ROLE OF INTEGRATED APPROACH OF YOGA THERAPY IN MODIFYING IMMUNE RESPONSES, QUALITY OF LIFE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN HIV SEROPOSITIVE INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Background:Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is still a challenging issue for the medical fraternity. There havebeen continuous efforts among the fraternity to take control of or to cure the disease,but yet to be completely successful. Further, HIV positive individuals also face a variety of challenges regarding health, quality of lifeand cognitive functioning to be on par with the mainstream. The current approaches towards addressing the issues are largely at physiological levels. While there are some attempts towards a wholesome approach for addressing the issues, there is a need to explore more options from an integrated approach, especially from an integrated yogic perspective. Aim: To determine the effect of yoga on immune parameters, quality of life and cognitive functions of HIV positive individuals. Literary review:Traditional literature has ample information onimmune system and its maintenance. Ojas is understood to be a key factor in determining the strength of the immune system. HIV/AIDS has symptoms similar to that ofa condition calledojas-kśaya, which refers to the depletion of ojas. To address the issue a wholesome approach is recommended which starts right from food which is the basic raw material for the production of ojas. Yogic practices emphasizing on enhancement of five layers of existence, called the paṁcakośas,is a promising wholesome approach both in preventing and combating HIV/AIDS. Literature survey: HIV/AIDS is still a challenge. There is ample scope for a wholesome approach towards addressing the challenges faced by HIV positive individuals, in which yoga is a key component. With specific reference to children/adolescents, not much research is carried out on determining the effect of yoga on immune parameters, quality of life and cognitive functions. Methods: The research was carried out in two centers, which were rehabilitation centers (RCs) forHIV positive children/adolescents. Although the aim of the two studieswas the same, the study designs were different owing to the number of participants available andother practical considerations.Study one was a randomized controlled pre-post study with 73 participants and four months’ yoga intervention. Study two was a single group pre-post study with 22 participants and six months’ yoga intervention. Immune parameters (CD4 cell counts, CD4/CD8 ratio and viral load) were noted/determined from the medical records maintained by the rehabilitation centers (RCs). The quality of life was assessed using PedsQL questionnaires. The depression was assessed using the Children’s Depression Inventory. The cognitive functions were assessed using six letter cancellation test (SLCT), digit span forward backward test (DSFB),symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and Stroop test (ST). Assessments were carried out at the beginning and end of the intervention. Results:In study one, overall there was no significant difference between the yoga group and the control group on any of the parameters viz., immune parameters, quality of life or cognitive functions. Overall, the control group performed relatively better. In study two, there were significant improvements in almost all parameters considered in the research after yoga intervention. Discussion:There were