A systematic review of the effectiveness of yoga on pain, physical function, and quality of life in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Abstract

Objectives Exercise interventions suitable for older adults can help to slow and manage age‐related conditions. This systematic review looks at age‐related musculoskeletal conditions in a population with a mean age over 50 years, evaluating the effectiveness of yoga for pain, physical function, and quality of life. Methods CENTRAL,CINAHL, Pubmed, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, Sports Discus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were searched. Study selection and quality screening using the Cochrane risk of bias tool were conducted by two reviewers to mitigate bias. PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting and reporting the review. Results 11 studies met inclusion criteria with a total sample of 2221 (≥70% female). Eight studies measured pain, six showing significant effectiveness (p=≤0.05), for lower limb osteoarthritis (OA), hand OA, and neck pain. Nine studies measured physical function, four showing significant effects, for lower limb OA and sarcopenia. Significant quality of life effects were found for restless leg syndrome compared to baseline. Conclusion Moderate evidence was found for pain effects, generalisable for OA based on sub‐group analysis. Effective trials were mostly short‐term using at minimum one 60‐min group class, and an average of four 30‐min home practice sessions weekly. Findings support the use of props and modifications to address age‐related physical limitations. Yoga was well‐received with good adherence, but effects on a par with other exercise. There was an absence of quality of life effects in short term. Mixed methods studies could lead to further insight into the qualitative aspects of yoga practice for older adults.

Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Managing Sarcopenia in Chronic Diseases

“… 48 Denham-Jones et al conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in improving pain, physical function, and quality of life in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. 49 The review identified four studies that demonstrated the positive effects of yoga on lower limb osteoarthritis and sarcopenia, providing evidence of its safety and effectiveness.…”

Yoga as an Adjunct Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain and Burnout in Orthopedic Surgery

“…[ 19 ] Similarly, multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have been conducted with yoga used as a therapeutic intervention in patients with chronic lower back pain. These studies universally report improved back pain and functional capacity from yoga therapy,[ 20 21 22 ] with one study citing improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety in addition to treating back pain. [ 23 ]…”

How Does Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification Affect Pain Intensity, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Chronic Pain Patients? An Experimental Single-Case Study

“…Blinding is often difficult, inducing the possibility of a placebo effect. Furthermore, inconsistent sample sizes and study durations and large methodological heterogeneity make it difficult to summarize study results in meta-analyses and translate them into meaningful outcomes [30,31]. In addition, Sharma et al [31] criticized the limited informative value of RCTs and suggested that the inclusion of qualitative data may help to better understand the multidimensional effects of yoga on human mental and physical health.…”