Yoga Improves Balance in Seniors
The Study
The study, presented at the Annual Meeting of the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, examined the effect of yoga on balance and stability in elderly women. Researchers at the Gait Study Center at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, administered a yoga therapy program to 24 elderly women for 9 weeks. The yoga program was designed for seniors by study coauthor and certified senior Iyengar Yoga instructor Marian Garfinkel, Ed.D., and yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. The yoga practice included postures (asanas) and breathing techniques.
The Results
The researchers found that the participants had increased lower body flexibility and strength, improved single-leg stance and faster stride. Furthermore, the participants had improved postural stability and balance. The study authors suggest that yoga practice may help reduce the risk of falling.
The Main Point
"We were very impressed at the progress our participants made by the end of the program," says researcher Dr. Jinsup Song, director of the Gait Study Center at Temple University, in a news release "Subjects demonstrated improved muscle strength in lower extremities, which helps with stability. There was also a pronounced difference in how pressure was distributed on the bottom of the foot, which helps to maintain balance."
This study is significant because it shows that yoga practice may help reduce the risk of falls and fractures in seniors. Practicing yoga can improve quality of life in our golden years.
Your Thoughts
Are you a senior practicing yoga? Please share with us below.
Sources
Poses can prevent falls. Eurekalert.org
Gavalas, Elaine. The Yoga Minibook for Longevity. Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com
Published by Elaine Gavalas
Elaine's featured on the Today Show, Martha Stewart Living Today and other media. She's an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, yoga therapist and author of Yogi in the Kitchen, Yoga Minibook Series and Secr... View profile
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