Inner Engineering Yoga Program on Short and Long Term Health Effects (ISHA-Impact): A Longitudinal Study (ISHA-Impact)

This study will include any participant who registered, and plans to attend the Inner Engineering In-Person Completion Course. In 2019, this course was offered in: Los Angeles in March, Philadelphia in April and Toronto & Dallas in November. This study has been involved in every IECO Course since 2019 and is still active today. Beginning in August 2021, investigators will recruit for the August Inner Engineering In-Person Completion Course. Investigators anticipate that this study can include up to 5,000 study participants. Participants would attend this course and complete the pre-modules regardless of whether or not they participate in this study.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Depression; Stress; Sleep; Anxiety; Emotions; Alcohol Consumption; Mood; Pain Intensity; Nicotine; Mindfulness; Habits; Mediation
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Inner Engineering Intervention

Detailed Description

This study aims to enroll participants who have registered for the Inner Engineering in-person course. Briefly, this course is a 1-2 day in-person course, in which participants will learn a simple 21 minute practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, also known as Shambhavi Kriya. Shambhavi Kriya is a powerful and purifying energy technique which incorporates the breath. This practice is said to align the body systems so that the body, mind and emotions function in harmony. More information about the course can be found on the ISHA foundation website: https://www.innerengineering.com/ieo-new/completion/.

Registrants for IECO are asked to complete a series of seven (7) online modules (IEO) prior to the start of the in-person course. The online series provides the participants with an opportunity to intellectually explore the basics of life using methods that are distilled from the essence of yogic sciences. The course imparts wisdom to manage the body, mind, emotions, and the fundamental life energy within.

Importantly, the course modules (IEO) and the in-person meeting (IECO) and subsequent meditation and yoga practices would occur regardless of whether or not a person decided to participate in the study. The only study procedure imparted includes requesting the participants to complete a series of surveys over a one-year period.

This study only involves administration of electronic surveys at six different time points. These time points include: at the time of consent; after completing the Inner Engineering Online modules but before the in-person course begins; after the completion of the in-person (IECO) course; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months. These surveys can take up to 15 minutes to complete. Electronic reminders will be sent to participants who have not completed these surveys within a week.

Additionally, participants must complete a two-minute compliance survey at the end of each week for 6 weeks after IECO completion. After these 6 weeks, this same two-minute compliance survey will be sent monthly until the end of the year. This survey is an important component of our data analysis, because it collects information on the frequency and duration of their routine practice.

Participants can choose to either complete their baseline & post-IEO surveys only, or continue and complete Post IECO- 1 year follow up period. A break was incorporated because IEO & IECO are 2 separate events, and participants who chose to complete IEO may not necessarily complete IECO. This break ensures maximum participation.

This study will include participants who are registered and plan to attend any Inner Engineering Online & Inner Engineering Online Completion Course. This course is offered several times throughout the year and each course has several hundred participants. We anticipate we can collect data from up to 5,000 study participants and create a significant database of Inner Engineering practitioners.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 5000
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Balachundhar Subramaniam, MD, MPH; Phone Number: 617-667-2721; Email: bsubrama@bidmc.harvard.edu

Study Locations

• United States
  • Massachusetts
    • Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02215
      • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants who have registered to take the Inner Engineer Online Course.
• Participants who have registered to take the Inner Engineer Completion Course.
• Participants must be able to read and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who report living outside the United States at the time of enrollment.
• Participants < 18 years of age.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Intervention / Treatment

Other: Inner Engineering Intervention; The intervention investigators propose for the study includes an Online Course with 7 modules, or a 10 hours long course, and a 1-2 day In-Person Course, in which participants will learn a simple 21 minute practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, also known as Shambhavi Kriya.

