Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults and is a leading cause of disability. Without treatment arthritis can affect mobility and overall quality of life. In a recent study, 75 men and women ages 18 years and older with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis participated in yoga classes twice a week for eight weeks, plus an at-home session every week compared to a control group that did not perform yoga. Those that practiced yoga reported a 20% improvement in pain, energy levels, mood and physical function, the effects of which were still evident nine months after they completed the study. Based on these initial findings, researchers suggest that yoga may help sedentary adults who have arthritis to safely increase physical activity, and thereby improve physical and psychological health for a greater quality of life.