Clinical effects of a yoga-based intervention for patients with schizophrenia - A six-month randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Yoga has shown promise as an add-on therapy for patients with schizophrenia. However, most studies have been short-term, with methodological limitations. METHODS: We conducted a six-month parallel-group randomized-controlled trial (with rater blinding) to evaluate the effectiveness of a yoga-based intervention in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. We recruited 110 patients from an urban tertiary hospital and a semi-urban community centre who met DSM 5 criteria for schizophrenia and were on stable medication for at least six weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to either yoga add-on therapy (YT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) groups. Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline and at one, three and six months. The primary outcome was changes in positive/negative symptom scores and secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life, perceived stress and socio-occupational functioning. RESULTS: Intention to treat analysis with a longitudinal mixed model approach revealed a significant group-by-time interaction with the YT group showing medium effect improvements in negative symptoms (η2p = 0.06) and small effect improvements in positive symptoms (η2p = 0.012), WHOQOL-BREF quality of life [psychological well-being (η2p = 0.015) and environmental health (η2p = 0.048)] when compared to TAU. The patients successfully learned and performed yoga practices without reporting any significant adverse effects. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that yoga-based intervention may be a valuable adjuvant therapy for medication-stabilized patients with schizophrenia, especially in ameliorating negative symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Future controlled trials, including active physical interventions, are crucial to validate yoga's efficacy, optimize clinical use, and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Study on awareness and management based health action using video intervention (SAMBHAV) for postpartum depression among mothers attending immunisation clinic in a tertiary medical college hospital: Study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy exerts a detrimental effect on women's mental health. Maternal mental health is considered as one of the public health concerns as it impacts the health of both mother and the child. One in five people in developing countries experience serious mental health issues during pregnancy and after giving birth. In India, postpartum depression (PPD) affects 22% of women, according to a research by WHO. The available data on mental health literacy among women, showed that only 50.7% of the postpartum mothers who were attending paediatric tertiary care centres had adequate knowledge about PPD. It is crucial to diagnose early and adequately manage postpartum depression to avoid long-term consequences. It is also essential to seek help and utilise the available resources and services to avoid worsening of the condition and to aid in the recovery. This demonstrates the need to promote awareness, improve help seeking, reduce stigma and treatment gap associated with PPD through educational video intervention specific to cultural context and beliefs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study without a control group that attempts to improve the awareness among the mothers about postpartum depression to understand better about the condition and also its management through video intervention. The video intervention will be developed in regional language specific to the cultural context of the setting. The video script will be finalised from the findings of the available literature and also through focus group discussion among mothers and health care professionals which will be analysed qualitatively using thematic identification. The study will use a standardized Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PoDLIS) which will be quantitatively analysed using paired t test before and after the intervention. Repeated measures of ANOVA will also be used to analyse the changes in literacy scale scores with respect to socio demographic variables. The mothers will also be screened for PPD using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9) and feedback will be collected and analysed to find the overall usefulness of video. DISCUSSION: If it becomes apparent that this video intervention is successful in raising awareness of PPD among postpartum mothers and reducing stigma, it can be used to aid early identification of mothers with PPD which can result in early management and improved health outcome for both mothers and children. The major goals of the video intervention are to raise awareness, lessen stigma, and prevent PPD through strong family support, adopting healthy lifestyles, having access to information, practising self-care, and enhancing help-seeking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered under the Clinical Trial Registry- India (CTRI) (CTRI/2023/03/050836). The current study adheres to the SPIRIT Guidelines [See S1 Checklist: SPIRIT Guidelines].

Suicide attempts in schizophrenia - A large retrospective cohort study from a tertiary care psychiatry centre in India.

The extent of variability in identified risk factors for suicide attempts (SA) in schizophrenia limits their generalization. This study aimed to identify the rates and associated correlates of SA in schizophrenia by reviewing a large cohort (n=500). Nearly one-fourth had a history of SA, which was independently associated with a family history of SA, more inpatient admissions, and better long-term treatment response. These findings highlight the complex interaction between biological factors influencing SA and illness determinants in schizophrenia. Furthermore, they reinforce the need for future research to unravel the association between suicide vulnerability and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia to attenuate morbidity and mortality associated with the same.

Levels of work stress among information technology professionals during COVID-19 pandemic in an Indian metropolis.

