Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an Iyengar yoga-based exercise program on fall rates compared to seated relaxation yoga in older adults.

Approach:

• Study Design: A pragmatic, randomized controlled trial with about 700 participants aged 60 years and older living independently in Australia.
• Intervention: Participants were assigned to either an Iyengar-style yoga group (n=350) or a seated yoga relaxation group (n=350) for 12 months.
• Data Collection: Participants recorded falls and secondary outcomes including self-rated balance, mental wellbeing, physical activity, quality of life, physical function, sleep quality, pain, and goal attainment.

Key Findings:

• 41% of participants in the Iyengar group reported at least one fall compared to 29% in the seated yoga group.
• The rate of injurious falls was similar between both groups (15% vs 13%).
• Participants with no history of falls and higher baseline physical activity had higher fall rates.
• Self-reported balance confidence was higher in the Iyengar group (mean difference 2.94 [0·60–5·28]).
• Participants in the Iyengar group engaged in more planned physical activity (mean difference 0.96 hours per week [0.43-1.49]) and had higher goal attainment (mean difference 0.60 [0.26-0.94]).

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study primarily involved online sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Only six participants reported musculoskeletal-related adverse events, indicating limited adverse effects.

Conclusion:

Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of different yoga styles that incorporate more dynamic balance on fall risk and prevention.

Sources:

• The Lancet Healthy Longevity