Parkinson’s disease (PD) is frequently complicated by non-motor symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression, affecting approximately 40–50% of patients. These symptoms significantly impair quality of life (QoL), worsen functional outcomes, and may accelerate disease progression. Pharmacological management is often limited by side effects, polypharmacy, and suboptimal efficacy.

Laughter Yoga (LY) is a structured aerobic intervention combining simulated laughter and yogic breathing, previously shown to improve psychological outcomes in various clinical populations. However, robust evidence in PD populations has been limited.

Study Design & Setting

• Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial
• Setting: Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Province, China
• Ethics approval: 2021KY180
• Trial registration: ChiCTR2200060401
• Journal: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2025)

Why Was This Study Needed?

40–50% of people with Parkinson’s disease suffer from anxiety and depression

These mental health problems:

Worsen physical symptoms, Reduce sleep quality, Lower overall quality of life

Medicines help, but they: Have side effects, Do not always address emotional well-being

👉 Researchers wanted to test whether Laughter Yoga, a safe, low-cost, non-drug method, could help.

Laughter Yoga Protocol

🧘 Frequency

Group sessions: 2 times per week (hospital)

Home practice: 5 times per week (video-guided)

⏰ Duration

20 minutes per session

😂 Exercises Included

• Clapping + Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha
• Belly laughter
• Greeting laughter
• Bow-and-arrow laughter
• Hot soup laughter
• Maitreya Buddha laughter
• Breathing meditation at the end

Key Results

Before vs After 8 Weeks of Laughter Yoga

• Only the Laughter Yoga Group
• Anxiety (HAMA)
  ➜ Reduced from 16.72 → 13.48
•  
• Depression (HAMD)
  ➜ Reduced from 9.04 → 7.09
• Quality of Life (PDQ-39)
  ➜ Improved from 36.21 → 25.70

After 8 weeks of Laughter Yoga, people with Parkinson’s disease felt less anxious, less depressed, and lived a better quality of life.

Final Conclusion

Laughter Yoga works.

This scientific study clearly shows that:

• Laughter Yoga is safe
• It reduces anxiety and depression
• It improves emotional health and quality of life
• It is easy, affordable, and enjoyable

👉 For people with Parkinson’s disease, laughter is not just joy — it is therapy.

Who Can Benefit Most?

• Parkinson’s patients
• Seniors with anxiety or depression
• Caregivers under stress
• Rehabilitation & nursing programs
• Community & hospital wellness initiatives