Restoring Function in Long COVID Through Web-Based Isha Kriya Meditation and Breathwork: A Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Akila Rayapuraju, Enas Mohamed, Preeti Upadhyay Reed et al.
A 3-week web-based yogic breathing and meditation program improved mood, breathing difficulty, and physical symptoms in people with long COVID. In a randomized trial with 68 participants, those who completed the program showed greater reductions in total mood disturbance, two dimensions of breathlessness, and somatic symptom burden compared to a waitlist control group, with small to medium effects. No meaningful differences were found for stress or quality of life. Qualitative feedback highlighted that meditation built resilience, online support networks were valuable, digital delivery had both benefits and challenges, and participants struggled with the medical system. The program appears feasible and accessible as a supportive intervention.