Yoga for Arthritis: A Scoping Review

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Methods

Databases including MEDLINE, PsychLIT, PsychINFO, and IndMed (an Indian database) were searched for research trials published from 1980 through May 2010, using yoga (including poses, breathing practices, relaxation, and/or meditation) as an exercise intervention for patients with arthritis. Additional relevant publications found in references from the original search list are also reviewed. Research in progress was searched via abstracts from annual scientific meetings of the American Public

Results

A total of 11 articles that described evaluating the effects of a yoga intervention in persons with arthritis were examined. One case series was excluded for lack of quantitative methods.28 Final analysis consisted of 10 studies (Table 1). Among the 10 studies, 6 focused on RA, 2 were for OA only, and 2 included both RA and OA or arthritis in general. The studies were all published from 1980 to 2010.

Study findings

Professional organizations have provided evidence-based recommendations for the use of particular outcomes for RA and OA. ACR suggests that trials of RA use the following measurement tools: tender joint count, swollen joint count, patient pain assessment, patient and physician global assessment of disease activity, patient assessment of physical function, and laboratory evaluation of one acute phase reactant.46 For OA, OARSI recommends pain as the primary outcome, along with physical function

Discussion

The assessment of yoga for arthritis is in its infancy. In general, the studies that are reported in the literature are very small in both size and scope. The use of recommended outcomes and validated measures was typical, but only a few outcomes were included in each study. Therefore, there is too little overlap in disease state and measured variables to pool data or draw preliminary conclusions.

HRQL is an important self-reported outcome that can inform about the broad effects of interventions

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  • Cited by (0)

    This work was supported by grant No. F31 AT003362-01A1 from the National Institutes of Health and a Doctoral Dissertation Award from the Arthritis Foundation.

    The authors have nothing to disclose.

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