Effects of recreational yoga on emotional and autonomic health among nursing home residents

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.