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

• Main Authors: Bianca P. Acevedo, Robert Marhenke, Kenneth S. Kosik, Sheerin Zarinafsar, Tyler Santander
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-09-01
• Series: Aging and Health Research
• Subjects: Mind-body program; Yoga; Affect; Empathy; Aging; Brain connectivity
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667032121000160

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.