Introduction: Amid the ongoing Non-Communicable Disease and COVID-19 pandemic, understanding prevalence and characteristics associated with work stress is vital from a health and economic perspective, more so among information technology (IT) professionals. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with work stress among IT professionals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Bengaluru, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on a convenient sample of 356 IT professionals in Bengaluru, India, between September 2020 and March 2021 to assess work stress. The weblink to TAWS-16 (Tool to Assess and classify Work Stress) was provided for IT employees to self-report their experience of work-related stressors and coping abilities in the past 6 months. The prevalence and specific prevalence of work stress were calculated. Multi-variate logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with work stress. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics committee, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru. Informed consent was obtained from study subjects. Results and Conclusion: The prevalence of work stress among IT professionals was 17.7% during the COVID19 pandemic, with higher rates among employees aged 31 years and above, among female employees, and among employees with 4-7 years of work experience. More than 80% of the professionals experienced deadline pressures, long working hours, regular multi-tasking, and difficulty in maintaining work-life balance. Based on the results, it is recommended to integrate work-stress assessment in periodical medical examination of IT employees from a health promotion and productivity improvement perspective.

Clinicoradiological Features and Long-term Cognitive and Functional Outcome in Patients with Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Background: Deep cerebral venous thrombosis (DCVT) can have long-term functional and cognitive sequelae. Although literature exists on cognitive impairment after arterial stroke, cognitive sequelae after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are much less studied. Methods: Clinical records of 29 patients diagnosed with DCVT were reviewed. The Modified Telephonic Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) was adapted and validated in the regional language (Kannada) and applied to 18 patients with DCVT, at a mean follow-up duration of 5.32 years. Screening for depression was done via telephonic Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)-Kannada version, and functional status was screened by applying the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: DCVT had a mortality rate of 10.34% due to acute complications. mRS scores of 0-1 were achieved at follow-up in all patients who survived. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed a cutoff of ≤44.5 (maximum score of 49) for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment via TICS-M (Kannada version) in DCVT patients. Evidence of cognitive dysfunction was seen in eight patients (42.10%), and three patients (16.66%) had evidence of depression. Conclusions: Survivors of acute DCVT can potentially have long-term cognitive sequelae. Screening for cognitive dysfunction, depression, and functional status can be effectively done using telephonically applied scales that are adapted to the local language. Neuropsychological evaluation and early cognitive rehabilitation can be initiated for patients in whom deficits are identified on cognitive screening.

Reliability of a Newly Developed Tool to Assess and Classify Work-related Stress (TAWS-16) for Indian Workforce.

OBJECTIVES: Work stress is associated with non-communicable diseases, increased healthcare costs, and decreased work productivity among employees in the information technology sector. There is a need for regular work-stress screening among employees using valid and reliable tools. The Tool to Assess and Classify Work Stress (TAWS-16) was developed to overcome limitations in existing stress assessment tools in India. This study aimed to test the reliability of TAWS-16 in a sample of managerial-supervisory employees. METHODS: This observational reliability study included data from 62 employees. Test-retest and inter-method reliability were investigated using a TAWS-16 web application and interview by telephone, respectively. Kappa values and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: For both test-retest and inter-method reliability, the agreement for both work-related factors and symptoms suggestive of work stress exceeded 80%, and all kappa values were 0.40 or higher. Cronbach's alpha for test-retest and inter-method reliability was 0.983 and 0.941, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TAWS-16 demonstrated acceptable reliability. It measured stressors, coping abilities, and psychosomatic symptoms associated with work stress. We recommend using TAWS-16 to holistically identify work stress among employees during periodical health check-ups in India.

Relationship of personality, psychological distress, and substance use with social network characteristics of college going young adults.

Background: Causes of substance use are multifactorial. Factors such as personality, psychological distress, and the person's social ties contribute to the understanding of substance use problems of college students. Aim: The current study aimed to investigate the association between personality traits and psychological distress with ego-centric social networks of substance-using and non-using college students. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 902 undergraduate students from the government (n = 2) and government-aided (n = 9) colleges. The socio-demographic data sheet, Big Five Personality Inventory, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the semi-structured Ego-centric Social Network Questionnaire were used to collect data. Results: Of 902 participants, 26.9% of participants used substances. The mean score of anxiety (P < 0.002) and depression (P < 0.002) was significantly higher among the substance users compared with non-users. Agreeableness (P < 0.001) and conscientiousness (P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher among non-users. Depression (P < 0.01), anxiety (P < 0.01), and stress (P < 0.01) correlated positively with the total number of substance users in the network. Agreeableness (P < 0.01) and conscientiousness (P < 0.01) were positively correlated with parents and siblings in the network. Stress emerged as a predictor (OR 1.61, CI 1.09-3.04, P < 0.001) for considering substance users to the social network. Conclusion: Personality and psychological distress are associated with an individual's social network and significantly contribute to student substance use problems.

