Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, characterized by cartilage degradation, joint stiffness, and impaired mobility, and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. With the global burden of OA expected to increase due to aging populations and lifestyle risk factors, there is a growing emphasis on preventive strategies beyond conventional pharmacological and surgical treatments. The present study explores the role of yoga asanas in preventing the onset of OA, focusing on joint mobility and synovial fluid health.
Objectives: The primary aim was to evaluate how yoga-based interventions may enhance joint flexibility, stimulate synovial fluid circulation, and delay or reduce the risk of OA onset.
Materials and Methods: A narrative review of existing literature, clinical studies, and physiological insights was undertaken. Key yoga postures targeting hips, knees, spine, and shoulders were identified, along with a 12-week preventive yoga protocol emphasizing slow, supported, and strength-aware movement. Mechanistic pathways, including improved mechanonutrition, neuromuscular control, and reduced inflammatory tone, were examined to highlight yoga’s relevance in OA prevention.
Results: Evidence from clinical and experimental studies suggests that yoga significantly improves joint mobility, reduces stiffness, enhances muscular support around joints, and promotes synovial fluid circulation. These outcomes collectively contribute to improved joint function and reduced OA-related symptoms. Furthermore, psychological benefits, such as reduced pain-related anxiety and stress, complement the physical improvements, supporting yoga as a holistic preventive tool.
Conclusions: Yoga emerges as a safe, scalable, and promising non-pharmacological strategy for OA prevention. By enhancing lubrication, preserving cartilage integrity, and reducing systemic inflammation, yoga asanas may plausibly interrupt early degenerative pathways. Further high-quality, long-term clinical trials are warranted to validate dosage, sustainability, and population-specific outcomes.