Yoga Improves Lung Function in Children with Asthma: Study
Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali
Published On 2026-01-01 16:45 GMT | Update On 2026-01-01 16:46 GMT
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Researchers have found in a new study that Yoga as a complementary therapy, significantly enhances pulmonary function in children with asthma, with measurable improvements observed at both 6 and 12 weeks of practice.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of yoga-based lifestyle interventions as an adjunct to standard pharmacotherapy in pediatric asthma on pulmonary function, asthma control, and quality of life. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing pulmonary functions, asthma symptom control, and/or quality of life were included. Pooled mean differences (MD) and standardized MD with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for outcomes at 6 and 12 weeks using Stata 16. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, publication bias with Egger test, heterogeneity with Q and I2 tests, and evidence certainty with GRADEpro.
Results: Six RCTs were included in the systematic review, and five of them (480 children, 8–16 years) were pooled in the meta-analysis. At 6 weeks, three RCTs (n = 347) showed that yoga, compared with control, significantly improved FVC % predicted (MD = 2.71, 95% CI 0.15–5.27), FEV1/FVC % predicted (MD = 1.30, 95% CI 0.36–2.24), and PEFR % predicted (MD = 4.87, 95% CI 1.51–8.24). Four RCTs (n = 377) also showed improved FEV1 % predicted (MD = 2.94, 95% CI 0.33–5.55) at 6 weeks, and two RCTs (n = 208) demonstrated improved FVC % predicted (MD = 3.59, 95% CI 0.79–6.38) at 12 weeks. Asthma control and quality of life were not significant.
Yoga as complementary therapy significantly improves pulmonary function in asthmatic children at 6 and 12 weeks.
Reference:
Yadav, R., Kabra, S. K., Ram Jat, K., Datt Upadhyay, A., & Lodha, R. (2015). Effect of Yoga in Children and Adolescents with Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Asthma, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2025.2603315
Keywords:
Yoga, Randomized Controlled Trials, Asthma, Children, Pulmonary, function, Yadav, R., Kabra, S. K., Ram Jat, K., Datt Upadhyay, A., & Lodha, R
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