Amitai (2025)

Low · Single-Arm Trial · Preliminary (Observational/Qualitative) · n = 14
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.702
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionMyelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) - hematological malignancy
Clinical domainOncology
PopulationMDS patients (median age 75, 78% male, bone marrow malignancy)
Sample sizen = 14
Country / SettingIsrael - Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan; Tel-Aviv University
Protocol clusterGeneral/Varied KY
Duration8 weeks; 1-hour weekly Zoom sessions; median 4 sessions attended (range 1-8)
Control type
ComparatorN/A - No control group (within-subjects pre-post)
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeQOL (cancer survivors)
Scales usedESAS-GDS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System - Global Distress Score)
Key resultQOL improved; fatigue decreased; mood improved; sleep quality improved
Effect sized = 0.51 (QOL); small-moderate effect
ES value0.51 (d)
RetentionMedian 4/8 sessions attended per patient (50% attendance)
SafetyNo adverse events; safe during survivorship
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Methodological Summary

Observational; within-subjects pre-post; no control group; small sample (n=14) F4

KY Protocol Components

Kundalini Yoga for MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) Patients SETTING: Multi-center Israeli MDS yoga program; 9 medical centers initially in-person, then shifted to online. DELIVERY: 8-week program; 1-hour weekly live sessions via Zoom (online component analyzed in this study). INTENSITY: Mild-medium intensity. SESSION STRUCTURE: • All segments performed in SITTING POSITION (specifically planned for this population) • Deep breathing exercises • Structured movements • Mantras • Equal emphasis on breathing, meditation mantras, AND physical postures (unlike other programs focused mainly on physical postures) • Breathing and meditation mantras performed mostly concomitantly with physical postures ADAPTATIONS FOR MDS: • All seated postures (no standing/floor work) • Designed for elderly patients (median age 75, range 63-95) • Accommodated reduced performance status (ECOG 0-3) • Live instruction enabled teacher to communicate personally with participants during session • Participants provided with instructional videos for home practice POPULATION: N=14 MDS patients; 78% male; median 4 sessions attended (range 1-8). OUTCOMES: ESAS-GDS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale - Global Distress Score); improvements maintained 8 weeks post-completion.

Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
2
A2
3
★B1
2
★B2
1
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
3
B6
2
★B7
1
★B8
3
B9
2
★D1
1
D2
2
JP1
3
Critical fails3
Raw QI0.714
SAF0.983
Adjusted QI0.702
Final ratingLow