Title : Effect of an online ayurveda program on mental and physical health in home-based adults
Abstract:
Background and objective: Mental health complaints in Europe have increased significantly over the past few years. This study evaluated the effects, feasibility, and safety of an online multimodal, complementary intervention that addressed the etiological factors affecting individuals' mental and physical health.
Method: Ninety-eight home-based adults with mild to severe mental health and related physical symptoms were recruited across Europe through digital advertisements. This study used a single-arm repeated-measures design with individualized treatment groups to evaluate the influence of the Ayurveda Program for Detox and Lifestyle. This online program included an individualized Ayurveda diet, daily routine, yoga exercise, herbal detoxification procedures, and herbal preparations. Online standardized tests were used to assess anxiety, depression, physical symptoms (PHQ-SADS), fatigue (PROMIS), and body mass index (BMI) each month for four months.
Results: Eighty-five percent of the trial participants were female, and the mean age was 58. By the end of the fourth month, primary outcomes indicated a significant decrease in anxiety (55%, p < 0.001) and depression symptoms (45%, p < 0.001). The secondary outcomes showed a significant reduction in physical symptoms, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and digestive symptoms (42%, p < 0.001); fatigue (31%, p < 0.001); and BMI (2%, p < 0.001). The individualized treatment groups improved similarly in all measures, with no significant differences. The intervention was feasible and generally safe, with 91% retention, 70% compliance, and 6% adverse effects.
Conclusion: The initial results suggest that the Ayurveda Program for Detox and Lifestyle is safe and is associated with significant improvements in the mental and physical health of the study subjects. The trial provides insights into the feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating complementary lifestyle protocols into standard primary and mental healthcare practices. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to control for confounding factors and confirm these findings in larger clinical populations.
