AB1425-HPR Effects of a yoga program on pain relief, reducing anxiety and extended range of motion of knee in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background Rheumatoid Arthritis as a chronic systemic disease, is the most common cause of joints inflammation and deformity. Chronic pain, fatigue, decline in physical activity and joint range of motion limitation and disability as a sequent, are known as the most important side effects of RA. Positive effects of exercise both in water environment (hydrotherapy) and out, on decreasing pain and stress and increasing range of motion of joints have been demonstrated in many studies. Yoga is a gentle form of physical activity which can integrate and bring balance to the body, mind and spirit.It is an ancient Indian science that has been used for therapeutic benefits in numerous health care concerns where stress is believed to play a role. Objectives The present study was designed to investigate the effects of a Yoga program on pain decline, reducing anxiety, and improvement of RoM of knee joint in RA patients. Methods In a clinical trial, a total of 40 adult females were equally assigned in experimental and control groups. At baseline, demographic data and disease history were asked then the severity of pain were assessed by the use of pain visual - analog scale, level of anxiety by STAI-I and STAI-II anxiety inventory and knee joint range of motion by a goniometer. Then the experimental group was advised to participate in a yoga program for 12 weeks. By the end of yoga program, both groups were reassessed. Results The mean pain severity was reduced in both groups, however, in experimentals showed a statistical significant differences (p