Yoga Prevents Falls?
Reported September 09, 2008
PHILADEPHIA (Ivanhoe Newswire) — It’s known for putting body, mind and spirit into balance. Now, researchers say one form of yoga may help prevent the elderly from taking a fall.
Maryann Brown hoped yoga would relieve pain in her hips and back. After several months of regular classes, this senior found an added bonus — shes steadier on her feet.
Now, Im feeling much more confident especially going down steeper stairs, Brown told Ivanhoe.
Balance is crucial for the elderly. One in three people over age 65 fall every year. About 15 thousand seniors die from fall-related injuries.
Researchers at Temple Universitys School of Podiatric Medicine examined 24 elderly women enrolled in a yoga program.
They measured each participant on a special runway equipped with a pressure platform and force plate. The gait lab precisely records foot and leg movement.
The women participated in twice weekly classes of Iyengar yoga — a class that uses chairs and other props for body placement. After nine weeks, there were significant changes.
People had greater range of motion of their lower extremities Jinsup Song, D.P.M., Ph.D., director of the Gait Study Center at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn., told Ivanhoe.
Participants walked faster and had longer strides. Researchers also noted a change in weight distribution on the womens feet — one that was better for balance. All of these changes potentially offset the loss of coordination as people age.
Researchers also found participants stood about one centimeter taller after taking part in the yoga classes. They believe the findings could also help men. They only used women in the study because they are more likely to suffer fall injuries. Longer follow-up studies are needed to confirm their findings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Emilie Zoltick
Research Coordinator
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 625-5365
ezoltick@tuspm.temple.edu