THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF YOGA IN PULMONARY REHABILITATION: A REVIEW OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Background Chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma remain a major cause of functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Although pulmonary rehabilitation is an established component of management, many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms and impaired exercise tolerance. This has stimulated interest in complementary nonpharmacological interventions that may enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Aim of the study To evaluate the therapeutic role of yoga as an adjunctive intervention in pulmonary rehabilitation, with a focus on clinical outcomes, functional effects, and psychophysiological aspects. Material and methods A narrative review of the clinical literature was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Publications published between 2015 and 2025 in English and Polish were analyzed. Randomized controlled trials, meta analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies investigating the effects of yoga based interventions on respiratory function, exercise capacity, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with respiratory diseases were included. Results Analysis of the reviewed studies indicates that yoga based interventions are associated with improvements in selected parameters of pulmonary function, respiratory muscle performance, and exercise tolerance. Reductions in symptom burden, particularly dyspnea and fatigue, as well as improvements in quality of life and psychological well being, were reported across several respiratory conditions, most consistently in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Evidence in lung cancer and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome suggests potential benefits in specific functional and psychosocial outcomes, although data are more limited. Conclusions Current clinical evidence suggests that yoga may serve as a complementary component of pulmonary rehabilitation when used alongside standard therapy. While positive effects on functional and symptom related outcomes have been reported, heterogeneity of interventions and study designs warrants cautious interpretation. Further well designed clinical studies are needed to better define the role of yoga within pulmonary rehabilitation programs.