According to a new study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University, yoga is not only safe but also beneficial for patients with arthritis, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis and knee osteoarthritis. Both these are among the most common types of Arthritis.

During the study, led by university's medicine associate professor and head of Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center Dr. Clifton Bingham III, 75 participants took part. All of them were diagnosed with either of the two kinds of arthritis.

Researchers divided them randomly into two groups. One group had to attend yoga classes twice in seven days and practice yoga at home once a week. While the other group put on the wait list. To compare, researchers also assessed the mental and physical health of the participants before and after the sessions. But, the ones who performed the assessment were not aware of which group the participants belonged to.

The team of researchers analyzed the results after 8 weeks and learned that those who did yoga experienced at least 20% improvement in their physical and mental well-being. They were not only in less pain, but also had a happier mood. They functioned more properly whether at home or at work. The positive changes in them lasted nine months.

But, there was not much difference between the two groups in terms of walking speed, upper body strength, and balance.

As per Arthritis Foundation, about 50 million people suffer from arthritis, and the condition is one of the main causes of disability as it can majorly limit their physical activities and movements, including walking and bending.