Yoga can assist improve stability and balance in women over 65, and help stop falls, according to a new study. Researchers of Temple University’s Gait Study Centre examined the gait and postural stability of 24 elderly women enrolled in the popular Iygengar Yoga programme.

They found that at the end of the nine-week program, participants had a faster stride, increased flexibility in the lower extremities, improved single-leg stance, and greater than before balance and confidence in walking. The study was conducted by Marian Garfinkle, an Iyengar Yoga instructor, and Jinsup Song of Temple. Its findings were presented Friday at the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society’s annual meeting.

Designed by the renowned yoga teacher B.K.S. Iyengar, the programme used in the study was meant for elderly people with little or no yoga experience. What is sole about the programme is that it permits the use of props which allows participants to slowly master the poses while building their confidence levels. Studies have shown that among people above 65, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admission for shock and almost one-third of older adults suffer from some type of fall each year.

The researchers propose that improving balance and stability through yoga could help reduce the risk of falling, as these are two areas that are often lacking when a fall occurs. “We were very impressed at the growth our participants made by the end of the list,” said Song. “Subjects demonstrated improved pressure strength in lower extremities, which helps with constancy. There was also a pronounced difference in how weight was distributed on the bottom of the foot, which helps to preserve balance.”

Before she started the program, study member Maryanne Brown wasn’t sure she’d even want to stick with it. “I’ve never been one for exercise,” said the West Philadelphia native. “But I started attending the classes, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ Researchers also found to some participants who had unrelated back and knee pain, were pain-free by the end of the study. “I’ve had that pain for years,” said study participant Maryanne Brown. “And during one session, I heard a ‘pop’ and was sure I wouldn’t be able to get up. But I did, and I felt better than I had in years.”

This program has been amazing, said Brown, who now spends up to six hours a week practicing Iyengar Yoga. They’re in fact onto something with it. It’s made a tremendous difference in my quality of life. Song noted that this beginning information would pave the way for a larger study on how Iyengar Yoga affects the function of the foot to get better balance and constancy and stop falls.