Effects of Yogic Interventions on Patients Diagnosed With Cardiac Diseases. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ObjectivePresently, evidence-based research studies on the efficacy of complimentary therapies like yoga for patients with different cardiac diseases are limited and conflicting. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on yogic interventions compared with usual care or non-pharmacological treatment in patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases.MethodsWe conducted an electronic search of literature published from 2006 to May 2021 through five databases. PRISMA statement was used to develop and report a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Sixteen RCTs were included in the systematic review and 11 RCTs were used for meta-analysis. Outcome measures were blood pressure, lipid profile, and psychosocial measures. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess bias risk.ResultsThe results show that yogic interventions resulted in significant reduction in systolic (d = 046; 95% CI.08–0.84; I2 = 81.86%) and diastolic blood pressures (d = 0.56; 95% CI.13–0.99, I2 = 84.84%). A medium statistically significant increase in HDL (d =0.67; 95% CI 0 to 1.33; I2 79.7%) and a low but significant effect on LDL (d = 0.23; 95% CI −0.08–0.54; I2 32.61%), total cholesterol (d =0.28; 95% CI −0.14–0.7; I2 63.72%), and triglycerides (d = 0.43; 95% CI −0.1–0.97; I2 76.64%) were observed. Pooled effect sizes showed a medium to low statistically significant effect on psychosocial indicators viz., QoL, stress, anxiety, and depression.ConclusionThe meta-analysis found strong evidence of effectiveness of yogic interventions on lipid profile, blood pressure, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with diagnosed cardiac diseases.

Impact of telehealth interventions on physiological and psychological outcomes in breast cancer survivors: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…Also, physical health issues like weight gain and obesity can result into recurrent risk, poor prognosis and all-cause mortality in breast cancer survivors ( 30 , 83 ). Lifestyle interventions in form of weight reduction has been recommended to improve health outcomes ( 84 ). In comparison to traditional care, telehealth is a highly accessible and effective intervention that may overcome time and location obstacles.…”

“…Alternate telehealth technologies like mobile-based apps or other advanced e-Health systems have also seen an upsurge in last few years. A precise, reproducible, trustworthy, and affordable diagnosis of breast cancer lymphedema can be made using augmented reality techniques, such 3DLS, in the clinical setup ( 84 ). However more number of RCT’s are needed to evaluate their efficacy on weight status, QOL and mental health parameters.…”

Cardiac Autonomic and Endothelial Function in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Patients Immediately After Chemotherapy and at the Three-Month Follow-up

“…Evidence shows that early non-pharmacological interventions like yoga or regular exercise improve cardiac autonomic function among CVD patients [18]. The improvement in cardiovascular autonomic function and endothelial function three months after chemotherapy gives scope for such intervention, which would further improve their cardiovascular health and provide a better quality of life to ALL survivors.…”

Evaluating the Impact of a 12-Week Yoga Intervention on Cardiac Autonomic Function and Blood Pressure in Young Indian Adults with Primary Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…For the variables PP, MAP, RPP, and DoP, the general downward trend in the YPG post-intervention suggests the overarching benefits of Yoga on cardiovascular health. These benefits can be attributed to the aforementioned reasons, such as improved endothelial function, enhanced parasympathetic activity, and reduced stress levels [69][70][71]. A reduced PP in the context of yoga practice may imply enhanced vascular elas-ticity, likely stemming from improved endothelial function [72].…”