Exploring the Effects of a Six-Month Restorative Yoga Trial on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors and Mental Health in Hong Kong Adults: The Yoga Education Series—Hong Kong 1 (YES-HK1) Feasibility Study

Background: Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are risks associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although restorative yoga has been shown to enhance various metabolic markers, its effects on people in Hong Kong who have at least two MetS have not been explored. In order to ascertain whether a restorative yoga intervention was both possible and acceptable in this population, we carried out a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Methods: 21 adult men and women with at least 2 MetS according to National Cholesterol Education Program-ATP III criteria were randomized to two groups including control and restorative yoga group. The restorative yoga group attended specific yoga sessions for 1 hour/week for 6 months and the control group were given no intervention. Feasibility was measured by recruitment rates, subject retention, and adherence. Acceptability was assessed by interview and questionnaires. Changes in metabolic outcomes, mental health, sleep behaviour and cortisol were measured at two time points, at the start of the study and after 6 months. Results: Of the 53 who attended screening visits, 35 (66%) were randomized, and 27 (77.1%) completed the trial. It’s worth noting that dropout only occurred in the control group. 91% percent of participants stated that they were adaptable to the specified intervention, and they felt yoga had health advantages, and they were prepared to adapt even in the absence of instruction. 92% of participants felt that the intervention was practical. 6 months restorative yoga (1 hour/week) intervention showed a significant mean reduction in systolic blood pressure (BP) = 16.69 ± 22.68 mm of Hg (P = 0.021), waist circumference (WC) = 1.51 ± 1.49 inches (P = 0.003), triglycerides (TGs) = 0.19 ± 0.32 mmol/dl (P = 0.05), fasting glucose level (FGL) = 0.21 ± 0.31 mmol/ dl (P = 0.03) and mental health = 12.7 ± 15.2 (P = 0.011) within group. There were no significant changes in any of the MetS risk factors after 6 months in the control group. We also observed between group significant difference in means of systolic BP (–17.81; CI –35.39, –0.24, P < 0.05) and WC (–1.38; CI –2.41, 0.35, P < 0.05) in restorative yoga verses control group. Conclusion: Hence it is concluded that restorative yoga was a feasible and acceptable intervention in HK adult population with at least 2 MetS. The efficacy of restorative yoga for improving metabolic parameters in this population should be explored using a larger randomized controlled trial.