Background
Despite advances in pharmacological and psychological treatments, many individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) experience persistent symptoms and functional impairments. Yoga-based interventions show promise for improving symptoms and quality of life, yet robust evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is limited. Previous studies often use inactive controls, lack dose definitions, information on concurrent treatments, and blinded ratings.
Study design
In a single-center, rater-blinded RCT building on a prior feasibility study, inpatients with SSD were randomized to guideline-concordant treatment as usual (TAU) or yoga-based group intervention (YoGI) in addition to TAU. YoGI was delivered over four weeks in a structured group format. Outcomes included blinded rater-based symptom severity, mindfulness, quality of life, and functioning. Medication use and adverse events were monitored.
Results
Eighty participants were randomized (YoGI + TAU: n = 39; TAU: n = 41). Dropout was low (5%). Within-group analyses in YoGI + TAU showed improvements across most domains (d = 0.31–0.66), including the primary outcome positive symptoms (d = −0.60). Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference for positive symptoms η2p = .03), but a significant improvement in social functioning (η2p = .05).
Conclusions
This trial extends prior feasibility work, showing YoGI can be implemented safely and acceptably for inpatients with SSD. Significant between-group improvement was observed only in social functioning, possibly reflecting the effects of concurrent multimodal TAU. Consistent within-group improvements suggest clinical benefits of YoGI. Further trials are warranted to optimize dosing, confirm efficacy, and explore sustainability and mechanisms of action.
