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 .
Adapted yoga to improve physical function and health-related quality of life in physically-inactive older adults: a randomised controlled pilot trial
Background Yoga is a holistic therapy of exp and ing popularity , which has the potential to produce a range of physical , mental and social benefits . This trial evaluated the feasibility and effects of an adapted yoga programme on physical function and health-related quality of life in physically-inactive older adults . Methods In this r and omised controlled pilot trial , 52 older adults ( 90 % female ; mean age 74.8 years , SD 7.2 ) were r and omised 1:1 to a yoga programme or wait-list control .  The  yoga  group ( n = 25 ) received a physical activity education booklet and were invited to attend ten yoga sessions during a 12-week period . The control group ( n = 27 ) received the education booklet only .  Measures of physical function ( e.g. , Short Physical Performance Battery ; SPPB ) , health status ( EQ-5D ) and mental well-being ( Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale ; WEMWBS ) were assessed at baseline and 3 months . Feasibility was assessed using course attendance and adverse event data , and participant interviews . Results Forty-seven participants completed follow-up assessment s. Median class attendance was 8 ( range 3 to 10 ) . At the 3-month follow-up , the yoga group had a higher SPPB total score compared with the control group ( mean difference 0.9 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] -0.3 to 2.0 ) , a faster time to rise from a chair five times ( mean difference − 1.73 s , 95 % CI −4.08 to 0.62 ) , and better performance on the chair sit- and -reach lower-limb flexibility test ( mean difference 5 cm , 95 % CI 0 to 10 ) . The yoga group also had superior health status and mental well-being ( vs. control ) at 3 months , with mean differences in EQ-5D and WEMWBS scores of 0.12 ( 95 % CI , 0.03 to 0.21 ) and 6 ( 95 % CI , 1 to 11 ) , respectively . The interviews indicated that participants valued attending the yoga programme , and that they experienced a range of benefits . Conclusions The adapted yoga programme appeared to be feasible and potentially beneficial in terms of improving mental and social well-being and aspects of physical function in physically-inactive older adults . An appropriately-powered trial is required to confirm the findings of the present study and to determine longer-term effects . Trial registration Clinical Trials.govNCT02663726
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 .