AB0973 THE IMPACT OF YOGA, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET & SELF MONITORING IN CHILDREN WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence of positive effects of yoga, special diet and an internet-based model of self-monitoring in adults with rheumatic diseases in various small scale independent studies. These studies have shown improvement in disease activity, symptom relief, quality of life, mental health issues and social life and thereby optimizing the disease management in a holistic way. Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the combined effects of yoga, anti-inflammatory diet and self monitoring in children with chronic rheumatic diseases. Methods: In the clinical study, a total of 22 children aged more than 8 years with newly diagnosed rheumatic disease were enrolled. Depending on their consent, they were divided into two groups; 1) experimental group and 2) control group. Experimental and Control Group (n=22) All 22 participants were advised every month follow up for the next 4 months. Baseline disease activity and damage scores were calculated for all. Experimental Group (n=14) Three different printed materials were given. 1. Pictures of “Yoga Ashnas” with explanation in their understandable language 2. Pictures of foods under two headings: 1) beneficial and 2)harmful 3. Self monitoring kit: Disease and medicines information leaflets and simplified pictorial version of disease specific monitoring and damage scores ✓All 14 participants were enrolled to a single time yoga training session under a guidance of an experienced yoga teacher. ✓All are advised 45 minutes yoga every day at home. ✓All are put on strict diet chart. ✓All should read the material and calculate their disease score/s every time before their next visit. Table: Table A: Characteristics Experimental group (n=14) Control group (n=8) Median age 12.8 years 11.2 years Males 5 (35.71%) 3 (37.5%) Females 9 (64.28%) 5 (62.5) Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (JSLE) 2 (14.28%) 2 (25%) Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) 2 (14.28%) 1 (12.5%) Juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc) 1 (7.14%) 2 (25%) Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) 2 (14.28%) 0 Enthesitis related arthritis (ERA) 3 (21.42%) 1 (12.5%) Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PJIA) 4 (28.57%) 2 (25%) Conclusion: Yoga, anti-inflammatory diet and self-monitoring have shown extremely beneficial effects in children with rheumatic diseases in multiple ways. Table B: Monitoring Parameter Experimental group (n=14) Control Group (n=8) Improvement in disease activity 13 (92.8%) 6 (75%) Relief in pain and fatigue 12 (85.71%) 3 (37.5%) Optimum weight maintenance 10 (71.42%) 1 (12.5%) Improvement in routine activity and school performance 12 (85.71%) 4 (50%) Improvement in mood and behavioural problems 12 (85.71%) 2 (25%) Knowledge, awareness and involvement of patient and family members in disease management 12 (85.71%) 2 (25%) Adherence to management 14 (100%) 6 (75%) Use of alternative medicines 1 (7.14%) 3 (37.5) Early identification of risk factor/s 5 (35.71%) 0 (0 %) References: [1]Impact of yoga based mind-body intervention on systemic inflammatory markers and co-morbid depression in active Rheumatoid arthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial. Gautam S, et al. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2019 - Clinical Trial. PMID 30714983 [2]Effects of Mediterranean diet on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Porras M, et al. Medwave 2019. PMID 31226103 Spanish, English. [3]Effectiveness of an online self-management tool, OPERAS (an On-demand Program to EmpoweR Active Self-management), for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a research protocol. Tam J, et al. Trials 2019. PMID 31829286 Free PMC article. Disclosure of Interests: None declared