A Case Report of a Chair Yoga Intervention for Acute Geriatric Psychiatry

While recreational therapists (RT) report using nonpharmacological approaches to treatment, there is limited evidence-based practice described in RT related to the use of adapted yoga techniques in geriatric psychiatric settings (Wiles et al., 2021). The purpose of this case study is to describe an interdisciplinary team approach and the specific RT process used to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate a chair yoga program for adults in a geriatric psychiatric unit. The results of the physical outcome measures and anecdotal evidence to support the program are also presented. Significant findings were identified from pretest and posttest analysis of flexibility scores using the Senior Fitness Test (Rikli & Jones, 1999). Program replication and evaluation would be beneficial in generalizing the effects of chair yoga.