Yoga therapy in U.S. clinical research: A scoping review of definitions and alignment with professional standards

Yoga therapy, broadly understood as the intentional adaptation of yoga practices to address health-related or therapeutic goals, is increasingly incorporated into U.S. healthcare settings. The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) has established a formal definition of yoga therapy and scope-of-practice guidelines to clarify the role and competencies of yoga therapists in clinical care. However, the extent to which U.S.-based clinical research reflects these professional standards has not been systematically examined.

To examine how yoga therapy is defined, differentiated from general yoga practice, and implemented in U.S. clinical research, and to assess alignment of reported interventions with IAYT professional standards.

This U.S.-focused analysis drew from a larger international scoping review, reported following PRISMA-ScR. Peer-reviewed articles published from 2016 (following IAYT's scope-of-practice and definition publications) through 2024 were identified via PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, PEDro, and CINAHL. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted elements for comparison with the IAYT definition and scope of practice, resolving disagreements by consensus with a third reviewer.

Of 178 studies identified globally, 22 (12%) U.S.-based studies met inclusion criteria. Six studies (27%) defined yoga therapy and 5 (23%) distinguished it from general yoga practice. Individualized assessment was reported in 12 (55%) and therapeutic goal setting in 5 (23%). Yoga therapists delivered interventions in 13 studies (59%); only 4 (18%) reported certification.

Descriptions of yoga therapy in U.S. clinical research show variable alignment with the IAYT definition and scope of practice. Greater consistency in terminology and reporting may improve comparability across studies and support integration of yoga therapy into healthcare settings.