Title : Effect of yoga on homocysteine level, symptomatology in industrial workers with chronic venous insufficiency: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Chronic Venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the peripheral venous diseases and is often associated with prolonged standing at work. CVI could lead to multiple symptoms. Yoga, as a well-known traditional approach, has helped in mitigating several occupational hazards. The current study was designed to assess the effect of Yoga in reducing the homocysteine level and symptoms of CVI, which was determined by Venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) in industrial workers.
Materials and Methods: One hundred industry workers with CVI were recruited and randomly allotted to Yoga and wait-list control groups following an equal allocation ratio. The yoga group received a specially designed Yoga module six days a week for three months. The Control group continued with the routine activities. Hcy and VCSS were assessed at baseline and the end of twelve weeks of intervention. A one-way analysis of covariates (ANCOVA) was used to determine the significant differences between groups in the post-values, controlling for the pre-values as a covariate.
Results: A significant change was found between groups in homocysteine (Hcy) levels and VCSS scores with moderate to good effect size after controlling the baseline values and other factors (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Yoga interventions would be effective in reducing the homocysteine level and symptoms of CVI and thus help in improving the quality of life in industrial workers, even in a short duration of practice. With the results of this study, Yoga may be added as a lifestyle strategy for workers with prolonged standing to manage CVI.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- According to the world health organization (WHO), an "occupational hazard" is a condition that causes a risk to workers' health at workplaces. Occupational health is a domain of public health to improve and maintain the most significant degree of physical, psychological, and social prosperity of employees in all occupations. This domain aims to promote employees' health and quality of life and improve their work efficiency.
- Simple and cost-effective techniques are necessary to tackle occupational hazards.
- Yoga is a well-established alternative and complementary therapy acknowledged by WHO. A holistic yoga approach will bring changes in physical, psychological, and social well-being among workers in different occupational settings when it is regularly practiced.