Does Propofol Effect Site (Brain) Concentration Predicted by Target-Controlled Infusion Correlate with Propofol Measured in the Brain? An Exploratory Study in Neurosurgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol can be administered by target-controlled infusion pumps, which work on the principles of pharmacokinetic modeling. While designing this model, neurosurgical patients were excluded as the surgical site and drug action site remained the same (brain). Whether the predicted set propofol concentration and the actual brain site concentration correlate, especially in neurosurgical patients with impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB), is still unknown. In this study we compared the set propofol effect-site concentration in the target-controlled infusion pump with actual brain concentration measured by sampling the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS: Consecutive adult neurosurgical patients requiring propofol infusion intraoperatively were recruited. Blood and CSF samples were collected simultaneously when patients received propofol infusion at 2 different target effect-site concentrations-2 and 4 ug/mL. To study BBB integrity, CSF-to-blood albumin ratio and imaging findings were compared. The propofol level in the CSF was compared with set concentration using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Fifty patients were recruited, and the data were analyzed from 43 patients. There was no correlation between propofol concentration set in TCI and propofol concentration measured in blood and CSF. Though imaging findings were suggestive of BBB disruption in 37/43 patients, the mean (±standard deviation) CSF-to-serum albumin ratio was 0.0028 ± 0.002, suggesting intact BBB integrity (ratio >0.3 was considered as disrupted BBB). CONCLUSIONS: CSF propofol level did not correlate with set concentration in spite of acceptable clinical anesthetic effect. Also, the CSF-to-blood albumin measurement did not provide information on the BBB integrity.

Association of Social Network Characteristics with Substance Use among College-Going Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Family members, peers, and significant others are part of a college student's social network. This cross-sectional study aimed to Assess substance use prevalence and patterns among college students,Compare the social network characteristics of substance users (SUs) and non-users (NUs), andExplore the association of social factors with substance use. Methods: The study involved 902 students from 11 Government and aided private degree colleges. Demographic and clinical data sheet, ASSIST, and Social Network Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Results: Prevalence of substance use was 26.9% and higher among males (21.5%). Alcohol (20%) and tobacco (15.5%) were the commonly used substances. SUs' network was composed of unmarried persons (p<0.002), male members (p<0.001), and friends (p<0.001) with substance use. In contrast, the NUs' network comprised parents (p<0.016) and siblings (p<0.001). NUs had a higher number of influential members in the network, whereas SUs had more closeness with members and received higher financial support (p<0.001). Participant's age (OR 1.27), family history of substance use (OR 2.46), parents' occupation (Business: OR 1.79, being employee in the government or industry: OR 1.76),and having three substance-using members in the network (OR .211) were found to be risk factors. Conclusion: Social network has an association with substance use among college students. Social-network-based interventions may benefit them.

Face, content, criterion and construct validity assessment of a newly developed tool to assess and classify work-related stress (TAWS- 16).

INTRODUCTION: As work-stress, is associated with Non Communicable Diseases, and decreased work productivity, health and economic benefits are expected from periodic work-stress screening among employees using valid and reliable tools. Tool to Assess and classify Work Stress (TAWS- 16) was developed to overcome limitations in existing work-stress assessment tools in India. This study aims to test face, content, criterion and construct validity of TAWS- 16 in a sample of managerial-supervisory employees. METHODS: Nine domain experts rated face and content validity of TAWS- 16. Content validity was measured by Content Validity Indices (I-CVI, S-CVI) and Modified Kappa statistics. Empirical validity was tested by analysing data reported from 356 Information Technology (IT) professionals wherein Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted for the assessment of Construct Validity. Self-reported data was collected in an unlinked and anonymous manner using a web-link, which was emailed to the study subjects, after initial introductory telephone or personal conversation. Criterion Validity was tested against stress sub-scale of DASS- 21. This study was approved by NIMHANS ethics committee. RESULTS: Findings revealed that TAWS- 16 has good face validity. The content validity is acceptable (CVI = 0.829). Construct Validity is appropriate as 60.8% of the total variance was explained by the factors identified in our study. Criterion Validity was moderate (Kappa Value 0.208) due to inappropriate work-stress instrument for comparison with TAWS- 16. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, TAWS- 16 demonstrated good face, content and construct validity. It measures work-stressors, coping abilities and psycho-somatic symptoms associated with work-stress. We recommend use of TAWS- 16 for periodic screening and classification of work-stress among employees.

