Laughter Yoga to Improve Well-being in Older Adults
Official title: EFFECTS OF LAUGHTER YOGA ON PSYCHOLOGİCAL WELL-BEING AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN OLDER ADULTS
Run by Ankara University · NCT07421336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try laughter yoga with adults aged 65 and older to see if it improves psychological well-being and reduces depressive symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07421336 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are literate adults aged 65 or older who can communicate, do not have diagnosed neurocognitive or other mental disorders, and are willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed dementia or other mental disorders, those below the trial's age requirement, those unable to read or communicate, or those unwilling to participate are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Laughter yoga combines intentional laughter, breathing techniques, and light physical movement as a non-pharmacological intervention. This randomized controlled experimental study will enroll 70 older adults, with 35 participants in a laughter yoga group and 35 in a control group, using pretest and posttest measurements. Outcomes include the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (short form) and a Psychological Well-Being scale, and data will be analyzed with SPSS. Sessions are delivered at the Ankara University Faculty of Nursing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve mood and overall psychological well-being in older adults without adding medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials and pilot studies of laughter yoga have reported mood and well-being improvements, but larger and more rigorous evidence is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Not having a diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's or dementia. * Not having a diagnosis of mental disorder * Being 65 years and older * Literacy * Not having communication problems that would prevent answering the data collection form. * Volunteering to participate in the research Exclusion Criteria: * Having a diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's or dementia. * Having a diagnosis of mental disorder * Being under 60 years of age * Illiteracy * Having communication problems that prevent one from answering the data collection form. * Not volunteering to participate in the research.
Where it's running
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Ankara University Faculty of Nursing
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fatma Sena Albayrak
- Email: senaalbayrak2976@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 552-366-2976
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.