Lindahl Eric, Tilton Katherine, Eickholt Nicole, Ferguson-Stegall Lisa
Integrative Physiology Lab, Dept. of Biology, Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102, USA.
Century College, 3300 Century Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55110, USA.
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Aug;24:50-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.05.007. Epub 2016 May 7.
This study investigated whether a 7-week yoga intervention could improve physical function, perceived stress, and mental/emotional wellness in elderly participants.
8 participants (66.5 ± 0.3 years) attended 2 60-min Hatha yoga sessions/week for 7 weeks, and performed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Balance was assessed using a 5-test battery. Flexibility was measured by sit-and-reach and shoulder flexibility tests. Functional mobility tests included 8-ft up-and-go, 5 chair stands, and 4-m walk. Participants completed SF-12, exhaustion level, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires.
SF-12 Mental Component Summary scores, exhaustion levels, and PSS scores improved post-intervention. No differences were found for physical function measures.
Yoga participation can improve mental/emotional wellness, exhaustion levels, and stress levels in elderly individuals, even without measurable improvements in physical function. Clinicians and health practitioners who work with the elderly should consider yoga as a potential therapeutic modality for improving important aspects of quality of life in this population.
本研究调查了为期7周的瑜伽干预是否能改善老年参与者的身体功能、感知压力以及心理/情绪健康状况。
8名参与者（66.5±0.3岁）每周参加2次60分钟的哈他瑜伽课程，共持续7周，并在干预前后进行评估。使用五项测试组合评估平衡能力。通过坐位体前屈和肩部柔韧性测试测量柔韧性。功能性活动测试包括8英尺起身行走、5次椅子站立和4米步行。参与者完成了SF-12、疲惫程度和感知压力量表（PSS）问卷。
干预后，SF-12心理成分汇总得分、疲惫程度和PSS得分有所改善。身体功能测量未发现差异。
参与瑜伽可以改善老年人的心理/情绪健康、疲惫程度和压力水平，即使身体功能没有明显改善。与老年人打交道的临床医生和健康从业者应考虑将瑜伽作为改善该人群生活质量重要方面的潜在治疗方式。
