Effect of yoga in children and adolescents with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of yoga-based lifestyle interventions as an adjunct to standard pharmacotherapy in pediatric asthma on pulmonary function, asthma control, and quality of life.

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched from inception to May 5, 2025.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing pulmonary functions, asthma symptom control, and/or quality of life were included. Pooled mean differences (MD) and standardized MD with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for outcomes at 6 and 12 wk using Stata 16. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, publication bias with the Egger test, heterogeneity with Q and I² tests, and evidence certainty with GRADEpro.

Six RCTs were included in the systematic review, and five of them (480 children, 8-16 years) were pooled in the meta-analysis. At 6 wk, three RCTs (n = 347) showed that yoga, compared with control, significantly improved FVC % predicted (MD = 2.71, 95% CI 0.15-5.27), FEV₁/FVC % predicted (MD = 1.30, 95% CI 0.36-2.24), and PEFR % predicted (MD = 4.87, 95% CI 1.51-8.24). Four RCTs (n = 377) also showed improved FEV₁ % predicted (MD = 2.94, 95% CI 0.33-5.55) at 6 wk, and two RCTs (n = 208) demonstrated improved FVC % predicted (MD = 3.59, 95% CI 0.79-6.38) at 12 wk. Asthma control and quality of life were not significant.

Yoga as a complementary therapy significantly improves pulmonary function in asthmatic children at 6 and 12 wk.