The effects of laughter yoga on glycemic control in diabetes patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that laughter is associated with psychological and physical health status. However, the effects of laughter yoga on psychological and physical health benefits are not elucidated. We sought to examine the effects of laughter yoga program on glycemic control and anthropometric measurements in diabetes patients. Methods: A convenience sample of 42 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was randomized into laughter yoga program and control groups. The primary outcomes were changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, body weight, and waist circumstance between baseline and week 12 in this randomized controlled trial. Results: Over 12 weeks, HbA1c levels improved in the laughter yoga group, but not in the control group. The mean HbA1c levels changed from 7.12% to 6.86% for the laughter yoga group (p<0.01) and from 7.23% to 7.11% for the control group (p=0.84). Waist circumstance also tended to improve in the laughter yoga group but there were no changes in body weight in the both group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks laughter yoga program for patients with diabetes mellitus may result in improved glycemic control.