In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have experienced unprecedented levels of stress and mental health challenges. The study titled Breath Regulation and Yogic Exercise: An Online Therapy for Calm and Happiness (BREATH) for Frontline Hospital and Long-Term Care Home Staff Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic explores the feasibility and effectiveness of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) and Health Enhancement Program (HEP) interventions. This research provides valuable insights that can be adapted to enhance the practice of speech language pathologists (SLPs), especially those working with children in a school setting.
According to the study, the primary objectives were to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of online SKY for frontline staff and to assess whether these interventions improve self-rated measures of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and resilience. The results of this study can be instrumental in guiding SLPs to incorporate similar online yogic interventions to support their young clients' mental health and overall well-being.
Key Findings and Their Implications for Speech Language Pathologists
- Feasibility of Online Interventions: The study demonstrated that it is feasible to conduct online yogic interventions like SKY and HEP. For SLPs, this indicates that integrating online mindfulness and breath regulation exercises into therapy sessions can be effectively managed, even in remote settings.
- Improvement in Mental Health Metrics: Participants in the study reported improvements in insomnia, anxiety, depression, and resilience. These findings suggest that SLPs can enhance their therapy outcomes by incorporating similar techniques to help children manage stress and anxiety, which can often interfere with speech and language development.
- Structured and Accessible Format: The online interventions were structured into self-paced modules and interactive sessions, making them accessible and manageable. SLPs can design their therapy sessions to include short, engaging modules that children can follow easily, promoting consistent practice and better outcomes.
Practical Applications for Speech Language Pathologists
SLPs can leverage the insights from this study to enhance their practice in the following ways:
- Integrate Breath Regulation Exercises: Incorporate simple breath regulation exercises into therapy sessions to help children relax and focus. Techniques such as deep breathing, paced breathing, and guided imagery can be highly beneficial.
- Utilize Online Platforms: Use online platforms to deliver these interventions, ensuring that therapy remains accessible, especially in situations where in-person sessions are not possible.
- Monitor and Assess Progress: Regularly monitor and assess the impact of these interventions on children's mental health and speech-language outcomes. Adjust the techniques as needed based on individual progress.
Encouraging Further Research
While the BREATH study provides a solid foundation, further research is essential to tailor these interventions specifically for children and the unique challenges they face in speech and language development. SLPs are encouraged to collaborate with researchers and participate in studies that explore the integration of yogic and mindfulness techniques in speech therapy.
In conclusion, the integration of breath regulation and yogic exercises into speech language pathology practice offers a promising avenue for improving mental health and therapy outcomes for children. By adopting data-driven and evidence-based approaches, SLPs can create more holistic and effective therapy plans.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Breath Regulation and Yogic Exercise: An Online Therapy for Calm and Happiness (BREATH) for Frontline Hospital and Long-Term Care Home Staff Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Structured Summary of a Study Protocol for a Feasibility Study for a Randomised Controlled Trial.
