Yoga as an Adjunct Treatment to Manage Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress During Hospital Stays: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

People frequently report pain, anxiety, depression, and stress during hospital stays. Yoga has been shown to decrease these experiences in various settings. However, it is unclear whether yoga can be implemented during a hospital stay and has positive effects on pain and psychological well-being. The present systematic review aimed to examine the feasibility and impact of yoga interventions on pain, anxiety, depression, and stress when performed by patients during a hospital stay. Using PRISMA guidelines, three databases, and a registry, we conducted a search between August 2021 and December 2022. Both randomized and nonrandomized studies were included. Two authors independently assessed articles and risk of bias. Thirteen studies were included in this review, comprising individuals with a wide age range and various conditions. Three randomized controlled trials, one nonrandomized comparative trial, and nine noncomparative trials were included. Of the five studies reporting on pain (primary outcome), four found a statistically significant reduction. Of the eight studies reporting on anxiety, six found a statistically significant decrease and two reported a nonsignificant decrease in anxiety level. All four studies investigating depression reported a statistically significant decrease. All three studies reporting on stress found a decrease in stress, although only one at a statistically significant level. Five studies reported on the feasibility of performing yoga in a hospital setting, without any negative effects or increase in symptoms. Limited studies have integrated yoga during a hospital stay to address pain and psychological symptoms. Nevertheless, the current evidence suggests that yoga interventions during hospitalization are feasible, and yoga has promising benefits with potential clinically significant reduction in symptoms. Results should be viewed with caution given the lack of randomized trials, low methodological quality, and small sample sizes in the included studies. Further studies are needed to build on this evidence.