Effects of Yogic Interventions on Patients Diagnosed With Cardiac Diseases. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Presently, evidence-based research studies on the efficacy of complimentary therapies like yoga for patients with different cardiac diseases are limited and conflicting. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on yogic interventions compared with usual care or non-pharmacological treatment in patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases.

We conducted an electronic search of literature published from 2006 to May 2021 through five databases. PRISMA statement was used to develop and report a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Sixteen RCTs were included in the systematic review and 11 RCTs were used for meta-analysis. Outcome measures were blood pressure, lipid profile, and psychosocial measures. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess bias risk.

The results show that yogic interventions resulted in significant reduction in systolic (d = 046; 95% CI.08-0.84; I² = 81.86%) and diastolic blood pressures (d = 0.56; 95% CI.13-0.99, I² = 84.84%). A medium statistically significant increase in HDL (d =0.67; 95% CI 0 to 1.33; I² 79.7%) and a low but significant effect on LDL (d = 0.23; 95% CI -0.08-0.54; I² 32.61%), total cholesterol (d =0.28; 95% CI -0.14-0.7; I² 63.72%), and triglycerides (d = 0.43; 95% CI -0.1-0.97; I² 76.64%) were observed. Pooled effect sizes showed a medium to low statistically significant effect on psychosocial indicators viz., QoL, stress, anxiety, and depression.

The meta-analysis found strong evidence of effectiveness of yogic interventions on lipid profile, blood pressure, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with diagnosed cardiac diseases.