Yoga in Pediatric Gastroenterology

Abstract

Purpose of review: Pediatric use of yoga as an integrative medicine modality has increased in prevalence over the last several decades. In this article, we review the available evidence for yoga in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.

Recent findings: Evidence supports that in many pediatric disorders of gut brain interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain and functional dyspepsia, yoga decreases pain intensity and frequency and increases school attendance. Yoga has been shown to improve health-related quality of life and improve stress management as an effective adjunct to standard medical therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Further studies are needed regarding optimal frequency, duration of practice and evaluation of the impact on IBD disease activity measures. Yoga may benefit pediatric gastroenterology patients with DGBIs and IBD through improving quality of life and reducing pain. Future yoga studies could investigate biomarkers and continued research will help integrate this modality into routine pediatric gastroenterology care.

Keywords: Children; Inflammatory Bowel disease; Integrative Medicine; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Yoga.