Centre for Yoga in Public Health Research

The Centre for Yoga in Public Health Research unit is aimed at developing cost-effective evidence-based lifestyle management programmes based on yoga in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of chronic conditions for India and other resource constraint settings.

Lifestyle behaviours plays a crucial role in health and wellbeing. Lifestyle changes can address 80% chronic conditions. Lifestyle changes can effectively delay the incidence of chronic conditions and assists in the effective management and rehabilitation of individuals with chronic conditions.

The centre works closely with various stakeholders such as the health care providers, policy makers, civil society organisations and the public in the development, testing and upscaling of the yoga-based lifestyle change programmes.

PROJECT LEADS

Prof. Dorairaj Prabhakaran

Dr SC Manchanda

Dr Ambalam M Chandrasekaran

Dr Hyndavi Salwa

Ms. Ameeka Shereen Lobo

Dr Kavita Singh

Dr Dimple Kondal

Dr Edmin Christa

Mr Deepak Yadav

Mr Surendra Pal

Ms Sheril Rajan

ACTIVITIES

Clinical trials

The clinical trials began taking shape in the 1990s with the Indian Lifestyle Heart Trial conducted by Dr. Manchanda and his team, including Dr. Prabhakaran, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The trial demonstrated that a yoga-based lifestyle modification program could reverse coronary atherosclerosis and decrease the necessity for planned revascularization procedures.

These findings led to the inception of the first Yoga-CaRe trial in 2013, a collaboration between the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This trial received funding from prestigious Indo-UK collaborative research grants provided by ICMR and MRC, UK.

The trial found Yoga-CaRe program is safe, improves self-rated health, and returns to pre-infarct activities. Also, the trial reported, the Yoga-CaRe program can reduce cardiovascular events.

On similar lines, the Yoga-CaRe HF trial and Yoga-CaRe PH trial are being conducted as definitive clinical trials with adequate power to find differences in clinical endpoints. With the learning from the Yoga-CaRe trial, these trials are planned to ensure effective delivery of the intervention program while recruiting high-risk populations to ensure meaningful improvements with Yoga-CaRe, if any.

The Yoga-DP feasibility trial, a pilot study, aimed to show that conducting a multi-center randomized trial for the yoga-based diabetes prevention project is possible. It found that the Yoga-DP program is feasible and has the potential to enhance glycemic control in individuals with pre-diabetes.

Capacity building

India has huge unmet need for cardiac rehabilitation. Following our Yoga-CaRe trial which demonstrated improvements in self-rated health and return to pre-infarct activities, Yoga-CaRe can be effectively used to reduce the unmet needs of CR in India.

Hence, at the behest of World Heart Day on September 29, CCDC launched the first ever certificate programme on “Yoga based cardiac rehabilitation programme in the acute myocardial infarction”, a 25-hours in-depth training in effective implementation of Yoga-CaRe programme for patients with acute myocardial infarction. The programme will train Yoga & Naturopathy doctors to deliver the rehabilitation programme which will improve health and outcomes in patients with heart attack.

Previously during COVID pandemic, the centre has trained nearly 300 Yoga & Naturopathy doctors in the Yoga based cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients with acute myocardial infarction through short online programmes in collaboration with Central Council for Research in Yog & Naturopathy, New Delhi and several premier institutions.

All our research programmes have an in-built capacity building programme aimed at improving the research capacity and clinical skills of the healthcare providers engaged in the research. In addition, we conduct special research capacity training programmes to strengthen research of Yoga based lifestyle changes.

Implementation

CCDC is working closely with CCRYN, New Delhi and several hospitals in effective delivery of evidence based Yoga-CaRe in improving the quality of life of patients with heart attack.

We are also in the process of developing a registry of Yoga based Cardiac rehabilitation (Yoga-CaRe registry) whereby, we will enrol 10,000 patients with heart attack and follow them for a longer duration which will generate data on long-term effectiveness of the programme and operational aspects to facilitate development of a National Implementation Plan to reduce the unmet needs of cardiac rehabilitation in the country.