Impact of incentivizing ASHAs on the outcome of persons with severe mental illness in a rural South Indian community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Task shifting has been recommended as a strategy to reach out to persons with mental illness and bridge the treatment gap. There is a need to explore task-shifting using existing health staff like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). We examined the impact of incentivizing ASHAs on the outcome of persons with severe mental illness (SMI) amidst the pandemic. METHODS: One hundred eighty-four adults with SMI from Jagaluru taluk were enrolled and followed up for a year. They were assessed for disability, work performance, internalized stigma, and illness severity at baseline, six months, and 12 months follow-up. ASHA workers were incentivized to ensure follow-up consultations, address concerns regarding illness/ medication side effects and monitor medication adherence. RESULTS: Out of the 184 recruited patients, 7 died (non-COVID-19 causes), 22 stopped treatment and did not report for follow-up consultations, 11 shifted to treatment from other centers, and in 1 case, there was a change in diagnosis. 143 (78%) patients with SMI completed the study amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. At one year follow-up, there was a significant reduction in disability, illness severity, self-stigma, and improved work performance. CONCLUSION: Incentivization of ASHAs helped ensure continuity of care to persons with SMI despite lockdowns and COVID-19 exigencies. It is feasible to involve ASHAs in the treatment of persons with SMI.

Neurocognition and Metacognition in Anxiety Disorders.

Background: Neurocognitive deficits are noted in anxiety disorders (ADs), albeit with several inconsistencies. The relationship between neurocognition and metacognition may have potential implications for understanding cognitive dysfunction but is poorly understood in ADs. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neurocognition and metacognition in ADs, with a cross-sectional design. Methods: The sample included ADs (n = 25) and nonclinical (n = 25) groups matched on age, gender, and education. Neurocognition was assessed using tests for intelligence, attention, working memory, fluency, flexibility, set-shifting, inhibition, planning, and memory; and metacognition using Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) and Metacognitive Awareness and Regulation Scale (MARS). Results: Compared to comparison/normative scores, the anxiety group showed significantly poorer performance on zoo map test (low demand trial; P = 0.007), rule shift cards 1 (P ≤ 0.001), rule shift cards 2 (P ≤ 0.001), and logical memory immediate recall (P ≤ 0.001) and delayed recall (P ≤ 0.001); greater negative beliefs about worry (P = 0.005), and poorer metacognitive awareness and regulation (P = 0.01). Greater cognitive self-consciousness was correlated with better planning (Spearman's rho = -0.509, P = 0.009). Conclusions: Individuals with ADs show neurocognitive difficulties in planning, set-shifting, and logical memory, dysfunctional metacognition, and reduced metacognitive awareness and regulation. Cognitive self-consciousness is linked to better planning. The interrelationships between neurocognition and metacognition may have potential implications for clarifying inconsistent findings and designing novel cognitive interventions in ADs.

Regional heterogeneity in mitochondrial function underlies region specific vulnerability in human brain ageing: Implications for neurodegeneration.

Selective neuronal vulnerability (SNV) of specific neuroanatomical regions such as frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus (HC) is characteristic of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), although its pathogenetic basis remains unresolved. We hypothesized that physiological differences in mitochondrial function in neuroanatomical regions could contribute to SNV. To investigate this, we evaluated mitochondrial function in human brains (age range:1-90 y) in FC, striatum (ST), HC, cerebellum (CB) and medulla oblongata (MD), using enzyme assays and quantitative proteomics. Striking differences were noted in resistant regions- MD and CB compared to the vulnerable regions- FC, HC and ST. At younger age (25 ± 5 y), higher activity of electron transport chain enzymes and upregulation of metabolic and antioxidant proteins were noted in MD compared to FC and HC, that was sustained with increasing age (≥65 y). In contrast, the expression of synaptic proteins was higher in FC, HC and ST (vs. MD). In line with this, quantitative phospho-proteomics revealed activation of upstream regulators (ERS, PPARα) of mitochondrial metabolism and inhibition of synaptic pathways in MD. Microtubule Associated Protein Tau (MAPT) showed overexpression in FC, HC and ST both in young and older age (vs. MD). MAPT hyperphosphorylation and the activation of its kinases were noted in FC and HC with age. Our study demonstrates that regional heterogeneity in mitochondrial and other cellular functions contribute to SNV and protect regions such as MD, while rendering FC and HC vulnerable to NDDs. The findings also support the "last in, first out" hypothesis of ageing, wherein regions such as FC, that are the most recent to develop phylogenetically and ontogenetically, are the first to be affected in ageing and NDDs.

