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Cited by 34Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsComplementary and Alternative Medicine StudiesBiofield Effects and Biophysics

Effects of Different Components of Yoga: A Meta-Synthesis

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Matko, Karin, Bringmann, Holger C., Sedlmeier, Peter·2021·OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine
DOI 10.21926/obm.icm.2103030

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Abstract

Traditional yoga encompasses a variety of practices, such as postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ethical teachings. However, little is known about how different components of yoga contribute to its overall effect. In this meta-synthesis, we comprehensively summarized the current evidence on differential and incremental effects of various yoga components collected from available meta-analyses. For this meta-analysis, we searched Medline/PubMed, Scopus, PsychInfo, and the Cochrane Library in July 2021. We selected only meta-analyses that performed subgroup analyses comparing the effects of different yoga components. There were no restrictions regarding yoga type, study population, or outcome variables. Nineteen meta-analyses were identified that evaluated a multitude of variables. These meta-analyses varied greatly with regard to population, study design, and yoga components under investigation. However, combined interventions incorporating multiple components consistently outperformed simple interventions. In this regard, adding breathing and/or meditation practices to yoga interventions proved particularly beneficial. However, specific components or combinations were more effective in enhancing certain variables or clinical conditions, suggesting a need for customized programs. Comparable multi-component mind–body interventions, such as yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction, were often equally efficient. Nevertheless, most findings are preliminary, and certain components such as the ethical part of yoga are particularly under-researched. Conclusion: Future studies should isolate and compare all components of yoga and evaluate additive effects by investigating their different combinations. The researchers should refer to theoretical frameworks, use rigorous methodology, and consider individual factors.

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Authors
Matko, K., Bringmann, H. C., & Sedlmeier, P.
Affiliations
Chemnitz University of Technology (DE)
Corresponding author
Matko, Karin
ORCID
Venue
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine
Publisher
LIDSEN Publishing Inc
Published
2021-09-13
Volume
06
Issue
03
Pages
1-27
ISSN
2573-4393 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.21926/obm.icm.2103030
OpenAlex
W3199657238
Cited by
34
References
18
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 2
FWCI
3.75
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Biofield Effects and Biophysics
Keywords
yoga, asanas, breathing exercises, meditation, mind-body interventions, mindfulness-based stress reduction

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