Yoga-based group intervention for in-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Yoga-based Group Intervention for In-Patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder - a Rater-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT04730518

This study is testing if a yoga program can help in-patients with schizophrenia feel better when combined with their regular treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment77 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other
Locations1 site (Steglitz, State of Berlin)
Trial IDNCT04730518 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a yoga-based group intervention (YoGI) for in-patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Participants will engage in YoGI alongside their usual psychiatric treatment, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention period to measure outcomes. The study employs a rater-blinded randomized controlled design to ensure unbiased results, focusing on the primary outcome of positive symptoms as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Saliva samples will also be collected to analyze stress-related biomarkers, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the intervention's impact.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male and female in-patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder who can provide informed consent and engage in group therapy.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing acute psychotic episodes or severe psychotic symptoms, as well as those with acute suicidality or neurological disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a complementary therapeutic approach to improve the management of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using yoga as an intervention for psychotic disorders is relatively novel, preliminary studies have suggested potential benefits, indicating a promising area for further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* male and female participants
* treated as psychiatric inpatients at the psychosis ward or in the social-psychiatric day clinic
* ≥18 years
* diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder according to the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual 5th edition) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems(ICD-10) code F2
* ability to give informed consent
* willingness and ability to engage in psychotherapeutic group therapy
* low to moderate psychotic state indicated with a score of ≤ 6 for each item at the Positive scale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS, Peralta \& Cuesta, 1994)

Exclusion Criteria:

* a score \> 6, suggesting an acute psychotic episode with severe psychotic symptoms (Peralta\& Cuesta, 1994)
* acute suicidality, assessed by item eight of the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia \> 1 (Addington, Addington, Maticka-Tyndale, \& Joyce, 1992)
* any neurological disorders that may affect cognitive functioning
* acute substance abuse other than nicotine and prescribed medication
* conflicting co-therapy such as electroconvulsive therapy or ketamine treatment

Where this trial is running

Steglitz, State of Berlin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Psychotic Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.