Exploring evidence for virtual yoga in managing diabetic neuropathy: a narrative review

This narrative review aims to explore the existing evidence for yoga in diabetic neuropathy and justify a study protocol targeting critical physiological and functional outcomes through virtual yoga. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PeDro, Google Scholar and other peer reviewed databases. A total of 72 records were identified based on keywords. After removing 16 duplicates, 56 articles were screened based on title and abstract. Of these, 39 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria, 17 full-text articles were assessed in detail. Only 5 studies met the final inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The studies were reviewed, examining outcomes like muscle strength, balance, nerve conduction, and Quality of Life. Gaps were noted in virtual delivery, outcome measures and inclusion of physiological metrics. Yoga showed improvement in people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy (DN) with their nerve function, balance, and quality of life, especially if done consistently over a period of 6–12 weeks. It seems that combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness elements improves psychological and physiological results. However, the present body of data is constrained by a dearth of high-quality randomized controlled trials, a noteworthy absence of research on virtual or remotely delivered yoga programs, and an underutilization of objective measurements such as nerve conduction tests. The results imply that yoga may help people with peripheral DN to improve their functional, psychological and physiological domain. The study highlights the importance of urgent and more good quality research like RCTs in this area to document effects of Yoga (in person as well as Virtual) in people with DN.