Yoga Eases Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, causes pain, functional limitation and disability in older adults, especially women. About twenty-nine percent of individuals ages 45-64 are affected, and half of adults over the age of 65 are affected. The total cost for medical treatments alone are approximately $81 billion with no available effective cure or treatment. Yoga is theorized to help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis by reducing fluid pressure and, in turn, preserving cartilage that would be lost through inactivity.

A recent pilot study sought to determine the feasibility, acceptability and safety of an eight-week yoga program for older women with knee osteoarthritis. Participants were randomly divided into either the intervention group, an 8-week yoga program consisting of home-based sessions and group sessions, or the control group, where participants were placed on a wait list. The program consisted of weekly 60-minute group classes and four weekly 30-minute at-home practice sessions. The study’s objective was to establish evidence for effects on symptoms and the trial of a larger population group in the future. The study measured symptoms, number of pain medications per day, physical performance tests, body mass index, sleep and quality of life.

The mean age of participants was 72 years with a mean BMI of 29. The participants in the intervention group improved significantly between the four and eight-week measurements for chair stands (one of the performance tests) and the walking test. Both self-perceived quality of life scores and total pain scores significantly improved at eight weeks. These benefits were also demonstrated at the 20-week follow-up despite decreased frequency of yoga practice among participants after the eight-week intervention.

Bottom Line: Yoga was determined to be safe, feasible and acceptable for older women with knee osteoarthritis. Participants experienced significant reductions in symptoms and increases in basic physical functions ranging from small to large. Pain scores also decreased significantly. While exercising with knee osteoarthritis can be difficult, yoga may be a great way to stay active and even reduce symptoms. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. 

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Yoga Relieves Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability. It is a debilitating disease that affects mobility, overall health and well-being, and quality of life. Although there is no cure for arthritis, remaining active has proven to be effective for management of the disease. In a recent study, researchers sought to examine the effect of yoga on physical and physiological health and quality of life among individuals with arthritis.

The study, conducted by John Hopkins researchers, found that weekly yoga can help improve both the physical and mental well-being of arthritic patients. While physical activity is very important for those with arthritis, 90 percent of people with arthritis do not meet the appropriate exercise recommendations -- often due to pain and stiffness.

The study included 75 participants with either knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. They were randomly assigned to either a wait list (control group) or an eight-week program consisting of biweekly yoga classes and a weekly yoga session at home. Participants’ physical and mental well-being were assessed before and after the yoga sessions by researchers who did not know which group the participants had been assigned to.

The research team reported a 20 percent improvement in pain, mood, energy level and physical function for those participants in the yoga group compared to the control group. Additionally, participants reported these improvements remained true nine months after the program. Yoga is likely beneficial because it serves as a form of both stress management and low intensity physical activity.

Bottom Line: Arthritis is a debilitating disease and although there is no cure, remaining active has proven to be beneficial to manage and improve symptoms of the disease. New to yoga? Try starting your day with just ten minutes of simple yoga poses. Remember to ask your doctor before starting any exercise program.

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