What’s This Research About?
This randomized, three-arm, 16-week study compared a structured Hatha yoga program with a supervised strength training program and with a non-exercise control in 86 community-dwelling adults aged ~66. Both yoga and strength training reduced self-reported psychological distress by ~19% (measured with the Kessler K10), with no meaningful difference between the two active programs; the control group’s distress increased over the same period. Sessions were 60 minutes, three times per week. The strength protocol progressed from 60% to 75% of one-rep max across major muscle groups; the yoga protocol included asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), and dhyana (meditation). Because outcomes relied solely on an unblinded self-report scale, the authors advise cautious interpretation and call for more blinded, multi-outcome trials.
Purpose:
The authors aimed to directly compare the effectiveness of a 16-week resistance training program and a 16-week Hatha yoga program on psychological distress in older adults, an outcome area where both have shown promise but head-to-head comparisons are scarce. They hypothesized both would similarly lower distress
TITLE: Effects and comparisons of a 16-week resistance training vs. yoga intervention on psychological distress in older adults
PUBLICATION: Acta Psychologica
DATE: August 2025
AUTHORS: Huamin Mo, Yulong Li
Psychological Distress: A general measure of how often someone feels anxious, depressed, or stressed in everyday life.
Kessler K10: A 10-question survey that scores distress; higher scores mean more distress. Think of it as a mood “thermometer.”
Resistance Training: Strength exercises (machines or weights) that work major muscle groups at set intensities (e.g., 60–75% of your max).
Hatha Yoga (asana, pranayama, dhyana): Postures, breathing exercises, and meditation practiced together.
Effect Size (Cohen’s d): A way to describe how big a change is, beyond just “statistically significant.” Around 0.6–1.2 is considered “moderate.”
Randomized Controlled Study: Participants are randomly placed into groups to compare interventions.
Register
