Impact of Yoga on Cognitive Function

Summary

Mild cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure and results in poor well-being and quality of life. While yoga has proven effective in promoting cognitive health in older adults through its gentle movements, controlled breathing, and meditation, its effects on patients with heart failure remain unknown. Therefore, this feasibility and pilot study plans to deliver a 12-week yoga intervention and test its effects on cognitive function in patients with heart failure and mild cognitive impairment.

Interventions

• Yoga intervention · BEHAVIORAL

  Patients in the yoga group will receive a 60-minute session, twice per week over 12 weeks for a total of 24 sessions. Each yoga session consists of a warm-up, yoga postures standing or seated depending on the capability of the patient, and relaxation.

• Control condition · BEHAVIORAL

  Patients in the control group will receive care-as-usual from their healthcare providers and will be asked to avoid engaging in yoga during their 3 months in the study.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 55 years and older
* Confirmed heart failure diagnosis with mild cognitive impairment
* New York Heart Association functional class II-IV

Exclusion Criteria:

* Co-existing neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric disorders, or terminal illnesses
* Have implanted defibrillator, left ventricular assist device placement or cardiac transplant
* Have any other implanted metals that interfere with the MRI magnetic field for patient safety
* Substance abuse
* Pregnant
* Unable to perform yoga due to physical limitations or severity of illness

Sites (1)

• Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama