JAMA Netw Open

Yoga and strengthening exercises both alleviate knee OA symptoms

April 14, 2025

Incorporating yoga into treatment plans for knee osteoarthritis (OA) can offer equally enhanced pain relief and functional improvement as conventional strength training. This approach may be particularly beneficial for patients seeking holistic and mindfulness-based therapies.

Study details: This randomized trial compared the effects of yoga and strengthening exercises on knee OA symptoms. Conducted in Southern Tasmania, Australia, 117 participants were assigned to either yoga or strengthening exercise groups and followed for 24 weeks. Both groups attended two supervised and one home-based session per week for 12 weeks, followed by three unsupervised home-based sessions per week during weeks 13 to 24. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in visual analog (VAS) score over 12 weeks, with secondary outcomes including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) knee pain, function, stiffness, and other measures over 12 and 24 weeks.

Results: Over 12 weeks, the difference in VAS knee pain change between groups was non-significant (-1.1 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.8 to 5.7 mm). At 24 weeks, pain ratings favored yoga, though the difference wasn't statistically significant (-24.4 vs. -18.6, P=0.11). Yoga showed modestly greater improvements in WOMAC pain, function, stiffness, patient global assessment, and 40-m fast-paced walk test. In addition, the yoga group saw a modestly greater improvement in depression at 12 weeks and quality of life at 24 weeks. Adverse events were mild and similar in both groups.

Source:

Abafita BJ, et al. (2025, April 1). JAMA Netw Open. Yoga or Strengthening Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40198073/