Study on the effect of yoga in the treatment of asthma

The University of Duisburg-Essen and Liverpool John Moores University investigated whether yoga exercises have a positive effect on asthma. Data from fourteen randomized, controlled studies with 824 patients were included in the analysis. Comparative results were found between yoga and conventional asthma treatment methods in terms of asthma control, symptoms, peak flow rate, quality of life and lung function.

However, no significant difference was found between the values of yoga, sham yoga and breathing exercises. Although yoga is treated by patients with asthma to relieve their symptoms, the present comparative analysis could not prove a visible positive effect. Yoga can only be considered as a supportive measure or as an alternative to breathing exercises for asthma sufferers.