Effects of a Movement-Based Mind–Body Intervention in Managing Symptoms in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis: Gender, Age, and Living Arrangement Differences

Abstract

Background: Movement-based mind–body interventions (MMBIs) have been identified as an alternative and complementary therapy to ameliorate symptoms associated with osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is little evidence regarding effects of MMBI to improve chronic pain, physical function, and psychosocial health associated with gender, age group, or living arrangement. This study examined differences in age (younger vs. older geriatric groups), gender, and living arrangement in elderly patients with OA who utilized chair yoga (CY) as a type of MMBI for symptom management. Materials and Methods: This study used a two-arm assessor-blinded randomized control trial to examine effects of CY (twice-weekly 45-minute sessions for 8 weeks) on pain interference, physical function, and psychosocial outcomes by gender, age, and living arrangement in older adults with OA who could not participate in exercise. Results: A total of 112 older adults completed CY or a health education program (HEP) and provided data at five data collection points. Older women in the CY group showed greater reduction in pain interference during the CY intervention than those in the HEP. The younger geriatric group (ages 61–74 years) had decreased depression scores during the eight-week intervention period. Regardless of the intervention (CY or HEP), depression scores in older adults who were living alone decreased substantially during the intervention. Conclusion: Supervised group-based CY is recommended for older adults with OA. Online CY programs may be a way to address physical activity needs and improve mental well-being in this population in light of physical distancing practices due to coronavirus disease 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02113410.