IMPACT

  1. Chattopadhyay K, Chandrasekaran AM, Praveen PA, et al. Development of a Yoga-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation (Yoga-CaRe) Programme for Secondary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction. Evidence-Based Complement Altern Med 2019; 2019: 1–7.
  2. Prabhakaran D, Chandrasekaran AM, Singh K, et al. Yoga-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After Acute Myocardial Infarction – A Randomized Trial. JACC Volume 75, Issue 13, April 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.01.050
  3. Prabhakaran, D., Chandrasekaran, AM. Yoga for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 17, 536–537 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-020-0412-x
  4. Patil SG, Khode V, Christa E, Desai RM, Chandrasekaran AM, Vadiraja HS, Raghavendra R, Aithal K, Champa R, Deepak KK, Roy A, Kinra S, Dorairaj P. Effect of Yoga on Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Integr Complement Med. 2023 Oct 25. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0189. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37878297.
  5. Chauhan A, Chandrasekaran A, Kondal D, Sinha A, Prabhakaran D. Role of Yoga Therapy in Prevention of Tuberculosis in People Living with HIV Infection: Protocol for A Randomized Controlled Trial. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2023 Dec. 1 [cited 2023 Dec. 14];14(12):849-55. Available from: https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/3270

 

PROJECTS


ABOUT THE PROGRAM COURSE: The Certificate Course in Yoga-based Cardiac […]

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YOGA-BASED CARDIAC REHABILITATION FOR ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION CYCLE-I

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Building the Future: What Our Interns Have to Say

Dr Aditi Giridharan

BNYS, MD (Clinical Naturopathic Medicine) CCIM (NIMHANS) SDM Ujire, Karnataka

As a Junior Resident in Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, this internship was a long-awaited and meaningful opportunity, as it involved contributing to a large-scale integrative research trial. Over the past two months, I gained invaluable insights into clinical research processes, particularly within the context of integrative, yoga-based cardiovascular trials. I was also introduced to several mechanistic assessments—such as FMD, CIMT, HRV, arterial stiffness, and various vascular evaluations—which were unique to this study. I am deeply grateful to the CCDC and its team for offering me this enriching experience. My sincere thanks to Dr. Sathish Patil and Dr. Vindhya for their unwavering support throughout the internship, and to Ms. Shereen for not only providing me with the opportunity to be part of this program but also for creating a space to share and reflect on my learning through the weekly CCDC internship meetings. These sessions were particularly insightful, as they allowed us to engage with fellow interns’ experiences and provided me with the platform to present my own findings under Ms. Shereen’s expert guidance.

Jaisheeba M

BNYS JSSINYS, Coimbatore

The internship at JSS Mysuru in Cardiac Rehabilitation was a valuable and enriching experience. It was both informative and insightful, allowing me to deepen my understanding of cardiac care and rehabilitation. I gained practical knowledge and learned about several new procedures used in ongoing research, which greatly contributed to my academic and professional growth.

SHANTHINI R

BNYS JSSINYS, COIMBATORE

My internship at JSS Mysuru was a truly enriching experience. I learned a great deal during my time there and was especially grateful for the opportunity to be involved in research work related to heart failure. This experience offered me a new perspective and valuable hands-on exposure in the field of clinical research. I sincerely thank my college, JSS College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Coimbatore, and our Principal for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. Engaging in research has added a new dimension to my learning and has been a deeply rewarding part of my professional journey.

Bhavyasree Vulisetti

BSc Clinical Research SRIHER, Chennai

This internship has been a truly enriching experience. Over the course of my time at SJICSR, Bangalore, facilitated through CCDC. I gained valuable practical knowledge about the day-to-day workings of clinical research. I learned about patient screening, data entry using REDCap, maintaining patient records, and coordinating follow-up visits, which helped me understand how clinical trials are managed in real-world settings. The work environment was supportive and collaborative, and our mentor’s guidance played a crucial role in helping us grasp the intricacies of the trial. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this internship and for the hands-on exposure it provided in the field of clinical research.

