EFFECT OF CHAIR SURYANAMASKAR WITH STRENGTH TRAINING ON CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE IN FRAIL OLDER ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Frailty in older adults impairs cardiovascular endurance, lowering their quality of life. Traditional exercises may be difficult because of mobility limitations. Chair Suryanamaskar, a seated yoga practice combined with strength training, may be an effective way to improve endurance and overall health. While yoga and strength training have been examined separately, their combined effects are uncertain. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates their effectiveness on cardiovascular endurance in frail older individuals.
Objectives: To examine the impact of a 12-week chair Suryanamaskar with strength training on cardiovascular endurance compared to a Health education program in frail older adults using the 6-minute walk test.
Methods: This single-blinded RCT included 108 frail older adults randomly assigned to either the experimental group (Chair Suryanamaskar with Strength Training) or the control group (Health Education Program). Participants gave written informed consent. The randomization was computer-generated, and the allocation was concealed. Assessments were performed at the beginning and end of the 12-week intervention. The key outcome measurement was the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT).
Results: Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in the experimental group for 6-MWT (263.16 m to 281.68 m, p<0.001), while the control group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons showed substantial improvements in the experimental group with 6-MWT mean change of 18.52±1.95 m vs. 0.71±4.51 m in controls (p<0.001). The experimental group showed a significant reduction in heart rate (mean change of 3.6 ± 0.46 bpm, p< 0.001), systolic blood pressure (mean change of 4.6±2.67mmHg, p<0.001), and rate-pressure product (p<0.001). In contrast, diastolic blood pressure remained unchanged (p=0.107), while the control group showed no significant changes (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that combining chair Suryanamaskar with strength training, significantly enhances aerobic endurance in frail older adults compared to Health education alone.