Effects of an Integrated Yoga Program on Quality of Life, Spinal Flexibility, and Strength in Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Context: Aging can contribute to a decrease in physical activity as a result of metabolic dysfunction and hormonal imbalance that can cause degenerative joint disease and aging-related inflammation. As age advances, a decrease in muscle mass, muscle strength, and flexibility can impair physical function.

Objective: The study intended to evaluate the effects of an integrated yoga module in improving the flexibility, muscle strength, and quality of life (QOL) of older adults.

Design: This research team designed a prospective, two-arm, open-label, and parallel, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: The study took place in an outpatient department at Divine Park, Yoga & Naturopathy Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

Participants: Participants were 96 older adults, aged 60-75 years (64.1 ± 3.95 years) taking part in a yoga program in the department.

Intervention: The program was a three-month, yoga-based lifestyle intervention. The participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n = 48) or to a waitlisted control group (n = 48). The intervention group underwent three one-hour sessions of yoga weekly, with each session including loosening exercises, asanas, pranayama, and meditation spanning.

Outcome measures: At baseline and post intervention, assessments were made: (1) for spinal flexibility using a sit and reach test, (2) for back and leg strength using a back leg dynamometer, (3) for handgrip strength (HGS) and endurance (HGE) using a hand-grip dynamometer, and (4) the Older People's Quality of Life (OPQOL) questionnaire. Analysis was performed employing Wilcoxon's Sign Rank tests and Mann Whitney Tests, using an intention-to-treat approach.

Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group experienced a significantly greater increase in spinal flexibility (P < .001), back leg strength (P < .001), HGE (P < .01), and QOL (P < .001) after three months of yoga.

Conclusion: Yoga can be used safely for older adults to improve flexibility, strength, and functional QOL. Larger randomized controlled trials with an active control intervention are warranted.