A new research is being conducted by a team of investigators from Deakin – Monash center for nursing research in Australia to establish the efficacy of Laughter Yoga in improving the lung function in dialysis patients (many of whom have poor respiratory function related to congestive heart disease). Led by Prof Paul Bennett the study will measure the effect Laughter Yoga has on lung function, personal wellbeing, anxiety and depression.

Pre and Post measures will be performed on 20 people over 18 receiving haemodialysis in Moorabbin Dialysis Clinic. Measures include pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume - FEV), subjective wellbeing (Personal Wellbeing Index), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Two Laughter Yoga instructors who have developed specific dialysis Laughter Yoga will conduct these sessions at Moorabbin Dialysis Clinic during November and December 2013.

Laughter yoga is based on the theory that voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Laughter Yoga uses a combination of contrived laughter and controlled breathing which is claimed to improve mood and general wellbeing. Laughter yoga is undertaken in groups, incorporating clapping, deep breathing exercises, gentle neck and shoulder stretches and facilitated laughter and smile exercises.

Investigators: Ros Ben-Moshe (Latrobe), Dr Mel Weinberg (Deakin), A/Prof Trisha Parsons (Canada), Dr Helen Rawson (Deakin – Monash Health), Merv Neal (Laughter Yoga Australia), Karen Gilbert RN (Moorabbin Dialysis Centre), Dr Pauline Branley (Monash Health), Cherene Ockerby (Deakin – Monash Health), Prof. Alison Hutchinson (Deakin – Monash Health)