Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This study examined the effects of 12 weeks of online Yoga and Tai Chi (150 minutes/week) in informal caregivers (≥ 18 years of age). Twenty-nine participants were randomized to Vinyasa Yoga (VY; n = 16, 55.87 ± 12.31 years) or Taijifit (n = 13, 55.07 ± 12.65 years). Prior to and following the study, assessments were made for muscle strength (1-RM leg press, chest press, hand-grip), muscle endurance (leg press and chest press; maximal number of repetitions performed to fatigue at 80% and 70% baseline 1-RM respectively), abdominal endurance (maximum number of consecutive curl-ups to fatigue), tasks of functionality (dynamic balance, walking speed), and flexibility (sit and reach). There was a significant increase over time for muscle strength, muscle endurance, tasks of functionality, and flexibility (p = 0.001). The VY group experienced a greater improvement in chest press endurance (VY: pre 19.25 ± 5.90, post 28.06 ± 7.60 reps; Taijifit pre 15.69 ± 4.49, post 21.07 ± 5.85 reps; p = 0.019) and abdominal endurance (VY: pre 37.12 ± 31.26, post 68.43 ± 55.07 reps; Taijifit pre 19.23 ± 19.00, post 32.07 ± 20.87 reps; p = 0.034) compared to the Taijifit group. VY and Taijifit are effective for improving muscle strength and endurance, functionality, and flexibility in adult informal caregivers.