Cheung C, et al.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling chronic condition. Because physical activity is a key component in OA management, effective exercise interventions are needed. Yoga is an increasingly popular multimodal mind–body exercise that aims to promote flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. Its gentle approach is potentially a safe and effective exercise option for managing OA.

Methods

• The purpose of this focused review is to examine the effects of yoga on OA symptoms and physical and psychosocial outcomes.
• A comprehensive search was conducted using seven electronic databases.
• Twelve reports met inclusion criteria involving a total of 589 participants with OA–related symptoms. A variety of types, frequencies, and durations of yoga interventions were reported; Hatha and Iyengar yoga were the most commonly used types.
• Frequency of intervention ranged from once a week to 6 days a week.
• Duration of the interventions ranged from 45 to 90 mins per session for 6 to 12 wks.

Results

• Yoga intervention resulted in reductions in pain, stiffness, and swelling, but results on physical function and psychosocial well–being were inconclusive because of a variety of outcome measures being used.

PubMed Reference

Journal Abstract