Around 52.5 million people in the US are living with some form of arthritis. But a new study suggests that for people with two of the most common forms – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – yoga may improve symptoms. Share on Pinterest Researchers say yoga may improve physical and mental wellbeing for people with arthritis. Study co-author Susan J. Bartlett, PhD, adjunct associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and associate professor at McGill University in Canada, and colleagues publish their findings in the Journal of Rheumatology. Yoga is a mind and body practice that incorporates a combination of controlled breathing, stretching exercises and meditation or relaxation. As well as helping to reduce anxiety and stress, yoga has been associated with numerous health benefits. Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that performing a single yoga pose for 90 seconds daily could improve spine curvature for people with scoliosis, while another study found the practice may improve quality of life for patients with breast cancer. Bartlett notes that yoga is becoming increasingly common as a complementary therapy for a number of medical conditions, with around 1 in 10 people in the US now engaging in the practice to improve their health and fitness. But can yoga help people with arthritis?

The importance of physical activity for arthritis patients Arthritis affects around 1 in 5 adults in the US, most of whom are under the age of 65. Characterized by pain and stiffness in and around the joints and other connective tissue, arthritis is the leading cause of disability, with around 22.7 million Americans reporting activity limitations as a result of the condition. While there is no cure for arthritis, physical activity is considered one of the best ways to alleviate symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people with arthritis engage in at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. However, Bartlett and colleagues note that up to 90% of people with arthritis fail to meet these recommendations, possibly due to the pain and stiffness the condition causes or because they are unsure what forms of physical activity are best for them. “Yoga may be especially well suited to people with arthritis because it combines physical activity with potent stress management and relaxation techniques,” says Bartlett, “and focuses on respecting limitations that can change from day to day.”