Kassie Moreno

Study Summary

Based on previous positive correlations with balance and breathing exercises and mobility in the
elderly population, Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation conducted a
study using Yoga. This was a 12-week Yoga intervention based on lowering participants fear of falling.
Utilizing bi-weekly, 75-minute classes that became progressively challenging over a 12-week period
offering modifications when needed, participants were monitored on a set criterion to assess mobility and
fear of falling.
The positive correlation between balance and breathing exercises and mobility in the elderly
population was found in a Thai Chi intervention and a few other studies. The use of Yoga was chosen for
this study to bring strength, flexibility, range of motion and breath into movement. Yoga is theorized to
be more therapeutic than traditional exercise modalities because of breath focus and mind and body
components, bringing focus to what is occurring in the moment and heightened proprioception. This
correlation has several theories behind it; flexibility is known to decrease approximately 15% per decade
after the age of 20 in both males and females, particularly in the lower back and hamstring regions. This
study focused primarily on fear of falling, which is a symptom of impaired mobility, can be associated
with depression, functional limitations, gait impairments, with worsening performance of daily activities,
mobility, mood, overall life satisfaction, general health, diminishes social function, self-efficacy, and
quality of life. Fear of falling is one of the greatest fears expressed by the elderly population with
statistics of at least 30% of those 65 and older and 50% of those 80 and older reporting a fall annually.
Fear of falling is also a barrier to exercise for populations such as those recovering from a stroke.
Criteria for participants being accepted into the study were based upon an age of 65+, minimal
level of physical fitness, a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, individual’s history of falls over
the previous 12 months and current fear of falling. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire being a
7-item self-administered tool to evaluate individual’s readiness to begin activity program of low-moderate
intensity identifying symptoms associated with heart disease and other concerns that may require a
physician. A history of falling based on events that landed them on the ground and current fear of falling
evaluated by two assessments. One assessment simply asking if they had a fear of falling in or out of the
home and the second a 16-item questionnaire with progressively challenging scenarios and their fear of
falling in each such as picking up an item from the ground.
The study was limited in a few areas such as demographics, the limit of 14 participants, the health
of participants was generally good, and financial and social standing was good as well. Participants were
all residents or workers in a retirement community. 100% of participants were Caucasian, 57% college
educated, 86% felt to be in good health and only 14% using an assisting device for mobility. Conductors
of the study explored the idea that less social interaction and financial security could result in different
activity readiness and fear of falling.
Participants were assessed by trained study research assistants and investigators carried out at
Indiana University before starting the program, at 6 weeks, and at the end of the program in several areas.
Evaluations included Bergs Balance Scale measuring change in balance control, previously mentioned
Fear of Falling Assessments, and upper and lower body flexibility using the chair sit and back scratch
assessments from the Senior Functional Fitness Manual. Each yoga class began with breathing exercises,
the first 4-6 weeks were spent on an introduction to yoga and each week built upon what was previously
learned. Postures were done primarily in a seated position with a few standing postures with the chair for
assistance. These practices were focused on building strength in arms, legs and feet.
Results at the 12-week mark showed little significant data, although many positive correlations.
There was no significant difference with the Bergs Balance scale although static balance had an increase
of 4%. Upper body flexibility showed little improvement while lower body flexibility increased by 34%
overall. Fear of falling decreased by 6% overall. Furthermore, yoga is a realistic intervention for fear of
falling and balance in older adults and it is likely with further study, larger demographic and a longer
intervention window to see even more improvement across the board.
 References

Schmid, A.A, Puymbroeck, M. V., Koceja, D. M. (2010). Effect of a 12-week Yoga Intervention on Fear of
Falling and Balance in Older Adults: A Pilot Study. The American Congress of Rehabilitation. Chicago,
Illinois.