Abstract / Description
BACKGROUND: Mental health challenges represent a global concern among children and adolescents. Laughter Yoga (LY), a non-pharmacological, exercise-based practice, demonstrates physiological and psychological benefits in children. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on LY's effects on children's mental, emotional, physical well-being and cognitive functions. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guideline. Databases were systematically searched for relevant studies. The primary databases searched included PubMed/PubMed Central (PMC), Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included studies on children and adolescents receiving LY interventions and reporting outcomes related to mental health, cognitive functions, or physical well-being. Study selection and data extraction were performed by independent reviewers. Findings were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity across studies. RESULTS: Six eligible studies were identified. Evidence suggests that LY may reduce separation and generalized anxiety in school-aged children and improve anxiety in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Other potential benefits include improved emotional well-being (reduced hopelessness, loneliness, and school burnout), enhanced verbal working memory, and improved gross motor skills. However, the evidence base is limited, with substantial variation in study designs, interventions, and outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Laughter Yoga may offer a promising, accessible, non-pharmacological approach to supporting children's mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning. However, given the small number of included studies and substantial heterogeneity across interventions and outcomes, the current evidence remains preliminary and should be interpreted with caution.