At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Laughter Yoga for Improving Depression, Anxiety and Stress in People Diagnosed With Major Depressive Disorder: A Feasibility Study
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Laughter Yoga for Major Depressive Disorder and 2 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 50 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The present study will adopt a non-blinded parallel-group randomized controlled trial design that involves a Laughter Yoga group (intervention) and a treatment-as-usual group (Control). It aims to determine the feasibility of using LY intervention on patients with Major depressive disorder (MDD), and also to evaluate the potential effect of the intervention on comorbid depression, anxiety and stress for these patients. It is hypothesized that, LY group, as compared to the TAU group, will have significantly lower symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, but greater improvements in self-reported mental health/physical health-related quality of life immediately post intervention and at 3 months' follow-up.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
A LY group will be composed of 8-12 participants. Each sessions will include 4 essential elements steps of laughter yoga, laughter meditation and grounding exercises. The 4 steps of laughter yoga are 1) warm up exercise, 2) deep breathing exercises, 3) childlike playfulness and 4) laughter exercises. The laughter meditation is a deeper experience of unconditional laughter in which laughter often comes in natural waves and it becomes infectious and set off a chain reaction to infect other people. The grounding exercises allow individuals to ground the energy of laughter and relax. The LY intervention will be facilitated by a certified lead LY trainer.