Effects of Yoga on Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Musrifatul Uliyah; Abdul Aziz Alimul Hidayat; Nahdah Aulia Aziz

Authors

Musrifatul Uliyah Department of Nursing, University Muhammadiyah of Surabaya, 60113, Indonesia
Abdul Aziz Alimul Hidayat Department of Nursing, University Muhammadiyah of Surabaya, 60113, Indonesia
Nahdah Aulia Aziz Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Keywords:

Yoga; Depression; Anxiety; Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Background:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of disability and are often accompanied by depression and anxiety, which may worsen pain and limit rehabilitation outcomes. Yoga, as a mind–body intervention, may provide both physical and psychological benefits; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness in MSD populations remains inconsistent.

Methods:
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of yoga on depression and/or anxiety in adults with musculoskeletal disorders were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL (January 2012–December 2025). A random-effects model was applied, and effect sizes were reported as mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results:
Ten RCTs involving 1.063 participants were included. Yoga significantly improved depressive symptoms compared with control groups (MD = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.26–2.13; p = 0.01; I² = 61%) and significantly reduced anxiety (MD = 4.09; 95% CI: 0.64–7.54; p = 0.02; I² = 96%). Overall study quality ranged from low to moderate, mainly due to limited blinding.

Conclusions:
Yoga is associated with significant reductions in depression and anxiety among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Despite substantial heterogeneity, yoga may be considered a complementary intervention within holistic musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Further high-quality trials with standardized protocols are required.

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