Effect of Chair Suryanamaskar with Strength Training on Functional Fitness in Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Aging leads to declines in physical function, particularly in frail older adults, increasing risks of falls and disability. Chair Suryanamaskar, a modified yoga practice, can enhance functional fitness by improving flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance, and balance. Combining this with strength training may offer a promising intervention for maintaining independence and quality of life. Objectives 1) To study the effects of a 12-week Chair Suryanamaskar with strength training program versus Health Education Program on functional fitness in frail older adults, using the Senior Fitness Test. 2) To evaluate the effect of intervention on frailty status in frail older adults, as assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test. Methods This is a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 108 frail community-dwelling older adults were randomly divided into two groups by computer-generated random tables. The experimental group was given Chair Suryanamaskar with Strength Training as a group exercise program thrice weekly at a designated facility. The control group was given a Health Education Program along with a booklet. The key outcome measurement was the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) for measuring functional fitness, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test was used to evaluate frailty status. Assessments were performed at the baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Results The pre-post comparison of functional fitness variables and SPPB showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the experimental group, whereas the pre-post comparison in the control group showed no significant difference. Between-group comparison of functional fitness variable change shows statistically significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group (Z = -8.74, p < 0.001 for CSRT); (Z = -8.80, p < 0.001 for BST); (Z = -6.26, p < 0.001 for 30-s ACT); (Z = -8.44, p < 0.001 for 30-s CST); (Z = -7.30, p < 0.001 for 8-FUG); and (Z = -8.73, p < 0.001 for 2-MST). Between-group analysis of SPPB confirmed this (mean change = 0.34, p < 0.001, effect size − 0.517), indicating a medium effect. Conclusion The 12-week Chair Suryanamaskar and strength training program significantly enhance flexibility, functional strength, and cardiovascular endurance in frail older adults, offering a low-risk, easily accessible intervention. Clinical Trial Registration: The trial was prospectively registered with the Indian Council of Medical Research Trial Registry (CTRI/2021/03/032277)