Yoga for arthritis: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
• Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, are increasingly explored for arthritis management.
• Existing literature on yoga's efficacy for arthritis requires systematic review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review peer-reviewed clinical trials on yoga interventions for arthritis.
• To synthesize quantitative findings from studies published between 1980 and 2010.
• To assess the evidence for yoga's effects on arthritis symptoms and related outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search for yoga intervention studies in arthritis.
• Inclusion of peer-reviewed research with quantitative findings (1980-2010).
• Identification of 11 studies: 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 non-RCTs.

Main Results:

• Evidence strongest for reduced disease symptoms (tender/swollen joints, pain) and disability.
• Improved self-efficacy and mental health were consistently reported.
• No adverse events were noted; attrition rates were comparable to other exercise interventions.
• Heterogeneity in interventions, research methods, and diagnoses was observed.

Conclusions:

• Yoga appears to be a safe and potentially effective complementary therapy for arthritis.
• Yoga may alleviate key arthritis symptoms and improve functional capacity and psychological well-being.
• Further high-quality, standardized research is warranted to confirm these findings.