Effect of telehealth yoga on loneliness and social isolation among rural older adults: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with a range of deleterious health outcomes. Yoga is a mind-body physical activity that is used in health care settings and increasingly in a telehealth group format. This trial aimed to determine the effect of a brief course of telehealth yoga on loneliness among rural older adults. 

METHOD: In this pragmatic trial among rural-residing Veterans Affairs patients over age 60 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05431166), participants were randomized to eight, 60-minute telehealth yoga classes delivered to their homes or waitlist control. The primary outcome was loneliness at 10 wk. Additional outcomes included measures of social isolation, fidelity, and acceptability, as well as interview findings. 

RESULTS: Of 70 participants, 52 completed follow-up (mean [SD] age 67.8 [5.9] years). Loneliness significantly decreased between baseline and follow-up in both groups, but there were no significant between-group differences in loneliness or social isolation. Ratings of fidelity and acceptability were high. Qualitative findings indicated benefits related to the telehealth format and aspects of social connection not captured in quantitative measures. 

CONCLUSION: A brief course of weekly telehealth yoga was feasible and acceptable among older rural patients but not effective at reducing loneliness and social isolation.