Effects Of Yoga On Cardiac Health Sleep Quality, Mental Health And Quality Of Life Of Elderly Individuals With Chronic Ailments: A Single Arm Pilot Study

There is a high prevalence of chronic health problems in elderly persons which significantly affects their mental health, sleep quality and quality of life (QoL). Practice of yoga known to enhance physical and mental health. Present pilot study intended to evaluate the effects of Integrated Yoga (IY) practice on sleep quality, mental health and QoL of elderly individuals suffering from chronic health condition(s). Twenty-eight elderly persons residents of Bangalore, India (13 males) within the age range 65-80 years (with group mean±SD; 68.8±5.4 yrs) having chronic health problem(s) underwent 1 month of IY, 60 minutes/day for 6 days/week. We excluded the subjects if they; had compromised cardiac functioning; were on sleep medication; underwent abdominal surgery; were on anti-psychotic medications; had exposure to any form of yoga in past one year. All the subjects were assessed for cardiac variables, mental health parameters, sleep quality and quality of life at baseline after one month. It was observed a significant decrease in pulse rate (p