A new study from The University of Sydney has revealed unexpected findings regarding Iyengar yoga’s effectiveness in preventing falls among older adults. Conducted with a group of 700 participants aged 60 and above, the research found that those practicing yoga experienced a significantly higher rate of falls compared to a control group engaged in seated breathing and stretching exercises.
The study, the largest of its kind focusing on the impact of yoga on falls, aimed to assess whether this popular form of exercise could serve as a preventative measure. Participants attended two classes each week for a year, with half participating in Iyengar yoga and the other half in alternative exercises.
While yoga is known for enhancing self-confidence and mobility, the results were surprising: the yoga cohort reported a 33 percent higher incidence of falls, with 276 falls recorded compared to 164 falls in the control group. Despite the increased fall rates, the study noted only a slight rise in injuries, with 15 percent of the yoga group and 13 percent of the control group experiencing injuries like cuts or sprains.
Unexpected Outcomes
Lead researcher Anne Tiedemann, a professor of physical activity and health at The University of Sydney, stated that the findings were “the opposite of what we expected.” She emphasized the importance of understanding the dynamics of falls, which involve a mix of environmental factors, personal behavior, and physical condition.
The study concluded that while yoga improved participants’ balance confidence, it may have inadvertently led them to move more freely, resulting in an increased risk of falls. Tiedemann noted the transition to online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic could have influenced the outcomes, as participants might not have exerted themselves as much without an instructor present.
Expert Perspectives on Yoga for Seniors
Yoga instructor Jean Leow, who teaches Iyengar yoga in Sydney, highlighted the necessity of tailoring yoga classes to individual needs, particularly for seniors. “It’s up to the instructor to ensure the classes are customized to the abilities of each student,” Leow said, stressing the crucial role of teacher guidance in maximizing the benefits of yoga for older adults.
Another instructor, Sue-ellen Kohler, expressed concern about the online format of the classes, suggesting that the lack of direct supervision may have affected the participants’ performance. “The teacher needs to actually look at how the body is working and how the body is using its muscles,” she noted.
While the study’s findings may raise questions about Iyengar yoga’s role in fall prevention, Tiedemann pointed out that the activity still offers significant benefits, including increased physical activity and goal achievement among participants. Some individuals continued practicing yoga even after the study concluded.
Every day, approximately 14 Australians aged 65 and older die from falls, according to data from the Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre at Neuroscience Research Australia. Additionally, 364 people in this age group are hospitalized daily due to fall-related injuries.
In June 2023, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care updated its falls prevention guidelines for the first time in over a decade, emphasizing the importance of exercise for older adults. The updated recommendations encourage at least two to three hours of exercise weekly, focusing on balance, mobility, and strength to reduce fall risks.
While the results of the recent study may not advocate for Iyengar yoga as a primary fall prevention strategy, they underscore the importance of physical activity for older adults. For individuals like Margaret Kirkwood, an 83-year-old who attributes her recovery from a hip injury to her yoga practice, the benefits of yoga extend beyond fall prevention. “I wouldn’t be like this without Iyengar. I’ve got a really good teacher,” she said, reflecting her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga.
