Yoga: The Symptomatic, Behavioral, and Emotional Impact on Children with a Life-Long Illness.

ONLINE information services; CINAHL database; MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems; INFLAMMATORY bowel diseases; AFFECT (Psychology); YOGA; SYSTEMATIC reviews; EPILEPSY; IMPULSIVE personality; GASTROINTESTINAL diseases; AUTOIMMUNE diseases; CONTINUING education units; ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder; CYSTIC fibrosis; AUTISM; ATTENTION; MEDLINE; CEREBRAL palsy; ANXIETY

Background/Purpose: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly 1 in 4 children in the United States live with a chronic health condition. With this number expected to rise, the pediatric nurse is posed with the challenge of helping children with chronic disease thrive at home. Although yoga has been identified as a potentially beneficial integrative practice for children, few publications have explored the comprehensive benefits, risks, or potential gains of children living with life-long illnesses practicing yoga. Methods: A literature review was conducted from online databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase, using key terms yoga, children, and chronic disease. Inclusion criteria consisted of children ages 2 to 18 years with chronic diseases including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal or autoimmune disorders engaging in yoga practice. Exclusion criteria included children who were healthy or receiving temporary therapy (e.g., chemotherapy). Summary of Findings: Fourteen articles were selected for the final review. Although many studies reported small sample sizes (N < 20), yoga decreased the frequency and severity of children's symptoms, such as bowel pain, anxiety, and impulsivity. Studies also reported psychosocial improvement, including improved attention span and mood. Research did not explore the long-term effects of yoga nor demonstrated improved quality of life or physical functioning. Conclusion: Although many children with chronic health conditions have benefitted from yoga, larger sample sizes and randomized controlled trials are needed to support a direct correlation between yoga and symptom improvement in children with chronic health conditions. However, the pediatric nurse can share with families that yoga can serve as a valuable adjunct therapy to assist their children in improving symptom management and leading healthier lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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