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2026-03-05
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tyler Dregney, Beth Lewis
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The Effect of Yoga Interventions on Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Tyler Dregney
University of Minnesota
Beth Lewis
University of Minnesota
Abstract
Objective: The focus of this current study is to examine the impact of yoga
interventions on hypertension and provide recommendations for future
research.
Methods: Four databases were searched for existing studies that observed
the impact of yoga on hypertension. Interventions were included if they
evaluated yoga relative to a control arm in patients with any form of
arterial hypertension. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two
independent reviewers performed the selection of studies, data extraction,
and quality assessments.
Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, eight of which were
RCTs and one non-RCT. Five studies suggested yoga was effective in
reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure
(DBP), while two studies suggested yoga was effective in reducing SBP.
Two studies suggested that yoga did not impact SBP or DBP.
Conclusion: Yoga may be an effective treatment for individuals with
hypertension; however, the methodological flaws and inconsistencies of
existing studies leaves some questions unanswered. Future studies should
include larger samples, yoga interventions that focus on postures, and
sessions lasting at least 30 minutes
