Yoga Therapy Research

As yoga has gained popularity as a healing modality, a growing body of scientific research has studied the effects of yoga therapy.

Below is a list of sites to explore yoga therapy research studies:

This study on yoga for older adults showed improved functional abilities and strength.

This review of randomized controlled trials concluded that emerging evidence supports the benefits of yoga as an ancillary treatment for depression and sleep disorders.

Meditative movement, such as yoga, shows significant benefit for depression and anxiety severity, as well as remission rate. This systematic review and meta-analysis states that, “Given the fact that meditative movements are safe and easily accessible, clinicians may consider recommending meditative movements for symptomatic management in this population.”

In this 8-year clinical trial, conducted at Johns Hopkins University, a well-rounded yoga program for those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis improved pain by 40%. Participants also demonstrated overall improvement in arthritis symptoms, physical fitness, psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life.

Yoga Improves Mental Function in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

By: B Grace Bullock, PhD, E-RYT 500

Emerging research suggests that a manual-based yoga program may improve memory, executive function, and mood in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

New Study Points to Yoga as a Promising Complement to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

By: Lynn Crimando, MA, C-IAYT

An exploratory study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal measured perceptions of inpatient rehabilitation professionals regarding the feasibility and usefulness of integrating yoga therapy into inpatient rehabilitation settings.

While further research is needed, the inpatient rehabilitation stakeholders who participated in the study viewed yoga therapy as a promising complement to other treatments in the long-term recovery process. In another promising sign, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has begun integrating yoga therapy into the rehabilitation services it offers.