Conclusion This review is the first to compare the effects of yoga with active and inactive controls in older adults not characterised by a specific clinical condition .
Results indicate that yoga interventions improve multiple physical function and HRQoL outcomes in this population compared to both control conditions .
This study provides robust evidence for promoting yoga in physical activity guidelines for older adults as a multimodal activity that improves aspects of fitness like strength , balance and flexibility , as well as mental wellbeing .
Background Yoga has been recommended as a muscle strengthening and balance activity in national and global physical activity guidelines .
However , the evidence base establishing the effectiveness of yoga in improving physical function and health related quality of life ( HRQoL ) in an older adult population not recruited on the basis of any specific disease or condition , has not been systematic ally review ed .
The objective of this study was to synthesis e existing evidence on the effects of yoga on physical function and HRQoL in older adults not characterised by any specific clinical condition .
Thai Yoga improves physical function and well-being in older adults: A randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVES Compare two 12-week low-intensity exercise regimens on components of physical function and quality of life in community-dwelling healthy yet sedentary adults aged over 60 . DESIGN This study used a r and omised , multi-arm , controlled trial design . METHODS Thirty-nine sedentary participants ( 29 women ) , aged 67.7±6.7 years were r and omly allocated to either a 12-week Thai Yoga ( TY ) or Tai Chi ( TC ) for 90min twice per week , or telephone counselling Control ( C ) . A Senior Fitness Test ( chair-st and , arm-curl , sit-&-reach , back-scratch , 8-foot up-&-go and 6-min walk  ) and Short-Form 36 Health Survey , Centre for Epidemiological Studies of Depression , Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale were assessed at baseline , six , 12 weeks , and three months after the completion of the regimen . RESULTS After 12 weeks , chair-st and ( mean difference , 2.69 ; 95 % CI , 0.97 - 4.41 ; P<0.001 ) , arm-curl ( 2.23 ; 95 % CI , 0.06 - 4.52 ; P=0.009 ) , sit-&-reach ( 1.25 ; 95 % CI , 0.03 - 2.53 ; P=0.013 ) , back-scratch ( 2.00 ; 95 % CI , 0.44 - 3.56 ; P=0.005 ) , 8-foot up-&-go ( -0.43 ; 95 % CI , -0.85 to 0.01 ; P=0.013 ) , 6-min walk ( 57.5 ; 95 % CI , 20.93 - 94.07 ; P<0.001 ) , vitality ( 13.27 ; 95 % CI , 2.88 - 23.66 ; P=0.050 ) and enjoyment ( 7.96 ; 95 % CI , 3.70 - 12.23 ; P=0.001 ) significantly improved in TY compared to C , however no change was observed in TC compared to C. TY improved in chair-st and ( 2.31 ; 95 % CI , 0.59 - 4.03 ; P=0.007 ) , sit-&-reach ( 1.38 ; 95 % CI , 0.10 - 2.66 ; P=0.007 ) , 6-min walk ( 32.31 ; 95 % CI , -4.26 - 68.88 ; P=0.015 ) , vitality ( 12.88 ; 95 % CI , 2.50 - 23.27 ; P=0.040 ) and enjoyment ( 5.65 ; 95 % CI , 1.39 - 9.92 ; P=0.010 ) compared to TC after 12 weeks . CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that older adults can make significant improvements in their health and well-being by engaging in low intensity Thai Yoga exercise
Conclusion This review is the first to compare the effects of yoga with active and inactive controls in older adults not characterised by a specific clinical condition .
Results indicate that yoga interventions improve multiple physical function and HRQoL outcomes in this population compared to both control conditions .
This study provides robust evidence for promoting yoga in physical activity guidelines for older adults as a multimodal activity that improves aspects of fitness like strength , balance and flexibility , as well as mental wellbeing .
Background Yoga has been recommended as a muscle strengthening and balance activity in national and global physical activity guidelines .
However , the evidence base establishing the effectiveness of yoga in improving physical function and health related quality of life ( HRQoL ) in an older adult population not recruited on the basis of any specific disease or condition , has not been systematic ally review ed .
The objective of this study was to synthesis e existing evidence on the effects of yoga on physical function and HRQoL in older adults not characterised by any specific clinical condition .