Chair yoga may ease scleroderma symptoms, small study hints

NCT ID NCT04491396

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether gentle yoga and breathing exercises are feasible for people with scleroderma, a condition that can limit movement. Thirty participants learned chair-based yoga and breathing techniques, then practiced twice daily at home for 10 weeks. Researchers measured quality of life, stress, depression, and saliva biomarkers to see if the program was practical and helpful.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: gentle yoga and yogic breathing (chair yoga and pranayama)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a safe, at-home practice to help manage symptoms like pain, stress, and fatigue in people with scleroderma.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It tests feasibility, not effectiveness, and relies on self-reported diaries.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diffuse scleroderma scleroderma systemic sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SCLERODERMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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