S.Shivapriyaa

BSc Clinical Research SRIHER, Chennai

During my two-month internship at the SJICSR, Bengaluru, I worked on the ICMR-funded Yoga-CaRe Heart Failure Trial led by CCDC. This experience gave me hands-on exposure to clinical research, including patient screening and recruitment, follow-up coordination, and data management using REDCap. I learned to assess patient eligibility, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely follow-ups—skills that strengthened my understanding of research workflows and data integrity. The internship significantly enhanced my practical knowledge and deepened my interest in clinical research and integrative healthcare.

Indushree

BNYSS-VYASA, Bengaluru

I sincerely thank CCDC for the opportunity to intern as a BNYS student at SJICSR, Bengaluru. This experience was incredibly enriching, allowing me to understand the full scope of a research protocol and significantly enhance my knowledge of clinical research procedures. The supportive and approachable Principal Investigators created a positive learning environment. A highlight of the internship was the weekly Thursday meetings, which deepened our understanding of cardiac rehabilitation and broader research topics. This experience not only strengthened my research skills but also boosted my confidence in working within a multidisciplinary medical team. I’m truly grateful for the mentorship and guidance that have laid a strong foundation for my future career in integrative healthcare.

Dr. Swapnil H. Sonawane

BNYS, SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire, Dharmasthala, DK

My two-month internship at AIIMS Rishikesh under the Yoga-CaRe HF Trial by CCDC, New Delhi, was an enriching experience. I gained hands-on expertise in patient assessment, counselling, and data collection, including HRV, FMD, ambulatory BP monitoring, and handgrip strength tests. Assisting patients with structured yoga and pranayama practices deepened my understanding of integrative cardiac care. I also enhanced my research skills and strengthened my clinical diagnosis, ECG interpretation through exposure in the cardiology OPD. Grateful to the CCDC team for their invaluable mentorship and support

Shruthi S

BNYS JSSINYS, Coimbatore

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to intern at the CCDC, New Delhi. Being involved in a yoga-based research project focused on chronic disease prevention and management was both insightful and closely aligned with my academic background in naturopathy and my passion for integrative health. This experience significantly deepened my understanding of how traditional practices like yoga can be scientifically evaluated and integrated into evidence-based public health strategies. I truly appreciate the supportive mentorship and collaborative environment at CCDC, which made this internship a meaningful and impactful step toward my aspirations in public health and holistic care.

Sakshi Gupta

BNYS Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan University, Rajasthan

I sincerely thank Ms Shereen , Dr. Chandrashekhar and Dr. Bhupinder Singh for the invaluable opportunity and exposure to various aspects of clinical research and trials. I gained hands-on experience with patient reports, CRF documentation, IPD data handling, and the REDCap system, while also deepening my understanding of GCP (Good Clinical Practice) guidelines. This internship has been instrumental in enhancing my learning and professional growth.

Dr Sanket Nigam

BNYS Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan University, Rajasthan

It was truly an honor to contribute to research and clinical trials under the guidance of Ms. Shereen, Dr. Chandrashekhar, and Dr. Bhupinder Singh. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that allowed me to gain hands-on experience with patient reports, CRF documentation, IPD data management, and the REDCap system. Exposure to GCP (Good Clinical Practice) guidelines further enriched my understanding. This experience has been instrumental in both my learning journey and professional growth.

Francina Veira S

M.Sc Clinical Research SRIHER, Chennai

I am a master's graduate in clinical research, currently posted as an intern at JSS, Mysore. During my internship, I have been involved in patient recruitment, doctor’s rounds, data collection, data entry, and observing various tests performed in this study. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this trial, and these learnings will be valuable for my future.

