Yoga as a modality in occupational therapy practice for adults experiencing mood disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Yoga is a non-pharmacological intervention that promotes holistic health and helps manage clinical symptoms. There has been growing interest in integrating yoga into occupational therapy to address specific disorders. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current literature on yoga and mood disorders, identifying the potential use of yoga in occupational therapy to manage symptoms and support occupational participation in adults experiencing mood disorders.

METHODS

Six databases were searched. Data were extracted from 22 peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2024 using the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes framework. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist was used for quality appraisal of included studies. The 'metafor package' was used to conduct a meta-analysis and generate a forest plot for data synthesis. An I 2 statistic was used to quantify heterogeneity of the meta-analysis, and the trim and fill non-parametric method was used for sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Yoga has a moderate positive effect in supporting symptom management (i.e. depressive and anxiety symptoms) and daily functioning, including cognitive functioning, of adults experiencing mood disorders.

CONCLUSION

Yoga can mitigate barriers to occupational participation for adults with mood disorders through supporting symptom management. Rigorous studies are needed to establish yoga's effects on mood disorders.