Efficacy of yoga training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of yoga training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science for relevant studies published before June 2017. Quality assessment, sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity were performed. Stata12.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Ten studies were eligible for this analysis. There were significantly greater improvements in 6MWD (p = 0.000), Borg scale scores (p = 0.018), FEV1 Value (p = 0. 013), PaCO₂ (p = 0.037), SGRQ scores (p = 0. 000) and CAT scores (p = 0.009) in yoga training patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in the FEV1/FVC (p = 0.75), FEV1 predicted value (p = 0.057) and FVC (p = 0.05).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that yoga training can be an acceptable and appropriated adjunctive rehabilitation program for COPD patients.