Music and neuro-cognitive deficits in depression.

Background: Cognitive deficits are one of the core features of major depressive disorder (MDD) that play crucial role in functional recovery. Studies have explored cognitive deficits in MDD, however, given inconsistent results, especially in mild-moderate MDD. Recently, studies have explored music as cognitive ability in various clinical conditions. In MDD, large focus has been on evaluating emotion deficits and just a handful on music cognition. With growing evidence on use of music based intervention to target cognitive deficits, it is imperative to explore nature of music cognitive ability in MDD. Aim: To examine musical and neuro-cognitive deficits in patients with mild-moderate MDD. Methods: Patients diagnosed with mild or moderate MDD (n = 19) and matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 18) were evaluated on selected tests from NIMHANS Neuropsychological test battery and Montreal battery for evaluation of amusia (MBEA). Results: MDD group performed significantly lower than HC on working memory (p = 0.007), verbal learning (p = 0.02) and retention (p = 0.03). Three indices were computed for a comprehensive evaluation. Groups did not differ significantly in any of the indices- focused attention, executive function, learning and memory as well as on music cognition. Focused attention and memory index predicted music cognition in HC and the combined group (MDD + HC) (p < 0.01). Attention alone contributed to 62.1% of variance in music cognition. Similarly, music cognition significantly predicted focused attention (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Individuals with mild-moderate MDD show significant deficits in working memory, verbal learning and memory, however, not in music cognition. There exists a significant relationship between music cognition and attention, which could be implicated in use of music interventions to ameliorate cognitive deficits. Limitations of study include small sample size and heterogeneity. Future studies on larger cohort examining musical emotion perception and neurocognition is imperative to have deeper understanding of this debilitating condition.

Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of Kannada version of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Background and Purpose: The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is widely used in clinical practice to evaluate stroke-related neurological deficits. The aim of this study was to develop Kannada language version of the NIHSS (Ka-NIHSS) and determine its validity and reliability. Materials and Methods: In the first phase of the study, Ka-NIHSS was adapted based on cultural and linguistic peculiarities. In the next phase, 51 acute stroke patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. The concurrent validity of the Ka-NIHSS was evaluated by comparison with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The predictive validity was assessed by comparison with Barthel Index (BI) score and mRS at a 90-day telephonic follow-up. The reliability was evaluated using the kappa statistics for inter-rater agreement between two independent raters and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. The inter-rater agreement of videotaped assessment of items 9 and 10 between four independent raters was evaluated using kappa statistics. Results: Ka-NIHSS scores highly correlated with GCS (P = -0.74 P < 0.001) and mRS (P = 0.85, P < 0.001) at baseline. It moderately correlated with mRS (P = 0.67, P < 0.001) and BI (P = -0.64, P < 0.001) at 90 days follow up. Inter-rater reliability was high between the two examiners, with kappa values ranging from 0.66 to 0.95. The inter-rater agreements of the video assessment of items 9 and 10 for nine patients among four raters were 0.81 and 1 respectively. Conclusions: Ka-NIHSS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing neurological deficits in Kannada-speaking stroke patients.

Fibrinogen and Complement Factor H Are Promising CSF Protein Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease with Cognitive Impairment─A Proteomics-ELISA-Based Study.

Parkinson's disease (PD) with cognitive impairment (PDCI) is essentially diagnosed through clinical and neuropsychological examinations. There is a need to identify biomarkers to foresee cognitive decline in them. We performed label-free unbiased nontargeted proteomics (Q-TOF LC/MS-MS) on the CSF of non-neurological control; PDCI; PD; and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients, followed by targeted ELISA for validation. Of the 281 proteins identified, 42 were differentially altered in PD, PDCI, and NPH. With a certain overlap, 28 proteins were altered in PDCI and 25 proteins were altered in NPH. Five significantly upregulated proteins in PDCI were fibrinogen, gelsolin, complement factor-H, and apolipoproteins A-I and A-IV, whereas carnosine dipeptidase-1, carboxypeptidase-E, dickkopf-3, and secretogranin-3 precursor proteins were downregulated. Those uniquely altered in NPH were the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein, ceruloplasmin, α-1 antitrypsin, VGF nerve growth factor, and neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein. The ELISA-derived protein concentrations correlated with neuropsychological scores of certain cognitive domains. In PDCI, the Wisconsin card sorting percentile correlated negatively with fibrinogen. Intraperitoneal injection of native fibrinogen caused motor deficits in C57BL/6J mice as assessed by the pole test. Thus, a battery of proteins such as fibrinogen-α-chain, CFAH, and APOA-I/APOA-IV alongside neuropsychological assessment could be reliable biomarkers to distinguish PDCI and NPH.

