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Role of yoga therapy in improving digestive health and quality of sleep in an elderly population: A randomized controlled trial

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:692-697. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.04.012. Epub 2021 Apr 22.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Constipation and sleep disturbances commonly affect elderly population results in compromised physical and mental health. Mind-body interventions like yoga not only address the mental and physical health but also promote healthy ageing. This study evaluates the effect of 3 months yoga intervention on the sleep and constipation related quality of life (QoL) among the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety six participants aged between 60 and 75 who did not had any history of yoga practice for past 1 year and having a zubrod score of 0-2 were randomized in to yoga (n = 48) or waitlisted control (n = 48). The yoga group received yoga interventions at a frequency of 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Patient Assessment of Constipation QoL (PAC-QOL) were used to assess the improvement. Intention to treat analysis method was used to include the drop-out participants.

RESULTS: Eighty one participants (Yoga = 48, waitlisted control = 33) completed the study. Wilcoxon’s sign rank test has shown that the yoga group had statistically significant changes in most of the parameters in PSQI and PAC-QOL (P ≤ 0.05). Mann Whitney test revealed that yoga group has better improvement in the sleep quality and constipation related QOL (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the controls.

DISCUSSION: The results signify yoga can ease old age related issues like constipation and insomnia. This is encouraging for inclusion of yoga as a daily practice regimen to improve the constipation and sleep related quality of life in elderly population.

PMID:34391308 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.04.012

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