Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7595
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2157-7595
+44 1478 350008
Juyoung Park
Tanzania
Research Article
The Benefits of Yoga for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Author(s): Ruth McCaffrey and Juyoung ParkRuth McCaffrey and Juyoung Park
The objective of this literature review is to gain insight into the effectiveness of yoga as a therapy for musculoskeletal disorders. An extensive search of databases was performed to identify studies on yoga interventions and the effectiveness of yoga in people with the disorders. This review identified intervention studies that used randomized controlled trials, as well as nonrandomized controlled trials, and summarized and synthesized evidence of effectiveness of yoga. A literature search yielded 31 intervention studies that met inclusion criteria and they were included in this review. Based on the reviewed studies, yoga intervention is moderately feasible and is likely to be equal to or superior to exercise or usual care for reducing pain and pain medication use. Methodological limitations are identified in many of the studies, such as sample size, lack of reliable sham controls, .. View More»