The goal of this single-blind, randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and short-term economic impact of a mobile application-based, personalized yoga and meditation program in adult patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does an 8-week digital yoga and meditation intervention reduce anxiety and improve other clinical/psychological outcomes (such as depression, pulmonary function, reaction time, quality of life, and stress) compared to standard medical care? Does this digital intervention reduce short-term healthcare utilization and associated direct medical costs?
Researchers will compare the Mobile App Group (receiving personalized yoga and meditation via the Meditopia app) to a Control Group (receiving usual medical care) to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the intervention.
Participants in the experimental group will:
Use a mobile application to practice 15-30 minutes of yoga and 15-30 minutes of meditation daily, at least 4 days a week over an 8-week period.
Complete clinical, psychometric, and economic assessments at baseline, week 4, and week 8.
Adults aged between 18 and 65 years.
Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) by a rheumatologist.
Disease in a stable phase (remission or low disease activity).
Access to a smartphone or tablet and sufficient proficiency in using mobile applications.
Presence of acute RA flare-ups.
Severe psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe major depression).
Severe cognitive impairment or dementia.
Pregnancy.
Tugba Civi Karaaslan
Lead sponsor
Istanbul University
Sponsor institution