Yoga Nidra and Pain: A between-, within-Group Meta-Analysis and Dose Response Meta-Regression.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized quantitative studies
PubMed 41187098 · doi:10.1159/000549416
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis across seven databases and one trial registry to assess the effects of Yoga Nidra (YGN) on pain outcomes. Eligible quantitative designs included both randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials and the modified Downs and Black checklist for non-randomized studies. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to examine dose-response relationships.
What was found
Twelve studies comprising 1,176 participants met inclusion criteria. - Comparison with passive controls: YGN significantly reduced pain (Hedges' g: -2.05, p = 0.01). - Comparison with active controls: No statistically significant difference in pain reduction was observed (Hedges' g: -0.31, p = 0.53). - Within-group change: Significant pain reduction was observed following YGN (Hedges' g: -2.01, p < 0.001). - Dose-response: Subgroup analyses (single vs. multiple sessions) and meta-regressions revealed no significant dose-response relationship across intervention durations.
Why it matters
Yoga Nidra demonstrates potential as a non-invasive mind-body approach for pain reduction compared to no treatment, although it does not appear superior to other active interventions.
Limits
The primary limitation is the low overall methodological quality of the included studies, which the authors note may have resulted in inflated effect estimates. The review combined randomized and non-randomized studies, and the abstract does not report specific pain etiologies, long-term durability, or adverse events.
Cited by
- supports Rotations of sensory awareness through the body, such as in Yoga Nidra, can help relieve chronic pain by leveraging neuroplasticity in the somatosensory cortex.