Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of a custom-designed yoga program with 2 other
balance training programs.
DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Research
laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A group of older adults (N=39; mean age, 74.15 +/- 6.99
y) with a history of falling. INTERVENTIONS: Three different exercise
interventions (Tai Chi, standard balance training, yoga) were given for 12 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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 x 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.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS