Yoga for people with Arthritis | Arthritis Information

What are the benefits of yoga?

Over 75 scientific trials have been published on yoga in major medical journals. These studies have shown that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity that also has important psychological benefits due to its meditative nature. As with other forms of exercise, yoga can increase muscle strength, improve flexibility, enhance respiratory endurance, and promote balance^(2-4). Yoga is also associated with increased energy and fewer bodily aches and pains.^{(5, 6)} Finally, yoga is associated with increased mental energy as well as positive feelings (such as alertness and enthusiasm), fewer negative feelings (reduced excitability, anxiety, aggressiveness) and somatic complaints^{(5, 6)}. In summary, yoga is associated with a wide range of physical and psychological benefits that may be especially helpful for persons living with a chronic illness.

Additionally, physical activity is an essential part of the effective treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to treatment guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology^{(7, 8)}. In persons with arthritis, exercise is safe and does not exacerbate pain or worsen disease^(9-12). In fact, exercise may play a key role in promoting joint health⁽¹³⁾, since those who do not exercise often suffer more joint discomfort than those who do⁽¹⁴⁾. The health and psychological benefits of exercise are widely recognized^{(15, 16)}. However, regular physical activity is especially important for people with arthritis, who often have decreased muscle strength, physical energy, and endurance⁽¹⁷⁾, in part due to their arthritis and the tendency to be sedentary⁽¹⁸⁾. Being sedentary can began a downward spiral where pain increases, leading to more inactivity which leads to greater pain and disability. The psychological benefits of exercise such as stress reduction, fewer depressive symptoms, improved coping and well-being and enhanced immune functioning^(19-22) also contribute to greater overall health.