Date of Defense
4-24-2026
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Amy Geib
Second Advisor
Katie Fitzgerald
Abstract
The application of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in occupational therapy (OT) and their effects on occupational, cognitive, emotional, and physical outcomes are examined in this literature review. Occupational therapy is a comprehensive, client-based field that helps people engage in everyday activities to improve overall well-being, health, and independence. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using mindfulness-based interventions in occupational therapy, as they align with OT's focus on well-being and quality of life. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, WMU Library Search, and ScienceDirect to identify peer-reviewed research on mindfulness-based interventions, yoga, and occupational therapy studies using OT or similar therapy settings that reported behavioral, physical, or psychological results were the focus of the inclusion criteria. Research repeatedly shows that MBIs and yoga therapies increase emotional regulation, lower stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve cognitive abilities including executive functioning and attention. Additionally, these approaches increased occupational engagement and involvement in meaningful activities like work, education, and self-care, and yoga-based therapies were linked to better physical outcomes including balance, mobility, and motor function. Additionally, evidence from the research points to possible neurophysiological advantages, such as enhanced self-regulation. Overall, the results validate yoga and mindfulness as beneficial supplemental therapies to occupational therapy. However, the need for more extensive, standardized research is highlighted by limitations such small sample sizes, intervention diversity, dependence on selfreported data, and lack of long-term follow-up. Despite these research limitations, yoga and mindfulness have enormous potential to promote long-term quality of life and occupational engagement as well as holistic, client-centered occupational therapy practice.
Recommended Citation
Roberts, Madeline, "How Mindfulness and Yoga Practices are Implemented in Occupational Therapy" (2026). Honors Theses. 4048.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4048
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation