Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder, most commonly affecting the knee, that leads to persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced physical function. It remains a leading cause of disability among adults, often interfering with daily activities and quality of life. While pharmacological and surgical treatments are available, many patients continue to experience unresolved symptoms, driving growing interest in non-pharmacological approaches. Yoga has emerged as one such option, integrating physical postures, breath regulation, relaxation, and mental well-being.
Methods: A total of 32 participants diagnosed with osteoarthritis were recruited from Arogyadhama, a holistic yoga-based treatment center at S-VYASA University. The study followed a single-group pre-post design, with participants undergoing a one-week residential IAYT intervention. Outcomes were assessed using the NPSR for pain, WOMAC for functional limitation, Nadi Tarangini for tri-dosha composition, WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, PSQI for sleep quality, and standard anthropometric calculation for BMI.
Results: Following the IAYT intervention, participants showed a statistically significant reduction in pain and marked improvement in WOMAC functional scores. Sleep quality and both the physical and psychological domains of quality of life improved significantly, alongside a modest reduction in BMI. Tri-dosha analysis revealed a significant decrease in Vata and increase in Kapha, indicating a favourable shift in dosha balance, while Pitta levels and the social and environmental QoL domains showed no significant change.
Conclusion: Even over a short duration, IAYT produced meaningful improvements in pain, functional ability, sleep quality, and physical and psychological quality of life, alongside favourable shifts in BMI and dosha balance, supporting its potential as a holistic complementary therapy for osteoarthritis.