A 10-week recreational yoga program significantly reduced depression scores (2.38 vs 6.78, p<0.001) and increased leisure time satisfaction compared to no intervention among nursing home residents.
RCT (n=36)
Allocation concealed in sealed envelopes
Computer-generated sequence
No
Does recreational therapy-based yoga improve depression, leisure time satisfaction, and heart rate variability in individuals aged ≥ 65 years residing in a nursing home?
Recreational therapy-based yoga is an effective, low-cost intervention for improving depression, leisure satisfaction, and autonomic function (HRV) in older adults living in nursing homes.
Absolute Event Rate: 2.38% vs 6.78%
p-value: p=<0.001
Depression, reduced leisure satisfaction, and impaired autonomic regulation are common among older adults living in nursing homes. Non-pharmacological interventions such as yoga are increasingly recognized for their potential to improve both mental and physical health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of recreational therapy-based yoga on depression, leisure time satisfaction, and heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals aged ≥ 65 years residing in a nursing home. A randomized controlled experimental design was used. The study included 36 participants (18 in the experimental group and 18 in the control group) aged ≥ 65 years. The experimental group participated in yoga sessions for 45–60 min, twice weekly for 10 weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Leisure Time Satisfaction Scale, and the Polar H10 heart rate monitor to assess HRV parameters. Based on the results of normality and homogeneity tests, appropriate parametric (dependent and independent samples t-tests) and non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U tests) were applied. Post-test results showed a significant decrease in depression levels, a notable improvement in leisure time satisfaction, and positive changes in HRV parameters in the experimental group compared to the control group. These findings suggest enhanced parasympathetic activity and emotional well-being in participants who engaged in yoga. Recreational therapy-based yoga may be an effective intervention for improving mental health, leisure satisfaction, and autonomic function among older adults in institutional settings. This low-cost, accessible approach holds promise as a complementary therapy for enhancing the quality of life in elderly populations.
Aras et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in Depression and autonomic dysfunction in older adults (n=36). Recreational therapy-based yoga vs. No intervention was evaluated on Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS) score at 10 weeks (p=<0.001). A 10-week recreational yoga program significantly reduced depression scores (2.38 vs 6.78, p<0.001) and increased leisure time satisfaction compared to no intervention among nursing home residents.