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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Nov:57:101892.
doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101892. Epub 2024 Aug 6.

Interplay of yoga, physical activity, and probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome management: A double-blind randomized study

Wei-Cheng Chao  1 , Jen-Chieh Huang  2 , San-Land Young  3 , Ching-Lin Wu  4 , Jui-Chi Shih  4 , Lun-De Liao  5 , Bill Cheng  6
Affiliations
Free article
Randomized Controlled Trial

Interplay of yoga, physical activity, and probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome management: A double-blind randomized study

Wei-Cheng Chao et al. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2024 Nov.
Free article

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the synergistic impact of online yoga, mindfulness practices, and probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by evaluating changes in physical fitness, mental health, and gut microbiota composition.

Design, setting and interventions: The six-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 31 IBS patients categorized into three groups: online yoga with probiotics (EP), online yoga with a placebo (EC), and probiotics only (P). Assessments involved physical fitness tests, subjective questionnaires (IBS-QOL, BSRS-5), and gut microbiome analysis.

Main outcome measures: Participants self-collected stool samples and were given a set of questionnaires at baseline and after six weeks of intervention. Their symptoms were measured by changes in the gut microbiota, physical fitness and quality of life, and psychological well-being.

Results: The EP group demonstrated improved cardiovascular endurance (P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in Klebsiella bacterial strains (P < 0.05). Both the EP and EC groups exhibited significantly decreased IBS-QOL scores (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), indicating enhanced quality of life. While BSRS-5 scores decreased in both groups, the reduction was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: Integrating online yoga, mindfulness practices, and probiotics demonstrated comprehensive benefits for IBS patients. This intervention improved physical fitness and mental well-being and positively influenced gut microbiota composition. The study highlights the potential of this multifaceted approach in managing IBS symptoms and enhancing overall health, emphasizing the relevance of the gut-muscle-brain axis in understanding and addressing IBS complexities.

Trial registration: Taiwanese Registry of Institutional Review Board IRBHP210009/CH11000259.

Keywords: Gut-muscle-brain axis; IBS; Irritable bowel syndrome; Physical activity; Probiotics; Yoga.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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