Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy
Open Access

Role of Yoga in Enhancing Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Roneth Avalor^{* *}Correspondence: Roneth Avalor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy, Email:

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Description

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction accounting for a significant proportion of these deaths. In the aftermath of a cardiac event or surgery, structured Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) programs play a vital role in reducing recurrence risk, improving functional capacity, and enhancing quality of life. Traditionally, CR includes supervised physical activity, nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification, and psychosocial support. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in integrating mind-body practices—particularly yoga—into these rehabilitation programs to address both physical and emotional dimensions of cardiac recovery.

Yoga is an ancient discipline that combines physical postures (asanas), controlled breathing (pranayama), and meditation to promote holistic health. While once considered a complementary or alternative practice, yoga is now gaining recognition in mainstream medicine for its measurable physiological and psychological benefits. In the context of cardiac rehabilitation, yoga offers a low-impact, accessible form of exercise that emphasizes body awareness, stress reduction, and parasympathetic nervous system activation—factors that are crucial in cardiovascular healing and long-term heart health.

The inclusion of yoga into CR programs is supported by a growing body of research. Multiple studies have shown that regular yoga practice can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, resting heart rate, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Additionally, yoga has been found to reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which play a central role in the progression of atherosclerosis. These effects contribute directly to improved cardiovascular function and reduced risk of secondary events in cardiac patients.

Beyond its physiological benefits, yoga’s impact on psychological well-being is particularly noteworthy. Depression, anxiety, and emotional distress are common among individuals recovering from cardiac events and can negatively influence both recovery outcomes and adherence to medical treatment. Yoga's meditative and mindful components have been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase overall quality of life. Studies suggest that patients who incorporate yoga into their cardiac rehabilitation report greater emotional resilience and improved coping skills, which are essential for maintaining long-term behavioral changes.

In practical terms, integrating yoga into existing CR programs involves designing sessions that are safe, accessible, and tailored to the cardiovascular population. This typically includes gentle, modified postures suitable for individuals with limited mobility or endurance, slow breathing techniques to promote relaxation, and guided meditation to foster mindfulness. Sessions can be led by certified yoga therapists or trained healthcare professionals in a clinical or community-based setting. Importantly, yoga can complement rather than replace aerobic and resistance exercises already included in CR, providing a more holistic framework for recovery.

One notable study, the Yoga-CaRe trial conducted in India, involved over 3,900 post-myocardial infarction patients and evaluated the efficacy of a yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation program compared to standard care. The results showed noninferiority of yoga-based CR in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events, with significant improvements in quality of life and return to work rates among yoga participants. This landmark trial supports the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga as an integral component of cardiovascular care, especially in low-resource settings where traditional CR programs may be less accessible.

Despite the promising evidence, barriers to integration still exist. These include lack of awareness among healthcare providers, variability in yoga training standards, and concerns about safety in high-risk populations. Addressing these challenges will require the development of standardized protocols, collaboration between cardiology and integrative health specialists, and further large-scale studies to solidify the role of yoga in cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The integration of yoga into cardiac rehabilitation programs offers a powerful, patient-centered approach to heart health. By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of recovery, yoga enhances the effectiveness of traditional rehabilitation and empowers patients to take an active role in their healing journey. As healthcare systems evolve toward more holistic and preventive models of care, yoga stands out as a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of cardiovascular disease.