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A 12-week Iyengar yoga program improved balance and mobility in older community-dwelling people: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Tiedemann A, O'Rourke S, Sesto R, Sherrington C
The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 2013 Sep;68(9):1068-1075
clinical trial
8/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND: Exercise that challenges balance can improve mobility and prevent falls in older adults. Yoga as a physical activity option for older adults is not well studied. This trial evaluated the feasibility and effect of a 12-week Iyengar yoga program on balance and mobility in older people. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were 54 community dwellers (mean age 68 years, SD 7.1) not currently participating in yoga or Tai Chi. The intervention group (n = 27) participated in a 12-week, twice-weekly yoga program focused on standing postures and received a fall prevention education booklet. The control group (n = 27) received the education booklet only. Primary outcome was standing balance component of the short physical performance battery with addition of one-legged stance time (standing balance). Secondary outcomes were the timed sit-to-stand test, timed 4-m walk, one-legged stand with eyes closed, and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Feasibility was measured by recording class attendance and adverse events. RESULTS: Fifty-two participants completed follow-up assessments. The intervention group significantly improved compared with control group on standing balance (mean difference 1.52 seconds, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.96, p = 0.04), sit-to-stand test (mean difference -3.43 seconds, 95% CI -5.23 to -1.64, p < 0.001), 4-m walk (mean difference -0.50 seconds, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.28, p < 0.001), and one-legged stand with eyes closed (mean difference 1.93 seconds, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.46, p = 0.02). Average class attendance was 20 of 24 classes (83%). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrates the balance and mobility-related benefits and feasibility of Iyengar yoga for older people. The fall prevention effect of Iyengar yoga warrants further investigation.
Copyright the Gerontological Society of America. Reproduced by permission of the publisher.

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