Laughter Yoga for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Evaluation of the Effects of Laughter Yoga on Pain Intensity, Stress, and Beta-endorphin Levels in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
This will test whether laughter yoga can reduce pain and fatigue and boost natural pain-relief chemicals in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Firat University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Elâzığ) |
| Trial ID | NCT07524231 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled study will enroll adults with multiple sclerosis and randomly assign them to laughter yoga sessions or a comparison condition. The laughter yoga intervention combines breathing exercises, stretching, relaxation, and guided laughter activities delivered in group sessions. Primary outcomes include pain intensity and fatigue measured with validated scales, and a secondary outcome is change in blood beta-endorphin levels. Participants must be able to communicate and attend in-person sessions at Firat University in Elâzığ, Turkey, and those in an acute MS relapse or with severe cognitive or psychiatric problems are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age 18+) with multiple sclerosis who can communicate and participate in group sessions, are not in an acute relapse, and are not regularly enrolled in a similar complementary therapy program.
Not a fit: People with severe cognitive impairment, active psychiatric disorders, another serious chronic neurological disease, or those experiencing an acute MS relapse are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could offer a low-cost, non-drug way to reduce pain and fatigue and improve well-being for people with MS.
How similar studies have performed: Small trials of laughter yoga and related mind-body therapies have shown mixed but sometimes promising effects on mood, pain, and fatigue, while robust evidence in MS remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Being over 18 years old * Being able to communicate adequately * Volunteering to participate in the research Exclusion Criteria: * Unwillingness to participate in the study Having severe cognitive impairment that prevents understanding or participation in the intervention Having a psychiatric disorder that may affect participation in the study Experiencing an acute MS relapse during the study period Having another serious neurological or chronic disease that may affect the study outcomes Regular participation in another complementary therapy program similar to laughter yoga Communication problems that prevent participation in the intervention sessions
Where this trial is running
Elâzığ
- Gül DURAL — Elâzığ, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gül DURAL, pHD
- Email: gulkaya@firat.edu.tr
- Phone: 04242370000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.