Despite studies investigating the effect of yoga on cognitive and motor functioning in older adults, the effect on dual-task performance and motor learning and the specific mechanisms underlying the positive effect of yoga remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yoga on cognition, balance under single- and dual-task conditions, and motor learning. The potential role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in induced improvement was also explored. Participants aged 60–79 years were randomized to either a control group (n = 15) or a yoga group (n = 18) for a 10-week period. The yoga group received 90-min duration yoga classes two times per week. Changes in cognition, balance under single- and dual-task conditions, and learning fast and accurate reaching movements were assessed. Yoga practice decreased (P < 0.05) the velocity vector of the center of pressure under single- and dual-task conditions, whereas no changes in cognitive performance were observed. Although reaction and movement times during learning were decreased in both groups (P < 0.05), a faster reaction time (P < 0.05) and shorter movement time (P < 0.05) were observed in the yoga group than in the control group. Significant moderate relationships (P < 0.05) between changes in BDNF levels and functional improvements were observed. Thus, 10 weeks of yoga practice resulted in improved balance and learning in the speed–accuracy motor task that were mediated by increased BDNF levels, but had no impact on cognition in older adults.

尽管有研究调查瑜伽对老年人认知和运动功能的影响，但对双任务表现和运动学习的影响以及瑜伽积极作用的具体机制仍不清楚。因此，本研究的目的是研究瑜伽对认知，单任务和双任务条件下的平衡以及运动学习的影响。还探讨了脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）在诱导改善中的潜在作用。60-79岁的参与者被随机分为对照组（n  = 15）或瑜伽组（n  = 18），为期10周。瑜伽小组两次接受了90分钟的瑜伽课每个星期。评估了认知的变化，单任务和双任务条件下的平衡以及学习快速准确的伸手动作的变化。在单任务和双任务条件下，瑜伽练习会降低（P  <0.05）压力中心的速度矢量，而认知性能没有变化。尽管两组的学习过程中的反应和运动时间均减少（P  <0.05），但 与对照组相比，瑜伽组的反应时间更快（P  <0.05），运动时间更短（P <0.05）。显着的适度关系（P ＜0.05）BDNF水平的变化与功能改善之间。因此，瑜伽练习10周可以改善平衡和对速度准确性运动任务的学习，这是由BDNF水平升高所介导的，但对老年人的认知没有影响。