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 .
The Influence of Yoga-Based Programs on Risk Profiles in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
There is growing evidence that yoga may offer a safe and cost-effective intervention for Type 2 Diabetes mellitus ( DM 2 ) . However , systematic review s are lacking . This article critically review s the published literature regarding the effects of yoga-based programs on physiologic and anthropometric risk profiles and related clinical outcomes in adults with DM 2 . We performed a comprehensive literature search using four computerized English and Indian scientific data bases . The search was restricted to original studies ( 1970–2006 ) that evaluated the metabolic and clinical effects of  yoga in adults with DM 2 . Studies targeting clinical population s with cardiovascular disorders that included adults with comorbid DM were also evaluated . Data were extracted regarding study design , setting , target population , intervention , comparison group or condition , outcome assessment , data analysis and presentation , follow-up , and key results , and the quality of each study was evaluated according to specific predetermined criteria . We identified 25 eligible studies , including 15 uncontrolled trials , 6 non-r and omized controlled trials and 4 r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) . Overall , these studies suggest beneficial changes in several risk indices , including glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity , lipid profiles , anthropometric characteristics , blood pressure , oxidative stress , coagulation profiles , sympathetic activation and pulmonary function , as well as improvement in specific clinical outcomes .  Yoga may improve risk profiles in adults with DM 2 , and may have promise for the prevention and management of cardiovascular complications in this population . However , the limitations characterizing most studies preclude drawing firm conclusions . Additional high- quality RCTs are needed to confirm and further eluci date the effects of st and ardized yoga programs in population s with DM 2
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 .