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 .
Yoga Is as Good as Stretching-Strengthening Exercises in Improving Functional Fitness Outcomes: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND Despite yoga 's popularity , few clinical trials have employed rigorous methodology to systematic ally explore its functional benefits compared with more established forms of exercise . The objective of this study was to compare the functional benefits of yoga with the conventional stretching-strengthening exercises recommended for adults . METHODS Sedentary healthy adults ( N = 118 ; M age = 62.0 ) participated in an 8-week ( three times a week for 1 hour ) r and omized controlled trial , which consisted of a Hatha yoga group ( n = 61 ) and a stretching-strengthening exercise group ( n = 57 ) . St and ardized functional fitness tests assessing balance , strength , flexibility , and mobility were administered at baseline and postintervention . RESULTS A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant time effect for measures of balance [ F(3,18 ) = 4.88 , p < .01 , partial η(2 ) = .45 ] , strength [ F(2,19 ) = 15.37 , p < .001 , partial η(2 ) = .62 ] , flexibility [ F(4,17 ) = 8.86 , p < .001 , partial η(2 ) = .68 ] , and mobility [ F(2,19 ) = 8.54 , p < .002 , partial η(2 ) = .47 ] . Both groups showed significant improvements on measures of balance ( left-right leg and four square step ) ; strength ( chair st and s and arm curls ) ; flexibility ( back scratch and sit- and -reach ) ; and mobility ( gait speed and 8-feet up and go ) , with partial η(2 ) ranging from .05 to .47 . CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that regular yoga practice is just as effective as stretching-strengthening exercises in improving functional fitness . To our knowledge , this is the first study to examine functional benefits of yoga in comparison with stretching-strengthening exercises in sedentary , healthy , community-dwelling older adults . These findings have clinical implication s as yoga is a more amenable form of exercise than strengthening exercises as it requires minimal equipment and can be adapted for individuals with lower levels of functioning or disabilities
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 .