Development of an Evidence-Based Yoga Programme for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Community-dwelling older adults often face challenges in maintaining physical function and mental well-being.
• Evidence-based interventions are needed to promote healthy aging and support independence in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week evidence-based yoga program for community-dwelling older adults.
• To explore preliminary effects of the yoga program on physical and psychological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study employing a two-arm randomized controlled trial with qualitative interviews.
• Participants were randomized to an 8-week yoga program or usual care.
• Feasibility assessed by recruitment, retention, adherence, and adverse events; acceptability via interviews; outcomes measured by Short Physical Performance Battery and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21.

Main Results:

• Recruitment and retention rates were high (74/80 eligible), with good attendance (89.9%) and low attrition (14.9%).
• Participants reported positive experiences, including pain reduction and improved mood, but low adherence to home practice was noted.
• Exploratory analyses indicated potential improvements in gait speed, flexibility, and reduced depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms in the yoga group.

Conclusions:

• The developed yoga program is feasible and acceptable for community-dwelling older adults.
• Low adherence to home practice highlights a need for strategies to enhance motivation.
• The program shows promise for integration into primary care to promote healthy aging, warranting further investigation in robust trials.