Abstract
Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk; however, many older adults do not engage in recommended levels. Theory-based interventions supporting motivation for physical activity are limited. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of Yoga for Health Empowerment and Realizing Transformation (HEART), a theory-based intervention combining motivation and yoga-based physical activity. Feasibility was addressed as acceptability, demand, implementation fidelity, and limited efficacy in promoting physical activity, cardiovascular health, and mechanisms of action. Sedentary older adults (m = 65 years old, sd = 8.5) were randomized to Yoga for HEART (n=8) or Active Control (n=7) conditions. Yoga for HEART was: (a) acceptable, (b) retention 73%, (c) implemented as planned. A significant main effect for body mass index (BMI) was found in Yoga for HEART participants (p = .02). No significant effects were found for physical activity, other cardiovascular outcomes, or mechanisms of action. Yoga for HEART is feasible and recommended for further testing.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 184-191 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Geriatric Nursing |
| Volume | 44 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2022 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aging
- Cardiovascular disease
- Health behavior
- Motivation
- Older adults
- Physical activity
- Theory-based intervention
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gerontology