Citation

Schmid AA, Van Puymbroeck M, Koceja DM. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2010; 91(4): 576-583.

Affiliation

Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development, Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence-Based Practice, and the Health Services Research and Development Stroke Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. Arlene.schmid@va.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2009.12.018

PMID

20382290

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether fear of falling (FoF) and balance improved after a 12-week yoga intervention among older adults. DESIGN: A 12-week yoga intervention single-armed pilot study. SETTING: A retirement community in a medium-sized university town in the Midwest. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of adults (N=14) over the age of 65 years who all endorsed an FoF. INTERVENTION: Each participant took part in a biweekly 12-week yoga intervention. The yoga sessions included both physical postures and breathing exercises. Postures were completed in sitting and standing positions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured FoF with the Illinois FoF Measure and balance with the Berg Balance Scale. Upper- and lower-body flexibility were measured with the back scratch test and chair sit and reach test, respectively. RESULTS: FoF decreased by 6%, static balance increased by 4% (P=.045), and lower-body flexibility increased by 34%. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that yoga may be a promising intervention to manage FoF and improve balance, thereby reducing fall risk for older adults. Rehabilitation therapists may wish to explore yoga as a modality for balance and falls programming; however, future research is needed to confirm the use of yoga in such programming.

Language: en