Effects of yoga therapy on the 6-minute walk test in middle-aged men with varicose veins: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can lead to reduced exercise capacity and physical activity levels. This study assessed the impact of a 12-week yoga intervention on exercise capacity, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with varicose veins and CVI. Methods. This randomized controlled trial recruited 80 patients with varicose veins or CVI from a cardiovascular surgery clinic. Participants were randomized to either a yoga group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40) that received standard care. The primary outcome was the change in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included leg edema, pain levels, and disease-specific quality of life. Results. At 12 weeks, the yoga group showed significantly greater improvement in 6MWT distance compared to controls (46.2 meters vs 12.8 meters, p < 0.001). The yoga group also had greater reductions in leg edema (−2.1 cm vs −0.6 cm, p = 0.003) and pain during the 6MWT (VAS score change −2.9 vs −0.7, p < 0.001). Quality of life scores improved more in the yoga group (mean increase 18.7 vs 6.4 points, p = 0.02). Conclusions. A 12-week yoga program improved exercise capacity, reduced edema and pain, and enhanced quality of life compared to standard care in patients with varicose veins and CVI. Yoga can be a beneficial adjunctive intervention for this population.