Behavioral: Inner Engineering Intervention; The intervention investigators propose for the study includes an Online Course with 7 modules, or a 10 hours long course, and a 1-2 day In-Person Course, in which participants will learn a simple 21 minute practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, also known as Shambhavi Kriya. Shambhavi Kriya is a powerful and purifying energy technique incorporating the breath. This practice is said to align the participants system such that their body, mind and emotions function in harmony.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Changes in Perceived Stress Levels	The study aims to evaluate changes in perceived levels of stress in survey participants and the effect Inner Engineering has over them in long term. The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose named, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The scale measures the degree to which situations in participant's life are appraised as stressful. This is defined to be the key secondary outcome for the study. Higher scores are suggestive of more stress. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Mood Changes	The study aims to evaluate changes in mood profiles affected by the Inner Engineering Online (IEO) over time. For evaluation of mood profiles the investigators use a validated scale named, Profile of Mood States (POMS). The scale measures different dimensions of mood swings over a period of time and calculates Total Mood Disturbances by performing a sub-scale analysis. The subscales defined include Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, Confusion & Vigor. Higher scores are suggestive of poorer outcome. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Habits of daily living	The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose named, NHANES III. The scale measures the habits of daily living of an individual. This is a qualitative scale, and scoring is not done. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Nictoine Consumption	The investigators use several validated scale for this purpose namely, NHANES III, Nicotine dependence, Negative Health Expectancies and Emotional Expectancies among others. The scales measure the nicotine dependence and aids in quantifying dependence which in turn aids in evaluating any change on the individual's perception after the Inner Engineering intervention. Higher scores suggest greater nicotine dependence. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Alcohol Consumption	The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose namely, AUDIT. The scale measures the individual's dependence on alcohol and objectively quantifies dependence which in turn aids in evaluating any change on the individual's perception after the Inner Engineering intervention. A score of 8 or more is considered to be hazardous use of alcohol. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Pain Intensity	The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose namely, Pain intensity & Pain interference scales. The scales measure the individuals' pain perception, and quantify the effects of the individuals' pain which in turn aids in evaluating any change on the individual's perception after the Inner Engineering intervention. higher scores suggestive of increased pain perception. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Sleep patterns & behavior	The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose namely, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The scale measure the individuals' sleep patterns & behavior and quantifies sleep quality which in turn aids in evaluating any change on the individual's sleep quality after the Inner Engineering intervention. Scores higher than 5 are suggestive of poor sleep quality. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Mindfulness	The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose namely, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The scale measures the individuals' ability for receptive awareness and attention to present. This aids in evaluating any change on the individual's awareness levels after the Inner Engineering intervention. Higher scores are suggestive of increased mindfulness and awareness. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Emotional health	The investigators use a validated scale for this purpose namely, PERMA profiler. The scale measures the 5 pillars of well-being (Positive emotions, engagement, relationship, meaning, accomplishment) along with negative emotions and health in the individual. Higher scores are suggestive of better outcomes. This aids in evaluating any change on the individual's awareness levels after the Inner Engineering intervention. Logistic regression analysis is performed on the outcome measures collected over the specified time-frame.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Anxiety	The investigators used the PROMIS (Anxiety-8) an 8-item validated instrument that assesses the severity of anxiety. Participants are asked on a scale of 1 (Never) to 5 (Always) on the frequency of occurrence of each negative experience. Overall score is computed based on sum from individual responses. A higher sum indicates greater anxiety.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.
Depression	The investigators used the CES-D 20-item scale to assess depression. Each item is coded 1 "rarely or none of the time (less than 1 day)" to 4 "most or all of the time (5-7 days)." Scores range from 0 to 60, with high scores indicating greater depressive symptoms.	The investigators collect these scores at the 6 pre-specified time points; i.e., at the time of consent; after completing the IEO modules but before conference; post conference completion; at 6 weeks; at 6 months and at 12 months.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Ryan RM, Frederick C. On energy, personality, and health: subjective vitality as a dynamic reflection of well-being. J Pers. 1997 Sep;65(3):529-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.1997.tb00326.x.
• Hyman SA, Shotwell MS, Michaels DR, Han X, Card EB, Morse JL, Weinger MB. A Survey Evaluating Burnout, Health Status, Depression, Reported Alcohol and Substance Use, and Social Support of Anesthesiologists. Anesth Analg. 2017 Dec;125(6):2009-2018. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000002298.
• Kato T. Development of the Sleep Quality Questionnaire in healthy adults. J Health Psychol. 2014 Aug;19(8):977-86. doi: 10.1177/1359105313482168. Epub 2013 May 29.
• Shioata, M.N., D. Keltner, and O.P. John, Positive Emotion Dispositions Differntially Associatd with Big Five Personality and Attachement Style. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2006. 1(2): p. 61-71.
• Ryan RM, Deci EL. On happiness and human potentials: a review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annu Rev Psychol. 2001;52:141-66. doi: 10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.141.
• Peterson CT, Bauer SM, Chopra D, Mills PJ, Maturi RK. Effects of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a Multicomponent Breath-Based Yogic Practice ( Pranayama), on Perceived Stress and General Well-Being. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Oct;22(4):788-797. doi: 10.1177/2156587217730934. Epub 2017 Sep 22.
• Muralikrishnan K, Balakrishnan B, Balasubramanian K, Visnegarawla F. Measurement of the effect of Isha Yoga on cardiac autonomic nervous system using short-term heart rate variability. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2012 Apr;3(2):91-6. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.96528.
• Selvaraj, N., et al., Heart Rate Dynamics during Shambhavi Mahamudra - A Practice of Isha Yoga. Journal of Complementary and Inegrative Medicine, 2008. 5(1): p. 1-22.
• Upadhyay P, Joshi A, Mishra I, Kelly L, Novack L, Hariri S, Kveraga K, Subramaniam B. Short Term Effects of Inner Engineering Completion Online Program on Stress and Well-Being Measures. Front Psychol. 2022 Apr 27;13:814224. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814224. eCollection 2022.

Helpful Links

• ISHA Foundation Website

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 12, 2019
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 17, 2023
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 11, 2019
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 3, 2019
• First Posted (Actual): December 6, 2019

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 18, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 15, 2024
• Last Verified: March 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Drinking Behavior; Neurologic Manifestations; Alcohol Drinking; Pain
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2019P000205

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No