IMPACT OF INTEGRATED YOGA THERAPY ON GLYCAEMIC CONTROL, BLOOD PRESSURE, QUALITY OF LIFE & SLEEP QUALITY IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES & HYPERTENSION.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ageing is a natural process which is inevitable. It is mainly characterised by deteriorating physiological reserves & physical functions. Due to this impairment, there is an increase in non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus & arthritis, which have become an integral part of ageing. They also tend to have multiple health complaints, such as pain, reduced mobility or range of motion of joints & fatigue, which might impact their quality-of-life (QOL); this might result in increased dependency in an older population. Among older adults, hypertension & type 2 diabetes mellitus are two of the most prevalent non-communicable disorders. Their coexistence raises the burden of healthcare expenses, lowers quality of life & increases cardiovascular risk. People with these diseases often experience sleep disruptions, which leads to a vicious circle of poor health outcomes.

Aim To assess the effectiveness of integrated yoga therapy on glycaemic control, blood pressure, quality of life & sleep quality in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus & hypertension.

Objectives 1) Primary objective: • To evaluate the changes in glycaemic control (HbA1c) following a 12-week integrated yoga programme. 2) Secondary objectives: • To observe changes in systolic & diastolic blood pressure post-intervention. • To assess improvement in sleep quality. • To assess improvement in quality of life

Materials & Methods. Participants: Elderly individuals aged between 60 and 70 years from Ananda seva trust.

Design: The study was a pre- and post-study with a total of 50 subjects. Before the intervention, consent form was taken.

Assessment: • HbA1C (Haemoglobin A1C) • Blood pressure – systole & diastole • Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) • Quality of life – IGQOL

Intervention: Yoga Practice / Session Component Starting Prayer Centring & Gentle Breathing Warm-up Asanas (Postures) Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) Relaxation & Meditation

Results: There was a statistically significant difference observed in the outcome variables following the intervention, indicating its effectiveness. Significant improvement was noted in sleep quality, as reflected by the reduction in PSQI scores (p < .001***), with a large effect size (rank biserial correlation = 0.863). Similarly, a significant decrease in HbA1c levels was observed (p = .002**), demonstrating a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.53; rank biserial correlation = 0.537). In addition, a significant improvement in integrated quality of life (IGQL) scores was observed (p < .001***), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d =1.13), indicating substantial enhancement in overall well-being. These findings suggest that the intervention was effective in improving sleep quality, glycaemic control, and quality of life among participants. However, no statistically significant changes were observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time (p = .088 and p = .161, respectively).

Conclusion: As a non-invasive, low-cost, and easily implementable yogic technique. The study shows that the intervention significantly improved quality of life, sleep quality, and blood sugar levels in participants. These changes were meaningful and indicate clear benefits of the intervention. However, there was no significant change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure over the 12-week period. Overall, the intervention was effective for improving general well-being and glycaemic control, but not for reducing blood pressure within the study duration.