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. 2020 Jul;26(4):AT6214.

Effects of Yoga on Stress Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

Feifei Wang, Attila Szabo
  • PMID: 32088671

Effects of Yoga on Stress Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

Feifei Wang et al. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Yoga was recommended in both clinical and nonclinical populations as therapy methods. The diversity of yoga practice as a therapy method has rarely been discussed and it is essential to address the effects of yoga on stress.

Primary study objective: This article aims to investigate the effect of different types of yoga on stress in healthy population. On the other hand, the authors intended to figure out yoga effects on stress systematically.

Methods/design: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles that assess the effect of yoga and yoga-related interventions on stress reduction in nonclinical populations. Studies were classified according to the length of the intervention, yoga type, and measures of outcome. The studies were selected throughout last 5 years (January 2014 to November 2018) by using the key searching term yoga and stress incorporation with tension and pressure. The selection process followed the Prisma flow diagram.

Results: Totally, 12 articles elaborating on the effects of yoga or yoga-related interventions on stress management and remission were included in the review. This review included various types of yoga practice (e.g., Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga, Kundalini yoga, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, Kripalu yoga, Yin yoga). A time spectrum was conducted from 4 wks to 28 wks. This review revealed that most types of yoga have positive effects on stress reduction in heathy populations.

Conclusion: Further studies are recommended to examine the long-term effect of yoga and underlying psychological mechanisms causing stress and mental restrain. In addition, it is suggested to consider age as a risk factor affecting the effect of yoga on stress.

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