(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Older women who want to avoid falling might
want to take up the ancient art of yoga.
Researchers from Temple University find women over age 65 who practiced a
type of yoga called Iyengar yoga ended up with increased flexibility,
improved stance, increased confidence in walking and balance, and the
ability to walk faster.
“We were very impressed at the progress our participants made by the end of
the program,” study author Jinsup Song D.P.M, Ph.D., was quoted as saying.
“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.”
The Iyengar form of yoga is less intense than standard forms of yoga and
thus is easier for the elderly to perform. In this study, researchers also
modified the technique further to come up with a basic regimen aimed at
teaching participants how to breathe, stand, and pose. The regimen was
developed with the assistance of yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar and implemented
by certified Iyengar yoga instructor Marian Garfinkel, Ed.D.
Participants in the program give it rave reviews. “This program has been
amazing,” participant Maryanne Brown was quoted as saying. She’s now
completed the nine week session but still spends as many as six hours a week
practicing what she learned. “They’re really onto something with it. It’s
made a tremendous difference in my quality of life.”
SOURCE: Temple University, published online April 4, 20008
