EFFECT OF MEDITATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Dr Tejasvi Agarwal; Dr Vijendra D. Chauhan; Savitri Jugdeo; Dr Rajesh Maheshwari

Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2019

EFFECT OF MEDITATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Dr Tejasvi Agarwal, Dr Vijendra D. Chauhan, Savitri Jugdeo, Dr Rajesh Maheshwari

Abstract :

Objectives: To study the effect of meditation in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Study design: Sixty Rheumatoid Arthritis patients through randomization were divided into 2 groups – Experimental and Control group. Meditation was incorporated along with standard treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Experimental group and both groups were followed for 6 months. ESR was repeated every month to calculate Disease Activity scores 28(DAS28). The Control group received only the standard treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the Tender Joint Count, Swollen Joint Count and Pain scores in the Experimental Group. However, there were no significant improvements in the ESR and Disease activity score. Conclusions: Meditation may be used as adjunctive or complementary therapy in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is cost effective and has no side effects. However, it needs longer follow up to show positive effects.