Kasturee Hajra

Masters in Public Health SRM Medical College

My journey as an intern at the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, has been nothing short of transformative. Since January, I have been immersed in an enriching environment that has deepened my understanding of public health and chronic disease management. Every day presents an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, engage in meaningful research, and contribute to impactful projects. The hands-on experience, coupled with the supportive mentorship, has expanded my skills and perspective in ways I never imagined. This internship has not only strengthened my academic foundation but has also fueled my passion for making a real difference in healthcare.

Harini Rameshbabu

B.Sc Clinical Research SRIHER, Chennai

My experience as an intern at SJICSR, Mysuru, has been truly enriching. I feel fortunate to gain hands-on exposure to various aspects of the Yoga CaRe HF trial. The team here has been incredibly supportive, offering excellent mentorship and guidance throughout my journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, observe clinical trial procedures, and contribute to real-world research projects. This internship has deepened my interest in clinical research and provided me with valuable insights for future success in this field.

Poojaashree S

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) SRIHER Chennai

I am currently pursuing my internship at the Center for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, and it has been an incredibly enriching experience. Being actively involved in various aspects of clinical trials and learning directly from experts has provided me with invaluable insights into real-world research. This hands-on exposure has deepened my understanding of clinical research methodologies and strengthened my practical skills. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, as it serves as a crucial stepping stone for my career growth.

J Praveen

B.Sc Clinical Research SRIHER, Chennai

My internship in the Yoga-CaRe HF Trial was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of clinical research, patient engagement, and data management. Under the guidance of Dr. Satish, Dr. Vindya Shetty, and Ms. Laxmi Patil at the Center for Integrated Medicine and Research, SDM Hospital, Dharwad, I gained hands-on experience in clinical trial methodologies, including randomization, blinding, informed consent, and patient recruitment. I also developed skills in handling electronic and paper Case Report Forms, literature reviews, and data extraction, reinforcing the importance of research in advancing medical knowledge. This short but impactful journey strengthened my grasp of Good Clinical Practice guidelines and ignited my passion for clinical research, which I look forward to pursuing further. Grateful for the support and mentorship that made this experience truly rewarding!

Dr Pynphyrnaibha Lyngdoh

BNYS graduate, Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Karnataka

I sincerely thank the Center for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) for this invaluable learning experience. Being part of the research community has been truly enriching, and I am deeply grateful. During my time in the cardiology department, I have gained hands-on experience in performing ECGs, interpreting echocardiograms, and counseling patients. As a naturopathic doctor, I am especially excited about the ongoing study on yoga in heart failure patients, and the results so far have exceeded my expectations. This experience has broadened my understanding of cardiology, highlighting the importance of even the smallest clinical details. I am truly thankful to CCDC for their support and guidance throughout this journey.

Jinsy John

B.Sc Clinical Research SRIHER, Chennai

I am currently pursuing my internship at Jayadeva, Mysuru, where I have gained valuable experience in clinical trials. This internship has provided me with hands­ on training in data entry and patient screening, allowing me to observe and learn the practical aspects of clinical research. This experience is enhancing my skills and preparing me for a future in clinical research.

Dr Vandana Tiwari

BNYS, Swasthaya Kalyan Institute of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan

I had the incredible opportunity to intern at AIIMS Bhatinda under the Department of Cardiology through CCDC New Delhi, where I gained valuable insights into the ongoing Yoga-CaRe HF Trial, exploring the effectiveness of yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure patients. During my internship, I assisted in delivering rehabilitation programs for post-PCI/stent and post-surgical patients, participated in patient assessments (monitoring heart rate & blood pressure), and deepened my understanding of key cardiac investigations, including Troponin I & T, Pro- BNP, BNP, Chest X-Rays, ECG, and 2D Echo. This experience significantly enhanced my skills in patient counseling, communication, and integrating yoga therapy into cardiac rehabilitation. I am deeply grateful to the entire CCDC team, especially Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Dr. Chandrasekaran, Dr. Hyndavi, and Ms. Shereen , for this invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and further my passion for cardiac rehabilitation.

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