Assessing the Therapeutic Benefits of Garudasana in Managing Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Evidence-Based Review

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) encompass a wide range of conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints, often leading to pain and functional impairment. Garudasana (Eagle Pose), a traditional yogic asana, is purported to enhance musculoskeletal health through improved flexibility, strength, and balance. However, scientific validation of its therapeutic efficacy remains limited. Objective: This review aims to critically evaluate existing scientific literature to assess the potential benefits of Garudasana in managing musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for studies published up to October 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports that investigated the effects of Garudasana or similar yoga interventions on musculoskeletal health parameters. Results: The review identified a limited but growing body of evidence suggesting that Garudasana may contribute to improved flexibility, reduced musculoskeletal pain, and enhanced functional outcomes in individuals with neck, shoulder, and lower back conditions. Proposed mechanisms include increased muscular strength, improved proprioception, and enhanced circulation. However, most studies exhibit methodological limitations, including small sample sizes and lack of control groups. Conclusion: While preliminary findings indicate that Garudasana holds promise as a complementary intervention for musculoskeletal health, robust clinical trials are necessary to substantiate its therapeutic benefits. Future research should focus on standardized protocols, objective outcome measures, and long-term follow-up to establish evidence-based guidelines for integrating Garudasana into musculoskeletal disorder management.