The Effect of Superbrain Yoga Exercises on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of cognitive disorders among older individuals is considered to be one of the most significant and controversial health problems. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Superbrain yoga exercises on older adults’ cognitive status. Methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 60 older adults who were referred to centers of comprehensive health services in Khaf City in 2020. The participants were selected by random allocation and randomly divided into two groups (30 people equally in both groups). The mini-mental status examination was used to assess cognitive status, which was completed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Subjects, after obtaining a score of 21 to 23 from the above questionnaire, were placed in two intervention and control groups. The intervention group performed superbrain yoga exercises three days a week for one month. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, version 20 software using independent t-test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The mean score of the mini-mental status examination in the intervention group was higher than in the control group before the intervention (P=0.009). A comparison of the score of the mini-mental status examination after the intervention showed that the score of the intervention group was higher than the control group (P<0.001). Also, the comparison of the mean score of the groups after the intervention showed that the scores of the intervention group increased compared to before the intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: Superbrain yoga exercises have a positive effect on the cognitive status of older adults with mild cognitive impairment; thus, it is recommended to prevent cognitive disorders and improve the cognitive status of these people.