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 .
Assessing depression following two ancient Indian interventions: effects of yoga and ayurveda on older adults in a residential home.
The effects of yoga and ayurveda on geriatric depression were evaluated in 69 persons older than 60 who were living in a residential home . Participants were stratified by age and gender and r and omly allocated to three groups : Yoga , Ayurveda , or Wait-list Control . The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms prior to the intervention , and after 3 months and 6 months post-intervention . Participation in one of the three groups lasted 24 weeks . The yoga program ( 7 hours 30 minutes per week ) included physical postures , relaxation techniques , regulated breathing , devotional songs , and lectures . The Ayurveda Group received an herbal preparation twice daily for the whole period . The depression symptom scores of the Yoga Group at both 3 and 6 months decreased significantly , from a group average baseline of 10.6 to 8.1 and 6.7 , respectively ( p < .001 , paired t-test ) . The other groups showed no change . Hence , an integrated approach of yoga including the mental and philosophical aspects in addition to the physical practice s was useful for institutionalized older persons
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 .