Effect of Yoga on Essential Tremor: A Narrative Review

Essential Tremor (ET), is a common movement disorder that is associated with rhythmic involuntary tremors mostly of the upper limbs during voluntary movement. Although there are some pharmacologic and surgical options, most patients do have limited relief and adverse effects, which led to the consideration of complementary therapies. Objective: This narrative review focuses on Yoga as an intervention in treating ET, including theoretical and existing clinical evidence backing the use of Yoga in managing ET. Methods: A literature search was run in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to select the studies related to the pathophysiology of ET, effects of Yoga, and empirical studies that have examined Yoga-based interventions in tremor or ET patients. Both conceptual and experimental work were encompassed. Results: ET correlates with cerebello-thalamo-cortical dysfunction and GABAergic impaired inhibition. Yoga can deal with these pathophysiological factors via the increase of GABA level, autonomic stabilization, and postural and motor control improvement. Pilot studies have also shown that Yoga can lessen the severity of tremors and enhance the balance of persons with ET. The evidence has however limited constraints in terms of small sampling size, absence of controls, and short period of follow up. Conclusion: Yoga may be an effective adjunctive therapy in ET, with promising effects and limited risk. However, larger and controlled studies are required to confirm its effectiveness and clarify its mechanisms.