Clinical applications of yoga for the pediatric population: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence for clinical applications of yoga among the pediatric population.


METHODS
We conducted an electronic literature search including CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and manual search of retrieved articles from inception of each database until December 2008. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were selected that included yoga or yoga-based interventions for individuals aged 0 to 21 years. Data were extracted and articles critically reviewed using a modified Jadad score and descriptive methodological criteria, with summarization in tables.


RESULTS
Thirty-four controlled studies published from 1979 to 2008 were identified, with 19 RCTS and 15 NRCTs. Many studies were of low methodological quality. Clinical areas for which yoga has been studied include physical fitness, cardiorespiratory effects, motor skills/strength, mental health and psychological disorders, behavior and development, irritable bowel syndrome, and birth outcomes following prenatal yoga. No adverse events were reported in trials reviewed. Although a large majority of studies were positive, methodological limitations such as randomization methods, withdrawal/dropouts, and details of yoga intervention preclude conclusive evidence.


CONCLUSIONS
There are limited data on the clinical applications of yoga among the pediatric population. Most published controlled trials were suggestive of benefit, but results are preliminary based on low quantity and quality of trials. Further research of yoga for children by using a higher standard of methodology and reporting is warranted.
Birdee
Gurjeet S
GS
Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Suite 22-AWest, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. gurjeet_birdee@hms.harvard.edu
Yeh
Gloria Y
GY
Wayne
Peter M
PM
Phillips
Russell S
RS
Davis
Roger B
RB
Gardiner
Paula
P
D000293:Adolescent; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015013:Yoga