Comparative impacts of Tai Chi, balance training, and a specially-designed yoga program on balance in older fallers.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of a custom-designed yoga program with 2 other balance training programs.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
A group of older adults (N=39; mean age, 74.15 ± 6.99 y) with a history of falling.


METHODS
Three different exercise interventions (Tai Chi, standard balance training, yoga) were given for 12 weeks.


METHODS
Balance performance was examined during pre- and posttest using field tests, including the 8-foot up-and-go test, 1-leg stance, functional reach, and usual and maximal walking speed. The static and dynamic balances were also assessed by postural sway and dynamic posturography, respectively.


RESULTS
Training produced significant improvements in all field tests (P<.005), but group difference and time × group interaction were not detected. For postural sway, significant decreases in the area of the center of pressure with eyes open (P=.001) and eyes closed (P=.002) were detected after training. For eyes open, maximum medial-lateral velocity significantly decreased for the sample (P=.013). For eyes closed, medial-lateral displacement decreased for Tai Chi (P<.01). For dynamic posturography, significant improvements in overall score (P=.001), time on the test (P=.006), and 2 linear measures in lateral (P=.001) and anterior-posterior (P<.001) directions were seen for the sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Yoga was as effective as Tai Chi and standard balance training for improving postural stability and may offer an alternative to more traditional programs.
Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Meng
M
Ni
BalaVinyasa Yoga, Naples, FL.
Kiersten
K
Mooney
BalaVinyasa Yoga, Naples, FL.
Luca
L
Richards
Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Anoop
A
Balachandran
Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Mingwei
M
Sun
Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Kysha
K
Harriell
Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Melanie
M
Potiaumpai
Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL; Center on Aging, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL. Electronic address: jsignorile@miami.edu.
Joseph F
JF
Signorile
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D026302:Tai Ji; D015013:Yoga
Exercise; Postural balance; Rehabilitation