The effect of chair yoga in older adults with moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease

Res Gerontol Nurs. 2014 Jul-Aug;7(4):171-7. doi: 10.3928/19404921-20140218-01. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

Using a quasi-experimental single-group design, this study examined the feasibility of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-type dementia to complete the Sit 'N' Fit Chair Yoga Program. Physical function of participants who completed the program was measured. The nine older adults with AD (mean age = 83) participated in the 8-week Sit 'N' Fit Chair Yoga Program. To measure physical function, the Six-Minute Walk Test, the Gait Speed Test, and the Berg Balance Scale were administered at pre-intervention, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 1 month after program completion. All participants completed the program. Positive changes were seen across all physical measures. Further study, using a larger sample and including a control group, is needed to fully determine the effect of the Sit 'N' Fit Chair Yoga Program on older adults with moderate to severe AD.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Female
  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Postural Balance
  • Walking
  • Wheelchairs
  • Yoga*