Yoga may Help Prevent Falls
Reported April 07, 2008
(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. Shes now completed the nine week session but still spends as many as six hours a week practicing what she learned. Theyre really onto something with it. Its made a tremendous difference in my quality of life.
SOURCE: Temple University, published online April 4, 20008