Chair yoga: benefits for community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis

J Gerontol Nurs. 2012 May;38(5):12-22; quiz 24-5. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20120411-50. Epub 2012 Apr 25.

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether chair yoga was effective in reducing pain level and improving physical function and emotional well-being in a sample of community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to examine the effectiveness of chair yoga at baseline, midpoint (4 weeks), and end of the intervention (8 weeks). Although chair yoga was effective in improving physical function and reducing stiffness in older adults with osteoarthritis, it was not effective in reducing pain level or improving depressive symptoms. Future research planned by this team will use rigorous study methods, including larger samples, randomized controlled trials, and follow up for monitoring home practice after the interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Education, Continuing
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteoarthritis / physiopathology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Yoga*