A systematic review of yoga for state anxiety: considerations for occupational therapy.
BACKGROUND
State anxiety can result from a variety of life situations. This type of anxiety can disrupt occupational engagement and performance, thereby affecting rehabilitation and recovery. Occupational therapists need to address the connection between mind-body-spirit and its relationship to performance and engagement in meaningful occupations. Yoga, when used as an adjunct to therapy, has the potential to address state anxiety.


OBJECTIVE
The aim was to systematically review the evidence concerning the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment approach for state anxiety.


METHODS
Six electronic databases, the authors' own files, and the references of included studies from 1990 to July 2011 were searched.


RESULTS
A total of 25 unique studies represented by 26 publications made up the sample: two systematic reviews; 16 randomized controlled trials, and seven prospective, controlled, non-randomized studies. Evidence suggests yoga can be a viable therapeutic option for reducing state anxiety in certain situations.


CONCLUSIONS
In making the determination to recommend yoga as an intervention, occupational therapists should consider the client's circumstances and values as well as the type and intensity of the yoga program.
School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, IAHS Bldg, Rm. 450, 1400 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S IC7.
Neha
N
Chugh-Gupta
Fulvia G
FG
Baldassarre
Brenda H
BH
Vrkljan
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D015013:Yoga