Date of Award

2015

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Department Chair

John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of yoga helps to improve fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2004-current, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all of which evaluate the effectiveness of yoga compared to a control group that was asked not to change their exercise habits as they pertain to fatigue. All studies were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

Outcomes Measured: Each of the three articles analyzed the effects of yoga therapy on improving fatigue. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FFS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) were the questionnaires used to measure fatigue.

Results: One study found that yoga significantly reduced fatigue in MS patients. One study approached statistical significance in support for yoga as an effective therapy. One study was inconclusive.

Conclusions: Evidence is inconclusive. Future studies should focus on long-term effects of yoga and include subjects with more than minimal gait impairment.

Download

Share

COinS