Yoga improves older adults’ Affective functioning and resting-state brain connectivity: Evidence from a pilot study

• Published in: Aging and health research 2021-09, Vol.1 (3), p.100018, Article 100018
• Main Authors: Acevedo, Bianca P., Marhenke, Robert, Kosik, Kenneth S., Zarinafsar, Sheerin, Santander, Tyler
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Affect; Aging; Brain connectivity; Empathy; fMRI; Mind-body program; Yoga
• ISSN: 2667-0321; 2667-0321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2021.100018

•Older adults participating in a 6-week yoga intervention showed significant improvements in their affective functioning.•Improvements in older adults affective functioning following the 6-week yoga program, was associated with higher life satisfaction and better social functioning, post-intervention.•Older adults’ improved affective functioning following a 6-week yoga program was associated with stronger resting-state brain connectivity, across nearly the entire brain. Around the globe, family members provide unpaid care for their loved ones. However, caregivers are at increased-risk for stress, lower quality of life, and diminished empathy. Mind-body practices provide one non-invasive, affordable and practical solution for ailments, stress, and aging-related health issues. This study examined the effects of a 6-week yoga program (with daily at-home practice) associated with caregivers’ well-being, empathy, and brain connectivity. Twenty-three caregivers with spouses experiencing Mild Cognitive Impairment completed questionnaires, pre- and post-intervention, and some also underwent functional MRI scanning post-intervention. Following the 6-week intervention, participants reported significant improvements in empathy (specifically, lower Personal Distress [PD]) which were associated with greater life satisfaction and better social functioning. Furthermore, improvements in PD were associated with widespread patterns of stronger RS-connectivity across nearly the whole-brain, with the strongest PD effects shown in visual, attention and perceptual regions. Other improvements in empathy, notably Empathic Concern and Perspective-Taking, showed enhanced RS-brain connectivity in brain regions important for social cognition, executive function, and behavior. In sum, this pilot study showed that engagement in a 6-week yoga program resulted in improved empathy and well-being among caregivers, which were associated with enhanced RS-connectivity across nearly the whole-brain.