Standardized Yoga & Meditation Program for Stress Reduction for Adolescents With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is linked to motor and sensory physiology, as well as the central nervous system, that presents as abdominal pain with abnormal defecation patterns. This discomfort leads to emotional stress, decreased quality of life, and anxiety. The study proposes that yoga and mindfulness will decrease anxiety and increase quality of life for patients with IBS. The aim of this study is to measure the impact of a brief, at-home, 6-week twice per week Standardized Yoga \& Meditation Program for Stress Reduction program on anxiety, IBS symptoms, and quality of life in children ages 12-21 diagnosed with IBS.