Effect of Yoga Practices on Postural Stability, Fall Risk, and Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults.

Résumé

Advancing age is frequently associated with balance impairment, increased fall risk, and psychological distress, which together contribute to loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Yoga, as a mind-body practice, has the potential to enhance physical stability as well as mental well-being in older adults. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured yoga program on balance, fear of falling, mobility, and mental health outcomes among older adults. A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test study was conducted at Nagpur, India. A total of 64 eligible participants (65-85 years) were purposively assigned to a yoga intervention group (n = 32) or a waitlist control group (n = 32). The 12-week intervention comprised preparatory exercises, yoga postures, breathing practices, and meditation. Outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention included balance, fear of falling, mobility, depression, and anxiety. Data from 50 participants (yoga: n = 26; control: n = 24) were analyzed. The yoga group showed significant improvements in balance ( < 0.001) and functional mobility ( < 0.001), with significant reductions in fear of falling ( = 0.009), anxiety ( = 0.0003), and depression ( = 0.004). In contrast, the control group exhibited deterioration in functional mobility ( = 0.001) and anxiety ( = 0.009), with no significant gains in other measures. Between-group comparisons confirmed significantly greater improvements in the yoga group across all outcomes. A 12-week yoga program was feasible and effective in improving balance, functional mobility, and mental health, while reducing fear of falling among older adults. Yoga may serve as a safe, non-pharmacological intervention to promote healthy aging in institutionalized populations. This study was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (Registration No: CTRI/2023/10/058682; Registered on: 16 October 2023).