P1143Effect of a Structured Yoga Module as an Adjunct to Standard Care in Mild–Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Observational Pilot of 15 Patients

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an IBD in which symptoms, lifestyle disruption, and psychological stress significantly affect disease activity and quality of life (QoL). Standard therapy—such as 5-aminosalicylates, dietary guidance, and routine follow-up—remains the cornerstone of management, yet complementary approaches are increasingly explored for their potential to reduce symptoms and stress-related flares. Yoga, through autonomic modulation, controlled breathing, gentle postures, and mindfulness, may provide physiological and psychosocial benefits relevant to UC. However, evidence is limited, with few studies detailing which specific yoga poses are helpful or harmful. This study prospectively evaluates a structured yoga module to determine its effects on symptoms and QoL in patients with mild to moderate UC receiving standard medical care. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in 15 UC patients with mild to moderate disease activity. Participants were prescribed standard medical therapy and simultaneously introduced to a structured yoga module including Setubandhasana, Sarvangasana, Shirshasana (with wall support), Paschimottanasana, Vakrasana, Ardha Mandukasana, and Poorna Mandukasana. Exercises noted to aggravate symptoms—Naukasana, Supta Vajrasana, and Matsyasana—were systematically avoided. Patients were evaluated for clinical symptoms, frequency of stools, hematochezia, mucus discharge, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight change, and QoL metrics over 8–12 weeks. Outcomes were analyzed descriptively - small sample size. Results Yoga asanas involving abdominal decompression, parasympathetic activation, diaphragmatic stimulation, and pelvic floor relaxation demonstrated consistent improvement in symptoms and QoL. Setubandhasana, Ardha Mandukasana, and Poorna Mandukasana were particularly effective, with reductions in stool frequency (mean −1.8/day), decrease in bleeding episodes (observed in 10/15 patients), reduction in mucus discharge (12/15), and subjective improvements in abdominal cramps (11/15). Exercises requiring abdominal strain, flexion-extension pressures, or forceful thoracic expansion (Naukasana, Matsyasana) worsened symptoms in the majority of patients. No adverse events requiring discontinuation occurred. Conclusion A structured yoga module focused on specific, physiologically favorable postures appears to benefit UC patients with mild to moderate disease when combined with standard therapy. Yoga facilitated symptom improvement, reduced stool and bleeding frequency, improved well-being,and enhanced QoL measures in this small cohort. This real-world observational dataset highlights the potential role of yoga as a safe, inexpensive, accessible adjunct to UC care. Larger controlled trials are warranted. Reference: Cramer H, et al.J Crohns Colitis. 2017;11:1236–1246. Sharma P, et al. Mind–body interventions in IBD. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2020;26:256–264. Norton C, et al. Yoga and exercise in IBD: RCT. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020. Kaur T, Singh R. Int J Yoga. 2018;11:243–250. Conflict of interest: Dr. Vats, Ankit: No conflict of interest