Study in UAE shows yoga an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

This study was presented before the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology in Yokohama, Japan by a team of Specialists in the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Badsha, specialist rheumatologist, Dubai Bone and Joint Center (DBAJ), declared:

"It is possible that yoga may have important physical and psychological benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis."

A total of 47 patients were enrolled, of which 26 undertook yoga sessions, while 21 were on regular arthritis treatment. The baseline demographics were similar in both groups. The Raj yoga sessions were conducted by a licensed practitioner with a Master's qualification in Yoga. Raj yoga is defined as "concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation to further one's acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.". The yoga was specially modified to suit arthritis patients by Dr. Vishwas Chhabra and Dr. Badsha, and this new program is being called Vishwas Yoga for Arthritis.

The study was funded by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation which has taken a lead role in the education and well being of arthritis patients in the UAE, since its launch in 2006.

"Our study was able to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in RA disease parameters and especially Health Assessment Questionnaire scores. Some patients in the yoga group were able to decrease or discontinue RA medications. We believe that a longer duration of treatment could result in more significant improvements," explained Dr. Badsha.

According to the study, three patients discontinued steroids, one discontinued Etarnecept, and two discontinued Methotrexate, all because of clinical improvements. The 47 patients were age over 18 years and were diagnosed with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria.

Dr. Badsha has been the principal investigator in various clinical trials of medications for RA in the UAE. She has conducted various research studies on Lupus and Autoimmune diseases and published several papers in leading journals. She presents papers annually at the American College of Rheumatology, European League Against Rheumatology, and Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology.