Feasibility and Effect of Yoga on the Quality of Life of Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

Background Patient on Peritoneal dialysis (PD) have poor quality of life (QoL). Yoga can improve QoL in these patients. This study evaluated safety and feasibility of customized Yoga intervention in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and assessed its impact on QoL. Materials and Methods Ten patients on CAPD for at least three months participated in a three month customized yoga intervention delivered by certified yoga therapists thrice weekly. Qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews, pre and post-intervention. Thematic analysis was done to identify crucial issues, recurring issues, and commonly emerging topics. The QoL and caregiver burden were assessed by Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument–Short Form. (KDQOL-36) and Zarit Burden at the time of enrolment and after the completion of the intervention. Results All ten patients completed the three month Yoga intervention uneventfully. There was no hospitalization, leak, or catheter malfunction. Thematic analysis of the in-depth interview before intervention revealed physical challenges (weakness, sleep problem, and pain), mental challenges (distress, negative thoughts, fear, and sadness). Thematic analysis of the post intervention in-depth interview revealed their experience with yoga and identified four subthemes including improved physical health, mental relaxation, positivity and barriers to Yoga practice. The mean KDQoL-36 score before and after yoga intervention were 67.4 ±7.14 and 76.8 ± 5.18 ( p = 0.051) while the mean Zarit Burden score was 17.5 ±15.01 and 13.1 ± 12.31 ( p = 0.053) respectively. Conclusion This mixed-methods study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of yoga as an adjunct therapy for CKD patients on CAPD.