A new study has shown that specific yoga programs may be able to assist older people in improving their balance and stability.

The area of poor balance and falls risk is a very important one, and one which is gaining prominence in the fitness industry as a whole. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly a third of older adults suffer a fall of some type each year.

Twenty-four elderly females who took part in a nine-week Iyengar yoga program designed specifically for senior citizens, were found to have a faster stride, increased flexibility in the legs, improved single-leg stance and more confidence in walking and balance.

The researchers, from Temple University’s Gait Study Center, suggested that the risk of falling could be reduced by improving balance and stability with the aid of specific yoga training.

Principal study researcher and director of the Gait Study Center, Dr Jinsup Song, said ‘We were very impressed at the progress our participants made by the end of the program. 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’.

Iyengar yoga was selected as the technique to use in the study as it uses helpful props including belts and blocks which can help those with minimal yoga experience to develop their technique with confidence. ‘In the past, similar studies have been done that look at gait and balance improvement in elderly females using a more aggressive form of yoga. For this study, we worked to create a very basic regimen that taught participants proper ways to breathe, stand and pose’ said Song.