Study of SKY Breath and Meditation to Improve Well-Being in Adults with Parkinsons Disease and Their Care Partners

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of a breathwork and meditation program called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga SKY Breath for people with Parkinsons Disease iPD in stages 1, 2, and 3, who are under 75 years old, along with their care partners. The study aims to see if SKY Breath can reduce stress, improve mental and physical well-being, and relieve the emotional and physical burden on care partners. The research also explores how tailored the program can be to meet the unique needs of these individuals. The intervention consists of a 10-12 hour active learning phase over four mornings, where participants learn the SKY Breath and Meditation practice. Following this, participants practice daily at home for about 25 minutes, six days a week, supported by weekly instructor-led group sessionsone online and one in person. The program is adapted for each participants disability level, with parallel courses offered to care partners. The study timeline includes recruitment, baseline assessments, intervention phases, booster sessions, and follow-up evaluations up to eight weeks post-intervention. Participants will undergo evaluations before starting the program and at weeks 1, 4, and 8 after the intervention begins. These assessments include measures of stress, anxiety, depression, Parkinsons symptoms, and quality of life for both individuals with Parkinsons and their care partners. Participants will keep logs of their practice time and attend weekly sessions online and in person. The study involves repeated assessments to monitor changes in well-being and symptom management throughout the study period.

Efficacy of a Breathwork Practice (SKY) on Well-Being of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease (iPD) and Care Partners