Terapi Yoga pada Penyakit Multiple Sclerosis: A Literature Review

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and often leads to fatigue, mobility impairments, and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, all of which significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected. Yoga therapy, as a holistic non-pharmacological approach, has gained attention as an alternative rehabilitative intervention for MS patients. Objective: The aim of this review is to literatureally examine the effectiveness of yoga therapy on the physical and psychological aspects of individuals with MS, with a particular focus on the duration, frequency, and forms of yoga practice used. Methods: The method employed in this study was a literature literature search across databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate, using clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 15 articles with experimental and quasi-experimental research designs published within the past 10 years were analyzed in this review. Result: The results indicate that yoga is effective in reducing fatigue levels, improving balance and muscle strength, and enhancing daily physical functioning. Psychologically, yoga has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, while also improving self-efficacy, focus, and emotional quality of life. Conclusion: In conclusion, yoga is a safe and effective intervention that can serve as a complementary rehabilitative strategy in the management of MS, both physically and psychologically, although further research with stronger methodologies is needed to support its implementation in clinical practice.