Is Yoga Beneficial for Improving Physical Fitness, Autonomic Nervous Functions, and Psychosocial Health in Older Female Adults?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to identify the benefits of yoga in improving fitness and psycho-physiologic functions in females over 65 years, and to explain the mechanism of yoga's mind-body effect. METHOD: Participants were recruited from a senior welfare center in C city and randomly assigned to either the yoga group or the control group. The yoga group attended classes 3 days per week for 12 weeks while the control group continued with their regular daily activities. Senior fitness tests were performed, heart rate variability measured, and depression and quality of life (QOL) scores were obtained through a questionnaire before and after the 12 weeks. RESULTS: Overall, health-related physical fitness, except cardiorespiratory endurance, improved significantly in the yoga group. Likewise, parasympathetic nervous tone (high frequency power [HF]/low frequency power+HF) increased in this group, possibly due to meditation and yogic breathing. Depression and QOL scores significantly decreased and increased, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga can be considered beneficial, improving health-related fitness, autonomic functions, and psychosocial health. Carefully planned yoga classes are an appropriate form of exercise for the elderly.