The role of yoga as mind-body exercise in fibromyalgia management: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome linked to chronic pain and biopsychosocial problems, with management limited by unclear etiology and treatments. Yoga is a mind-body practice combining movement, breathing, meditation, and coping skills that may address treatment needs. However, evidence is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of yoga on fibromyalgia symptoms and assess the quality of existing studies.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2005 that examined yoga practice in adults with Fibromyalgia were searched in March 2025 in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases. The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality.

RESULTS

Three RCTs (reported in four publications) with 116 female participants (aged 18-60) were included. All studies reported significant improvements in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ)/Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) scores in favor of yoga, with three also indicating reduced pain. Studies evaluating psychosocial parameters and FIQ/FIQR subgroup analyses have shown significant and clinically important improvements in fatigue, depression, anxiety, strength, and coping strategies. Follow-up data showed that gains were largely maintained, with positive changes observed in physical strength, perception of improvement, acceptance level, and coping strategies. Studies' quality score average was 6.5 (Good).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that yoga may improve FIQ/FIQR scores, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, muscle strength, and coping strategies. These results point to the possibility that yoga may be an effective complementary intervention option for alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms and improving psychological and physical well-being. High-quality research is required to strengthen generalisability.