Clinical Applications of Yoga for the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective-Evaluate the evidence for clinical applications of yoga among the pediatric population.Methods-We conducted an electronic literature search including CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and manual search of retrieved articles from inception of database until December 2008. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were selected including yoga or yoga-based interventions for individuals aged from 0 to 21 years of age. Data were extracted and articles critically reviewed utilizing a modified Jadad score and descriptive methodological criteria with summarization in tables.Results-Thirty four controlled studies were identified published from 1979 to 2008, with 19 RCTS and 15 NRCTs. Many studies were of low methodological quality. Clinical areas for which yoga has been studied include physical fitness, cardio-respiratory effects, motor skills/strength, mental health and psychological disorders, behavior and development, irritable bowel syndrome, and birth outcomes following prenatal yoga. No adverse events were reported in trials reviewed. While a large majority of studies were positive, methodological limitations such as randomization methods, withdrawal/dropouts, and details of yoga intervention preclude conclusive evidence.Conclusions-There are limited data on the clinical applications of yoga among the pediatric population. Most published controlled trials were suggestive of benefit, but results are preliminary based on low quantity and quality of trials. Further research of yoga for children utilizing a higher standard of methodology and reporting is warranted.

Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Systematic Review

“…Twenty-nine articles were excluded because of the following: adult study population (n = 6), irrelevant outcome measures, such as improvement in rectal sensitivity or gastrointestinal symptoms without abdominal pain (n = 2), no systematic review or RCT (n = 15), or inclusion only of trials that were already included by another systematic review (n = 6). Thirteen articles remained for analysis: 7 systematic reviews 11,12,15,16,18,22,23 (including 18 RCTs) and 6 RCTs. [24][25][26][27][28][29] Two included trials concerned follow-up studies, 26,30 which will be discussed by using their original studies.…”

“…One study of the systematic review by Birdee et al 23 was included regarding alternative therapy. Kuttner et al 50 compared 14 children receiving yoga versus 11 wait-list control subjects.…”

Korean Adolescents' Experience of Yoga Class: "Healthy Habits Beyond Exercise"

“…17) Several studies report that various stresses from the uncertainty about the future, going to college, grades on the tests and low physical activity induced by studying all day, no break. 15,16) In other studies on yoga for high school student, many have cited stress reduction, and many have used yoga to manage negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, and anger, and some stated that more happiness, calmness, and a sense of refreshment were propagated. 12,13) These results suggest that school-based yoga programs may be appropriate for promoting health by focusing on the prevention of negative patterns during the transition of adolescents.…”

“…12) Remarkably, some studies have reported that the practice of yoga helps to reduce stress related to academic performance, increases self-esteem and self-regulation and promotes healthy behaviors in adolescents. [12][13][14][15][16] High school students in Korea are a health risk group under a lot of stress from preparing for the scholastic aptitude test or finding jobs, and they have the risk of low physical activity and irregular eating habits as well as a lack of sleep and high health risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol. 17) The choice of an unhealthy life style made by many adolescents has resulted in chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes after the transition to adulthood.…”

“…18) For adolescents facing a developmental crisis, school-based yoga could be an appropriate intervention to promote healthy behaviors and to improve the general health of students in their daily school life. [14][15][16]19) School is an important environment in an adolescent's life, and bringing yoga into a school environment has unique challenges and opportunities. 13,19) Therefore, in order to develop a desirable and feasible yoga class, it is important to listen to the suggestions of students on an appropriate school-based yoga class.…”