Randomized trial comparing effects of high-speed cued yoga and Hatha yoga on cognitive and neuromuscular performance in older adults

Routine physical activity, including yoga, is crucial for maintaining cognitive health and independence among older adults. This study compared the impacts of 24 weeks of a novel high-speed, cued yoga intervention (YogaCue) to those of traditional Hatha yoga (Hatha) on cognitive, aerobic, functional, and neuromuscular performance in 34 cognitively healthy older adults (17 YogaCue, 17 Hatha). Cognitive testing included the NIH Cognitive Toolbox, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, and Trail-Making Tests. Neuromuscular testing involved 1-repetition maximum and power testing for leg press and chest press. Additionally, participants completed the 6-Minute Walk Test, Physical Performance Test, and Timed Up & Go. Mixed ANOVAs were performed for all outcome measures. Both groups improved in the NIH List Sorting Test ( p = 0.023), Flanker Test ( p = 0.042), and Fluid Composite Score ( p < 0.001); however, only the YogaCue group improved in the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (total recall: p < 0.001, delayed recall: p = 0.004, and percent retained: p = 0.047). Further, both groups improved lower limb strength ( p = 0.005) (driven by Hatha) and power ( p = 0.024) (driven by YogaCue), as well as chest press at specific loads ( p < 0.001). Aerobic fitness also improved in both groups; with improvements more pronounced in the YogaCue group ( p = 0.007). The Hatha group improved in the Timed Up & Go ( p = 0.037) and the YogaCue in the Physical Performance Test ( p = 0.045). These findings suggest that yoga can help maintain and even enhance cognitive and physical function in older adults; and YogaCue may confer additional benefits in anaerobic and aerobic power, as well as in selected cognitive domains such as verbal and episodic memory. Clinical Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT06099405 on October 19, 2023.