The effects of yoga on respiratory parameters, functional exercise capacity, dynamic balance and life quality in the older adult

Yeditepe University Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Master Thesis, Istanbul. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of yoga practice on respiratory parameters, functional exercise capacity, dynamic balance and quality of life in older adult individuals with stable medical conditions. The study included 20 medically stable volunteers over the age of 65. All participants performed standing Yoga exercises involving active movements and poses (Asana) and voluntary regulated breathing (Pranayama) twice a week for six weeks. All volunteers were evaluated for respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength, including Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), using a spirometer and respiratory pressure meter, respectively. To evaluate the risk of falling, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) were examined. Additionally, quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated with a myometer and dominant hand grip (HG) strength was evaluated with a hand dynamometer. Quality of life was measured with Short Form 12 item version 2 (SF-12v2). The study results showed that yoga caused statistical differences in respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, quadriceps and hand grip muscle strength, balance and quality of life at the end of the study (p<0.05). As a result, we can think that yoga training can improve lung parameters, functional exercise capacity, dynamic balance and quality of life in elderly people. We can suggest that participating in yoga practices may slow the progression of problems that come with age. Keywords: Older Adults, Healthy Aging, Pulmonary Function, dynamic balance, Quality of Life, Yoga