Mechanistic review demonstrates yoga therapy enhances muscle strength and joint flexibility in older adults, suggesting a viable intervention for healthy aging.
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal system-related issues are a significant global health challenge, particularly for the elderly. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies musculoskeletal conditions as the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 1.71 billion people. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms behind therapeutic effects of Yoga on the musculoskeletal system in elderly individualsYoga. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed for studies published between October 2001 and May 2024. The search focused on studies exploring the mechanisms by which Yoga affects musculoskeletal health in the elderly. After applying the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 84 relevant studies were included in this study. RESULTS: Yoga practice was found to enhance muscle strength and endurance, especially through poses that challenge balance and involve self-weight bearing capacity. Additionally, it improves joint flexibility and range of motion, reduces stiffness, and enhances overall mobility. CONCLUSION: The evidence supports Yoga as a holistic and effective intervention for preserving musculoskeletal function and promoting healthy aging in the elderly. Future research should standardize Yoga protocols and conduct long-term studies to validate these findings and optimize Yoga practices for this population.
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Mishra et al. (2026) studied this question.
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