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Basic Yoga Poses Can Help Prevent Falls in Women Over Age 65, Research Shows
| Author: Tony Cappasso |
| Article Date: 4/20/2008 |
Could something as simple as basic yoga poses help decrease the risk of falls in women older than age 65 years? Research reported by a team at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, suggest that the answer is a qualified “yes.”
Dr. Jinsup Song and researchers at the School of Podiatric Medicine and the College of Health Professions examined the gait and postural stability of 24 elderly females who were enrolled in an Iyengar yoga program specifically designed for those over 65. They found that at the end of the nine-week program, participants had a faster stride, an increased flexibility in the lower extremities, an improved single-leg stance and increased confidence in walking and balance. Song presented these findings at the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society’s Annual Meeting on April 4.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that among people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, and nearly one-third of older adults suffer from some type of fall each year.
Song and his researchers suggest that improving balance and stability through yoga could help reduce the risk of falling, as these are two areas that are often deficient when a fall occurs. Song noted that this preliminary information will pave the way for a larger study on how Iyengar yoga affects the function of the foot to improve balance and stability and prevent falls.
Source: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and the College of Health Professions.
Dr. Jinsup Song and researchers at the School of Podiatric Medicine and the College of Health Professions examined the gait and postural stability of 24 elderly females who were enrolled in an Iyengar yoga program specifically designed for those over 65. They found that at the end of the nine-week program, participants had a faster stride, an increased flexibility in the lower extremities, an improved single-leg stance and increased confidence in walking and balance. Song presented these findings at the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society’s Annual Meeting on April 4.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that among people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, and nearly one-third of older adults suffer from some type of fall each year.
Song and his researchers suggest that improving balance and stability through yoga could help reduce the risk of falling, as these are two areas that are often deficient when a fall occurs. Song noted that this preliminary information will pave the way for a larger study on how Iyengar yoga affects the function of the foot to improve balance and stability and prevent falls.
Source: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and the College of Health Professions.