Comparing the effects of yoga and exercise on vascular function: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Sedentary behaviour negatively impacts vascular function, increasing cardiovascular risk. While yoga and conventional exercise are proposed to counteract these effects, their relative efficacy remains unclear. Objective: This review aims to compare the effects of yoga and conventional exercise interventions on ultrasound-measured vascular function in sedentary individuals. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted (last updated February 15, 2025), including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), crossover trials, and non-randomized studies comparing yoga and exercise interventions in sedentary adults. Studies assessing vascular function using ultrasound techniques (e.g., flow-mediated dilation [FMD], pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were included. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250655130). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Yoga interventions showed mixed results, with some improvement in endothelial function in older adults but inconsistent effects on arterial stiffness. Exercise interventions consistently improved FMD and reduced arterial stiffness. However, micro-breaks during prolonged sitting yielded limited benefits. Most studies had small sample sizes and short durations, affecting generalizability. Conclusion: Exercise interventions consistently improve vascular function more than yoga among sedentary individuals. Yoga may benefit older populations but lacks