Effects of Integrating Yoga and Spirituality on Depression and Anxiety in Elderly Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a dual approach-incorporating both yoga and spirituality-compared to a single-mode exercise training on the depression and anxiety of the elderly stroke survivors. This study employs a quasi-experimental design featuring a pre-test, post-test and follow-up, implemented through a randomized controlled trial involving two experimental groups [i.e., Yoga (YG) and Yoga+Spirituality (YSG)] and one control group (CG). 154 elderly chronic stroke patients successfully completed all the pretest, posttest and the follow-up. Patients in the YG and the YSG engaged in respective training for a duration of 8 weeks. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) served as the instrument for assessing levels of anxiety and depression. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the pretest results among the study groups concerning depression (p=0.948) and anxiety (p=0.543). However, participation in a combined yoga and spirituality intervention led to a significant improvement in depression (p<0. 05) and anxiety (p<0. 05) during the posttest and follow-up compared to the yoga and control groups. Additionally, engaging in exercise resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms of depression (p<0.05) and anxiety (p<0.05) during the posttest and follow-up when compared to the control condition. Due to their practicality, ease of use, and safety, the integrating of yoga and spirituality can be assumed as an efficient strategy for enhancing the mental health of elderly stroke patients.