In March 2020 researchers from the USA published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the use of yoga and mindfulness for children and adolescents with asthma. The researchers stated that asthma affects almost 15% of children in the USA and that despite the availability of treatments children with asthma continue to report an impaired quality of life, including symptoms of anxiety and inability to participate in physical activity. A total of 11 studies were identified in the literature which met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies focused on the use of yoga in children and adolescents with asthma whilst two studies focused on mindfulness in adolescents with asthma. Results showed that interventions involving either mindfulness or yoga may be effective in reducing stress and anxiety and improving quality of life and lung function in children and adolescents with asthma. Further research on this topic is therefore warranted.
Lack S et al. An integrative review of yoga and mindfulness-based approaches for children and adolescents with asthma. J Pediatr Nurs. 2020 Mar 23;52:76-81.