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 .
Effects of Yoga on Sleep Quality and Depression in Elders in Assisted Living Facilities
Background : Being relocated to an assisted living facility can result in  sleep disturbances and depression in elders . This may be attributed to or worsened by lack of regular physical activity . Appropriate exercise programs may be an important component of quality of life in this group of transitional frail elders . Purpose : This study aim ed to test the effects of a 6-month yoga exercise program in improving sleep quality and decreasing depression in transitional frail elders living in assisted living facilities . Methods : A quasi-experimental pretest- and -posttest design was used . A convenience sample of 69 elderly residents of assisted living facilities was divided r and omly into a yoga exercise ( n = 38 ) and control group ( n = 31 ) based on residence location . A total of 55 participants completed the study . The intervention was implemented in three small groups , and each practice group was led by two pretrained certified yoga instructors three times per week at 70 min per practice session for 24 weeks . The outcome measures of sleep quality ( Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ) and depression state ( Taiwanese Depression Question naire ) were examined at baseline , at the 12th week , and at the 24th week of the study . Results : After 6 months of performing yoga exercises , participants ' overall sleep quality had significantly improved , whereas depression , sleep disturbances , and daytime dysfunction had decreased significantly ( p < .05 ) . In addition , participants in the intervention group had better results on all outcome indicators than those of participants in the control group ( p < .05 ) . Conclusions and Implication s for Practice : It is recommended that yoga exercise be incorporated as an activity program in assisted living facilities or in other long-term care facilities to improve sleep quality and decrease  depression  in institutionalized elders
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 .