Preprint / Version 1

Harnessing the benefits of yoga for myositis, muscle dystrophies, and other musculoskeletal disorders

Authors

  • Ahmad Saud Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
  • Maryam Abbasi Dubai Medical University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Holly Merris Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP UK
  • Pranav Parth North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College, Delhi, India
  • Xaviar Jones Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA USA
  • Rohit Aggarwal Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
  • Latika Gupta Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP UK

Keywords:

Dermatomyositis, Inclusion body myositis, Inflammation, Muscular dystrophy, Myositis, Yoga

Abstract

The recent global increase in popularity of home-based yoga, an ancient Indian technique practiced for thousands of years, has translated into its use as a complementary therapy for a multitude of ailments. This review aims to examine the published literature regarding the effects of yoga therapy on systemic chronic diseases; in particular on the inflammatory myopathies (IMs) and other muscle disorders. Despite the fact that the evidence base for yoga in inflammatory myositis is in its infancy, collateral results in other disorders such as muscular dystrophies are promising. A beneficial effect of yoga in chronic pain has been shown alongside an improvement in motor function and muscle strength. Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with respiratory involvement may find improvement in lung function. Elderly patients may experience reduction in falls secondary to an improvement in balance while practicing long-term yoga therapy. Further benefits are improving disorders of mental health such as depression and anxiety. A reported improvement in overall quality of life further suggests its efficacy in reducing morbidity in patients with chronic diseases, who often suffer co-existent psychological comorbidities. Keywords: Dermatomyositis, Inclusion body myositis, Inflammation, Muscular dystrophy, Myositis, Yoga

Author Biography

Latika Gupta, Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP UK

Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

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