New evidence suggests that yoga may be beneficial in relieving knee osteoarthritis pain. According to a recent study, yoga is just as effective as muscle-strengthening exercises in addressing knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Additionally, the study indicates that yoga could potentially improve the quality of life and reduce depression in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Experts believe that while yoga and strengthening exercises alone may not be the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis knee pain, they can be valuable components of a comprehensive treatment plan. The study reported minimal adverse effects from both yoga and strengthening exercises.
Knee pain specialists commonly use various therapeutic approaches to help individuals with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. In this study, researchers directly compared the effectiveness of two such approaches: yoga and muscle strengthening. The randomized clinical trial involved 117 participants with an average age of 62.5 years, with women making up 72% of the group. Participants initially reported a moderate level of knee pain, which was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The participants were split into two groups, one receiving yoga therapy and the other undergoing muscle strengthening exercises.
Throughout the 12-week study period, the researchers tracked the participants’ knee conditions using various measures, including the VAS and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for knee pain, function, and stiffness. The study also assessed neuropathic pain, global health, leg muscle strength, health-related quality of life, and feelings of depression. At the end of the study, individuals in the yoga group showed reductions in depression and improvements in quality of life compared to those in the muscle-training group. Yoga also demonstrated slightly better outcomes in terms of pain, function, stiffness, and physical performance measures.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, concluded that yoga was as effective as muscle strengthening in addressing knee pain due to osteoarthritis. However, experts caution that while yoga is a beneficial exercise, it should be part of a comprehensive exercise regimen that includes aerobic conditioning, anaerobic conditioning, interval training, flexibility, and strength training. Yoga alone may not be sufficient for treating arthritis but can be a valuable component of a multifaceted treatment approach.
Aggressive movements in a joint that may cause pain when moved can be managed with yoga, which is particularly beneficial for older patients in improving balance and preventing falls. Orthopedic surgeon Pamela Mehta, MD, highlighted that yoga can effectively alleviate knee osteoarthritis symptoms by enhancing mobility and flexibility, resulting in reduced pain. Mehta also emphasized the positive impact of yoga on quality of life and mood due to its mindfulness benefits, although she cautioned that yoga alone may not be sufficient for all patients as suggested by the study.
In comparison to muscle strengthening exercises, the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms requires a personalized and evolving treatment approach. Bert Mandelbaum, MD, recommended a multimodal strategy that incorporates aerobic conditioning, yoga, and exercise training tailored to an individual’s specific needs along the osteoarthritis continuum. Mehta explained that yoga focuses on improving mobility, balance, and flexibility, aiding in restoring smooth joint movement and reducing stiffness to alleviate knee pain. On the other hand, strengthening exercises target musculature to provide support and balance, enhancing joint stability and functionality to minimize pain.
While yoga emphasizes mindfulness and mobility, strengthening exercises concentrate on muscle strength and balance to support joint movement. Mehta suggested that combining both modalities can offer complementary benefits without overloading the joints. It is advisable to practice gentle yoga for mindfulness and mobility while gradually building muscle strength through exercises for optimal pain relief and joint function.
