Components and reporting of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

•Clinical yoga trials for musculoskeletal conditions have good ecological validity.•Homogeneity in several areas of study characteristics and yoga components.•Heterogeneity in components weakens investigation of treatment dosage.•Heterogeneity in reporting weakens study replication.•Standardisation of components and reporting recommended to address heterogeneity.

SummaryObjectivesTo identify the content and reporting details of randomised controlled trials of yoga for musculoskeletal conditions through a systematic review of the literature.DesignTwenty electronic databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. Eligibility criteria were full-text, peer reviewed articles, of RCTs with yoga as a primary intervention, on a population aged 18 years and over, with a clinical diagnosis of a musculoskeletal condition. Data relating to study characteristics, yoga styles, yoga practices, home practice, and reporting were extracted and summarised.ResultsSeventeen articles met inclusion criteria, representing five musculoskeletal conditions: low back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, kyphosis, and fibromyalgia. 15 studies were non-residential, and two were residential. Study duration ranged from 1 to 24 weeks; weekly dosage of yoga ranged from 1 to 56 h. Five styles of posture-based Hatha yoga were specified. Intervention content included seven yoga practises: postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, philosophy, chanting, and cleansing practises. Ten studies either encouraged or requested home practice. Reporting details included class plans, posture lists, and diagrams. Due to insufficient detail regarding delivery of the yoga intervention only eight of the 17 interventions were considered replicable as reported.ConclusionsEvaluation of study characteristics and yoga components indicated several areas of homogeneity across studies, suggesting an existing degree of standardisation. However, heterogeneity related to intervention content and reporting impeded determination of intervention content and delivery. Standardisation of content, nomenclature, and reporting details is recommended to enhance protocol transparency, replication, and comparison of intervention effectiveness.