The practice of yoga helps people with asthma manage their disease. In particular, it would have an impact on their quality of life.
Managing breathing is one of the basics of yoga practice. It is also one of the main concerns of people with asthma. It is therefore appropriate to assume that the combination of the two may provide an advantage. A meta-analysis from the Cochrane Library shows that yoga can improve the quality of life of people with asthma.
The results of fifteen Indian, European and American studies were reviewed. Together, they relate to 1048 people suffering from mild or moderate asthma for 6 months to 23 years, and practicing yoga, followed between two weeks and four years. The majority of study subjects continued to take their treatments.
The researchers noticed that for a third of the studies, the results showed quite clearly that yoga had a positive impact on asthma. “Our results indicate that the practice of yoga can lead to improvements in quality of life and symptoms,” said Dr. Zuyao Yang of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, lead author of the study.
Not enough to replace treatment
On the other hand, no result allows to conclude on a true therapeutic aspect of this gymnastics. “We do not yet know if yoga could reduce treatment for patients, or if it can induce harmful effects in asthmatics,” continues Dr. Yang. Some studies in the meta-analysis showed a benefit on respiratory function and the lungs, but not significantly enough.
For these reasons, it is important that asthmatics follow their prescriptions and continue to take their medications, the researchers advise.
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