Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Yoga Practice on Physical Fitness in the Elderly.

Sohee Shin

doi:10.3390/ijerph182111663

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to meta-analyze the effects of yoga intervention on physical fitness in the elderly. The following databases were systematically searched in 25 March 2021: Cochrane, PubMed and Embase. A total of 656 papers was identified through key word combinations, finally, 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The main conclusions are as follows. First, yoga practice showed moderately positive effects on muscle strength, balance, mobility, and lower body flexibility, but had no significant effect on cardiorespiratory endurance and upper body flexibility. Second, sub-group analysis showed that subjects in their 60s and 70s and yoga practice for 9–12 weeks had a large positive effect on physical fitness. Yoga is a multimodal activity that improves muscle strength, balance, and flexibility in the elderly, and physical activity policies should continue to promote yoga as an activity that enhances physical and mental wellbeing in this population.

Highlights

An important goal for most older people is to lead an independent life
Some studies have reported that the amount of physical activity in yoga practice does not meet the recommendations for the level of physical activity to promote cardiovascular health, and that it does not affect body composition [1]
Many studies for young people and adults reported that yoga increases muscle strength, First, the overall effect size of yoga intervention on physical fitness wa power, endurance, flexibility, and balance and coordination in young people [25]

Summary

Introduction

An important goal for most older people is to lead an independent life. Yoga is known to have various health benefits including: (1) lowered blood glucose for people with type 2 diabetes; (2) improved symptoms of depression and anxiety; (3) decreased pain;(4) improved sleep disturbance; and (5) improved quality of life. Mental, and emotional dimensions to promote health. Many people prefer adopting yoga practice because it is easy to learn, can be performed effectively in a narrow space without special equipment, and can be practiced by various age groups to manage health [1]. Some studies have reported that the amount of physical activity in yoga practice does not meet the recommendations for the level of physical activity to promote cardiovascular health, and that it does not affect body composition [1]. Various research results related to the effects of yoga practice are accumulating, it is difficult to derive comprehensive yoga usefulness because of the variability in training content of these studies and the effects on physical health-related variables. There is a need to synthesize the effects of yoga practice on physical health through meta-analysis [1]

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion