Therapeutic effects of yoga for children: a systematic review of the literature.
Abstract
In Brief Purpose: We completed a systematic review of the literature on the effect of yoga on quality of life and physical outcome measures in the pediatric population. We explored various databases and included case–control and pilot studies, cohort and randomized controlled trials that examined yoga as an exercise intervention for children. Summary of Key Points: Using the Sackett levels of evidence, this article reviews the literature on yoga as a complementary mind–body movement therapy. We address the research through three practice patterns according to the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and provide considerations for the inclusion of yoga into clinical practice. Statement of Conclusions and Recommendations for Clinical Practice: The evidence shows physiological benefits of yoga for the pediatric population that may benefit children through the rehabilitation process, but larger clinical trials, including specific measures of quality of life are necessary to provide definitive evidence. This systematic review reports the physiological effects of yoga that may benefit children during the rehabilitation process, but larger clinical trials including specific measures of QOL are necessary to provide definitive evidence.
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A systematic review concluded that yoga may have utility for treating anxiety or anxiety related disorders in child and adolescent populations.
“A systematic review concluded that yoga may have utility for treating anxiety or anxiety related disorders in child and adolescent populations. 46”
From Physical Activity for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms (2016) · cites this paper as [46]
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“…beneficial effects on the physical and psychological well-being of children and adolescents, particularly with regard to improvements in mood and reductions in stress, anxiety, and negative emotional states (Birdee et al. 2009; Galantino et al. 2008; Hagen and Nayar 2014; Kaley-Isley et al. 2010).”
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- Authors
- Galantino, M. L., Galbavy, R., & Quinn, L.
- Affiliations
- Stockton University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Galantino, Mary Lou
- Venue
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Published
- 2008
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 66-80
- ISSN
- 0898-5669 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1983842283
- Cited by
- 248
- References
- 47
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 26 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 12
- FWCI
- 1.04
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Pediatric Physical Therapy (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Keywords
- yoga, children, quality of life, complementary therapy, pediatric rehabilitation, exercise intervention, physiological effects, clinical guidelines
- MeSH terms
- Anxiety, Asthma, Child, Depression, Exercise Therapy, Humans, Yoga, Treatment Outcome
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