In 2016, Rhodes, et. al., conducted study about Yoga, which gives an integrative practice combining physical postures, breath exercises, and mindfulness, has shown promise as a complementary treatment for trauma-focused therapy. In a previous randomized controlled study involving 60 women with chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated mental health issues, significant improvements were observed after 10 sessions of yoga. These improvements included reduced PTSD symptom severity, a higher likelihood of losing the PTSD diagnosis, decreased engagement in negative tension reduction activities, and reductions in dissociative and depressive symptoms. This study aims to assess the long-term effects of the intervention by conducting a follow-up assessment on participants who completed the initial study.

Participants from the original randomized controlled trial were invited to take part in long-term follow-up assessments approximately 1.5 years after the completion of the study. The objective was to determine whether the initial intervention and the continuation of yoga practice after treatment were associated with additional changes. Out of the original participants, 49 women completed the long-term follow-up interviews. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to examine the predictive value of treatment group status in the original study and the frequency of yoga practice after the study on symptoms and PTSD diagnosis.

The group assignment in the original randomized study did not emerge as a significant predictor of longer-term outcomes. However, the frequency of ongoing yoga practice proved to be a significant predictor of greater improvements in PTSD symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and a higher likelihood of losing the PTSD diagnosis.

Yoga demonstrates itself as a valuable treatment modality for women with chronic PTSD. The study findings indicate that the greatest long-term benefits are observed among those who continue practicing yoga more frequently. These results suggest that maintaining a consistent yoga practice after completing the initial intervention can lead to sustained improvements in symptoms and a greater chance of remission from PTSD. This study highlights the potential of yoga as an adjunctive therapy in helping individuals with chronic PTSD achieve long-lasting recovery and improved mental well-being.

Reference: Rhodes, A., Spinazzola, J., & van der Kolk, B. (2016). Yoga for adult women with chronic PTSD: A long-term follow-up study. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 22(3), 189-196.