoga therapy.
Functional movementOtherParticipants will receive an active control of functional movement.
Receives: Behavioral: Functional movement.

What is being measured

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

  1. Feasibility outcomes.

    The investigators will monitor recruitment, engagement and completion rates to assess feasibility, and will obtain qualitative participant feedback at the end of the intervention.

    Measured: From enrolment to the 3-month follow-up.

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Exploratory assessment of self-reported change in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

    The outcomes will be assessed with self-report questionnaires at the start, middle and end of the yoga and control interventions, and 3-months after completion of the intervention.

    Measured: From enrolment to the 3-month follow-up.

Timeline

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

  1. First posted21 Apr 2026
  2. Study start23 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)

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
Model description
Feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
20 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07541820
Sponsor's protocol ID
HR-25/26-53625
Acronym
Yoga4ADHD
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
27 Feb 2026
Last updated
21 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Yildiz S, Grinstead J, Hildebrand A, Oshinski J, Rooney WD, Lim MM, Oken B. Immediate impact of yogic breathing on pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Sci Rep. 2022 Jun 28;12(1):10894. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-15034-8.

    PubMed 35764793
  • Wilens TE, Biederman J, Faraone SV, Martelon M, Westerberg D, Spencer TJ. Presenting ADHD symptoms, subtypes, and comorbid disorders in clinically referred adults with ADHD. J Clin Psychiatry. 2009 Nov;70(11):1557-62. doi: 10.4088/JCP.08m04785pur.

    PubMed 20031097
  • Weaver LL, Darragh AR. Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions for Anxiety Reduction Among Children and Adolescents. Am J Occup Ther. 2015 Nov-Dec;69(6):6906180070p1-9. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2015.020115.

    PubMed 26565100
  • Shiels K, Hawk LW Jr. Self-regulation in ADHD: the role of error processing. Clin Psychol Rev. 2010 Dec;30(8):951-61. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2010.06.010. Epub 2010 Jun 28.

    PubMed 20659781
  • Shanker S, Pradhan B. Effect of yoga on children with autism spectrum disorder in special schools. Ind Psychiatry J. 2022 Jul-Dec;31(2):367-369. doi: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_212_21. Epub 2022 Aug 30.

    PubMed 36419691
  • Siebieszuk A, Plonski AF, Baranowski M. Breathwork for Chronic Stress and Mental Health: Does Choosing a Specific Technique Matter? Med Sci (Basel). 2025 Aug 13;13(3):127. doi: 10.3390/medsci13030127.

    PubMed 40843749
  • Sengupta P. Health Impacts of Yoga and Pranayama: A State-of-the-Art Review. Int J Prev Med. 2012 Jul;3(7):444-58.

    PubMed 22891145
  • Rubia K. Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Its Clinical Translation. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018 Mar 29;12:100. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00100. eCollection 2018.

    PubMed 29651240
  • Rafi H, Murray R, Delavari F, Perroud N, Vuilleumier P, Debbane M, Piguet C. Neural Basis of Internal Attention in Adults with Pure and Comorbid ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2023 Feb;27(4):423-436. doi: 10.1177/10870547221147546. Epub 2023 Jan 12.

    PubMed 36635890
  • Martin J. Why are females less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in childhood than males? Lancet Psychiatry. 2024 Apr;11(4):303-310. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(24)00010-5. Epub 2024 Feb 7.

    PubMed 38340761
  • Malhotra V, Javed D, Wakode S, Bharshankar R, Soni N, Porter PK. Study of immediate neurological and autonomic changes during kapalbhati pranayama in yoga practitioners. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022 Feb;11(2):720-727. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1662_21. Epub 2022 Feb 16.

    PubMed 35360798
  • Hariprasad VR, Arasappa R, Varambally S, Srinath S, Gangadhar BN. Feasibility and efficacy of yoga as an add-on intervention in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: An exploratory study. Indian J Psychiatry. 2013 Jul;55(Suppl 3):S379-84. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.116317.

    PubMed 24049203
  • Gunaseelan L, Vanama MS, Abdi F, Qureshi A, Siddiqua A, Hamid MA. Yoga for the Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Cureus. 2021 Dec 16;13(12):e20466. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20466. eCollection 2021 Dec.

    PubMed 35070529
  • Fritz K, O'Connor PJ. Effects of a 6 Week Yoga Intervention on Executive Functioning in Women Screening Positive for Adult ADHD: A Pilot Study. Front Sports Act Living. 2022 Feb 24;4:746409. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.746409. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 35280225
  • Fincham GW, Strauss C, Montero-Marin J, Cavanagh K. Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Sci Rep. 2023 Jan 9;13(1):432. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y.

    PubMed 36624160

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Tailored yoga therapy. and Functional movement. in people with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, run by King's College London at 1 site in United Kingdom.

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 4 inclusion and 5 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Apr 2026. 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 Kingdom. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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?

Feasibility outcomes. (time frame: From enrolment to the 3-month follow-up.). 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 NCT07541820, which also lists 21 linked publications.

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 21 Apr 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 31 Oct 2026.

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