title: Effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of yoga on balance and gait properties in women with musculoskeletal problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven women (30-45 years old) with musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis and low-back pain, were included in the present study. The patients participated in 8 sessions (twice weekly for 4 weeks) of a yoga program which included asanas, stretching exercises, and breathing techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients' static balance measurements and gait parameters were determined before and after the study using a stabilometer and a gait trainer, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Post-study values of patients' gait parameters were found to be statistically higher than their pre-study values (p < 0.05) The values of patients' balance addressed anterior and right positions with patients' eyes open and subsequently closed pre-treatment. However, it was notable that balance post-treatment was minimal when subjects eyes were open or closed. Anterior-posterior values and right-left values were almost equal after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that yoga has a positive effect on balance and gait parameters of women with gait and balance disturbances that are caused by musculoskeletal problems. It is feasible to conclude that asanas and stretching exercises included in the yoga program brought about such a positive effect, and therefore it is possible to use yoga programs to solve problems caused by musculoskeletal disorders.
authors.affiliation: Hacettepe University Health Sciences Faculty, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Samanpazarı, Ankara, Turkey. ozlemulger@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ozlem
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ulger
authors.forename: Naciye Vardar
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Yağlı
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance; D016138:Walking; D015013:Yoga