Effect of Vinyasa Yoga on Frailty and Anthropometric Measurements in Elderly Individuals

During the aging process, concrete changes such as loss of function in organs and systems resulting from biological, physiological and psychological negativities and difficulty in participating in daily life activities occur. Frailty, one of the geriatric syndromes, is a complex condition that increases vulnerability to stressors and causes a decrease in the physiological reserve necessary to maintain homeostasis in most organs. When examined pathophysiologically, it is thought that frailty is not only evaluated as physical, but psychological and social fragility may also contribute to this situation. It is thought that physical activity that includes strength training to maintain or improve muscle mass throughout aging may reduce muscle loss, an important risk factor for frailty. To treat physical frailty, supervised exercise is recommended as an effective strategy. Yoga; It is a holistic practice that encourages healing through breathing, movement, strength, flexibility and achieving integrity of spirit, body and mind. Being a meditative practice distinguishes yoga from other typical forms of physical exercise, despite having similar metabolic intensity. Regular yoga has the potential to improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength in older individuals. It is also known that yoga improves cognitive function in the elderly, helps manage chronic conditions, reduces pain due to osteoarthritis, improves sleep, increases subjective well-being and health-related quality of life. During the healthy aging process, people may need to be guided according to their individual and health characteristics. By supporting this situation with appropriate nursing care, losses can be reduced and optimum health can be maintained. One of the biggest advantages of yoga applied within the scope of nursing care is that the individual's progress is ensured in a controlled manner by preparing a flow in line with appropriate asana selections, taking into account the individual's health condition. Nursing, by its nature, requires a holistic approach to people. Similarly, the practice of yoga is considered a practice that integrates not only physical health but also the mind, body and soul. This study was planned as a randomized controlled, double-blind and experimental study to evaluate the effect of vinyasa yoga on frailty and anthropometric measurements in elderly individuals.