Anteroposterior Stability: A Determinant of Gait Dysfunction and Falls in Spinocerebellar Ataxia.

BACKGROUND: Establishing an association between gait variability and direction specific balance indices may help in identifying the risk of falls in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) which may help in developing an appropriate intervention. This study is intended to identify the association between balance and gait parameters especially gait variability in these patients. METHODS: Patients with genetically confirmed SCA (n = 24) as well as controls (n = 24) who met the study criteria were recruited. Gait was assessed using the GAITRite system and balance was assessed using dynamic posturography (Biodex) to record direction-specific dynamic balance indices. Disease severity was assessed using international cooperative ataxia rating scale (ICARS). RESULTS: The mean age of the SCA group (38.83 ± 13.03 years) and the control group (36.38 ± 9.09 years) were comparable. The age of onset of illness was 32 ± 10.62 years and duration of 5.67 ± 3.62 years. The mean ICARS was 45.10 ± 16.75. There was a significant difference in the overall balance index (OBI), anterior-posterior index (API), medial/lateral index (MLI) between SCA patients (4.56 ± 2.09, 3.49 ± 1.88, 2.94 ± 1.32) and the controls (2.72 ± 1.25, 2.08 ± 0.85, 1.85 ± 0.97). However, correlation was observed only between gait stability and balance parameters in API direction. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increased anteroposterior oriented balance deficit in patients with SCA, which was significantly correlating with the gait parameters. The balance training intervention may focus on improving anteroposterior direction to prevent falls and improving walking efficiency.

Development, validation, and feasibility of a generic yoga-based intervention for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

CONTEXT: Evidence suggests that yoga effectively manages anxiety, but techniques are derived from different yoga schools. This paper describes the development, validation, and feasibility of a generic yoga-based intervention in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). METHODS: The first part of the study consisted of designing a generic yoga module from the traditional and contemporary yogic literature and inputs from ten experienced yoga practitioners. The content was validated using a case-vignette method from 28 yoga experts. These yoga experts rated the usefulness of the practices on a scale of 1-5 (5-extremely useful). The second part consisted of testing the feasibility of this validated generic yoga intervention in an open-label clinical trial in patients with GAD. Two weeks of ten supervised yoga sessions (SYS) were offered by a trained yoga therapist to the recruited participants and subsequently advised for home practice. A weekly booster SYS was also provided for three months after 10SYS. RESULTS: Yoga experts (n = 28) opined that the yoga intervention would be helpful in patients with GAD with minimal modifications. All experts opined that the module was easy to teach, learn and practice. The final yoga module retained 97.7% (42 out of 43) items of the initial module. In the feasibility study, (n = 20) patients were recruited, and fifteen followed-up after one month. All patients were able to learn and practice the final yoga module within ten sessions without any significant adverse effects. The severity of anxiety reduced substantially after the ten days of SYS and this improvement was sustained for the next 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: The designed generic yoga intervention was validated by yoga experts and found safe and feasible in patients with GAD. Patients obtained significant symptom reductions which need to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials.

Adjunct yoga therapy: Influence on heart rate variability in major depressive disorder - A randomized controlled trial.

HRV is inversely proportional to severity of depression. Effect of 12-weeks adjunct yoga therapy on HRV in patients with MDD was assessed through a randomized controlled trial. Sixty-eight subjects (40 females) with mean age 31.58 ± 8.79 years, scoring ≥ 18 on HDRS were randomized to either (YG; n = 35) or (WG; n = 33). Linear mixed model analysis showed no significant difference between groups. On comparing change in mean percentage, substantial more decrease could be elicited only for LF/HF ratio in YG compared to WG, while being comparable for other variables across the groups. Findings suggest Yoga therapy may help in bringing parasympathetic dominance in patients with MDD.