1 ASEAN Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science 3. 1-6 ASEAN Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science Journal homepage: https://ejournal. id/index. php/ajopess Yoga and Chronic Conditions M Kamraju ICSSR Major Project. Ministry of Education. New Delhi. India Correspondence: E-mail: kamraju65@gmail. ABSTRACT Yoga is a physical practice that has been shown to provide numerous health benefits. The physical postures . practiced in yoga are designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. In addition, yoga is effective for pain management and improving overall physical function. This research paper explores the impact of yoga on chronic conditions. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for the promotion of yoga as a complementary therapy for improving health and well-being. A 2023 Bumi Publikasi Nusantara ARTICLE INFO Article History: Submitted/Received 10 Feb 2023 First Revised 19 Mar 2023 Accepted 15 May 2023 First Available online 16 May 2023 Publication Date 01 Mar 2024 ____________________ Keyword: Mental health. Stress. Well-being. Yoga. Kamraju. Yoga and Chronic Condition. INTRODUCTION Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being (Hofmann et al. , 2010. Kamraju et al. , 2022. Kamraju, 2023a. Kamraju, 2023b. Kamraju, 2. In recent years, yoga has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and mental health disorders (Chu et al. , 2016. Bower et al. , 2015. Riley et al. , 2. Chronic conditions are long-term health conditions that require ongoing management and care (Chong et al. , 2. They are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide and account for a significant proportion of healthcare costs. Yoga is becoming increasingly recognized as a low-cost, low-risk, and accessible intervention that can improve symptoms and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions (Tracy et al. , 2014. Tiedemann et al. , 2. Research has shown that yoga can have a positive impact on a wide range of chronic For example, yoga has been found to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, improving lipid profiles, and decreasing inflammation (Jayasinghe, 2016. Kiecolt-Glaser et al. , 2. It has also been found to improve glycemic control in individuals with diabetes and reduce chronic pain in individuals with conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. In addition to physical health benefits, yoga has been found to have positive effects on mental health (Craft & Perna, 2004. Ross & Thomas, 2. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and improve mood and cognitive function (Pascoe et al. Sharma et al. , 2014. Kinser et al. , 2014. Streeter et al. , 2010. METHODS This study is a literature survey. We collected, reviewed, and summarized data obtained from articles in international journals and compared them to the current situation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Literature review on studies investigating the effectiveness of yoga for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and autoimmune disorders. Detailed information is in the following: Arthritis: Several studies have found yoga to be effective for managing symptoms of A randomized controlled trial conducted by Evans et al. found that a twice-weekly yoga program for 8 weeks improved joint flexibility, balance, and quality of life in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Another study by Kolasinski et al. found that a 12-week yoga program improved pain and physical function in individuals with knee . Back pain: Yoga has also been found to be effective in managing chronic back pain. systematic review and meta-analysis by Wieland et al. found that yoga was associated with a significant reduction in back pain intensity and disability compared to usual care or exercise. Another randomized controlled trial by Tilbrook et al. found that a 12-week yoga program was more effective than usual care or a self-help book in reducing back pain and improving function. Autoimmune disorders: There is growing evidence to suggest that yoga may be effective for managing autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. A randomized controlled trial by Byssing et al. found that a 12-week yoga program improved DOI: p- ISSN 2964-2302 e- ISSN 2964-5727 3 | ASEAN Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science. Volume 3 Issue 1. March 2024 Hal 1-6 fatigue, depression, and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Another study by Moonaz et al. found that a 12-week yoga program improved pain, fatigue, and depression in individuals with lupus. These studies suggest that yoga may be a safe and effective complementary therapy for managing symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and autoimmune However, more research is needed to better understand the optimal type and duration of yoga interventions for specific conditions, as well as the mechanisms by which yoga exerts its effects. It is also important for individuals with chronic conditions to work with their healthcare provider to ensure that yoga is safe and appropriate for their individual needs (Posadzki et al. , 2014. Kumar & Singh, 2. The studies reviewed above suggest that yoga can be an effective therapy for managing symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and autoimmune disorders. Yoga has been found to improve joint flexibility, balance, and physical function in individuals with arthritis. It has also been found to reduce pain and disability in individuals with chronic back pain (Chiesa & Serretti, 2009. Cohen, 2. In addition to physical symptoms, yoga has also been found to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life in individuals with chronic conditions (Cramer et al. , 2013. Gothe et al. , 2. For example, the study by Byssing et al. found that a 12-week yoga program improved depression and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study by Moonaz et al. found that a 12-week yoga program improved depression and anxiety in individuals with lupus. These studies suggest that yoga can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic conditions. Yoga may improve quality of life by reducing symptoms, improving physical function, and reducing stress and anxiety (Ali et al. , 2020. Hendriks et al. , 2017. Sharma et al. , 2. Additionally, yoga may be a safe and low-cost therapy that can be integrated into standard care for chronic However, more research is needed to better understand the optimal type and duration of yoga interventions for specific conditions, as well as the long-term effects of yoga on chronic Individuals with chronic conditions need to work with their healthcare provider to ensure that yoga is safe and appropriate for their individual needs (Streeter et al. , 2010. There are several possible mechanisms by which yoga may help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and autoimmune disorders. Here are a few: Improved flexibility and strength: Many chronic conditions are associated with decreased flexibility and muscle strength, which can lead to pain and disability. Yoga poses . are designed to improve flexibility and strength, which may help alleviate symptoms and improve physical function. Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a common feature of many chronic conditions, including arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Studies have found that yoga can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body, which may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Stress reduction: Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including increased pain and inflammation. Yoga has been found to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may help improve symptoms and quality of life. Mind-body connection: Yoga involves the integration of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, which can help promote a sense of mind-body This may help individuals with chronic conditions better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. DOI: p- ISSN 2964-2302 e- ISSN 2964-5727 Kamraju. Yoga and Chronic Condition. Improved immune function: Studies have found that yoga can improve immune function, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune It is important to note that the specific mechanisms by which yoga helps manage chronic conditions may vary depending on the condition and the individual. Additionally, more research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and the optimal type and duration of yoga interventions for specific conditions. CONCLUSION Yoga is a promising complementary therapy for chronic conditions. However, more research is needed to better understand the optimal type and duration of yoga interventions for specific conditions, as well as the mechanisms by which yoga exerts its effects. Additionally, individuals with chronic conditions need to work with their healthcare provider to ensure that yoga is safe and appropriate for their individual needs. AUTHORSAo NOTE The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this Authors confirmed that the paper was free of plagiarism. REFERENCES