Effects of Yogic Interventions on Patients Diagnosed With Cardiac Diseases. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Presently, evidence-based research studies on the efficacy of complimentary therapies like yoga for patients with different cardiac diseases are limited and conflicting. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on yogic interventions compared with usual care or non-pharmacological treatment in patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search of literature published from 2006 to May 2021 through five databases. PRISMA statement was used to develop and report a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Sixteen RCTs were included in the systematic review and 11 RCTs were used for meta-analysis. Outcome measures were blood pressure, lipid profile, and psychosocial measures. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess bias risk. RESULTS: The results show that yogic interventions resulted in significant reduction in systolic (d = 046; 95% CI.08–0.84; I(2) = 81.86%) and diastolic blood pressures (d = 0.56; 95% CI.13–0.99, I(2) = 84.84%). A medium statistically significant increase in HDL (d =0.67; 95% CI 0 to 1.33; I(2) 79.7%) and a low but significant effect on LDL (d = 0.23; 95% CI −0.08–0.54; I(2) 32.61%), total cholesterol (d =0.28; 95% CI −0.14–0.7; I(2) 63.72%), and triglycerides (d = 0.43; 95% CI −0.1–0.97; I(2) 76.64%) were observed. Pooled effect sizes showed a medium to low statistically significant effect on psychosocial indicators viz., QoL, stress, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis found strong evidence of effectiveness of yogic interventions on lipid profile, blood pressure, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with diagnosed cardiac diseases.