Conclusion This review is the first to compare the effects of yoga with active and inactive controls in older adults not characterised by a specific clinical condition .
Results indicate that yoga interventions improve multiple physical function and HRQoL outcomes in this population compared to both control conditions .
This study provides robust evidence for promoting yoga in physical activity guidelines for older adults as a multimodal activity that improves aspects of fitness like strength , balance and flexibility , as well as mental wellbeing .
Background Yoga has been recommended as a muscle strengthening and balance activity in national and global physical activity guidelines .
However , the evidence base establishing the effectiveness of yoga in improving physical function and health related quality of life ( HRQoL ) in an older adult population not recruited on the basis of any specific disease or condition , has not been systematic ally review ed .
The objective of this study was to synthesis e existing evidence on the effects of yoga on physical function and HRQoL in older adults not characterised by any specific clinical condition .
A 12-week Iyengar yoga program improved balance and mobility in older community-dwelling people: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Exercise that challenges balance can improve mobility and prevent falls in older adults .  Yoga as a physical activity option for older adults is not well studied . This trial evaluated the feasibility and effect of a 12-week Iyengar yoga program on balance and mobility in older people . METHODS We conducted a blinded , pilot r and omized controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis . Participants were 54 community dwellers ( mean age 68 years , SD 7.1 ) not currently participating in yoga or tai chi . The intervention group ( n = 27 ) participated in a 12-week , twice-weekly yoga program focused on st and ing postures and received a fall prevention education booklet . The control group ( n = 27 ) received the education booklet only . Primary outcome was st and ing balance component of the short physical performance battery with addition of one-legged stance time ( st and ing balance ) . Secondary outcomes were the timed sit-to-st and test , timed 4-m walk , one-legged st and with eyes closed , and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International . Feasibility was measured by recording class attendance and adverse events . RESULTS Fifty-two participants completed follow-up assessment s. The intervention group significantly improved compared with control group on st and ing balance ( mean difference = 1.52 seconds , 95 % CI 0.10 - 2.96 , p = .04 ) , sit-to-st and test ( mean difference = -3.43 seconds , 95 % CI -5.23 to -1.64 , p < .001 ) , 4-m walk ( mean difference = -0.50 seconds , 95 % CI -0.72 to -0.28 , p < .001 ) , and one-legged st and with eyes closed ( mean difference = 1.93 seconds , 95 % CI 0.40 - 3.46 , p = .02 ) . Average class attendance was 20 of 24 classes ( 83 % ) . No serious adverse events occurred . CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrates the balance and mobility-related benefits and feasibility of Iyengar yoga for older people . The fall prevention effect of Iyengar yoga warrants further investigation
Conclusion This review is the first to compare the effects of yoga with active and inactive controls in older adults not characterised by a specific clinical condition .
Results indicate that yoga interventions improve multiple physical function and HRQoL outcomes in this population compared to both control conditions .
This study provides robust evidence for promoting yoga in physical activity guidelines for older adults as a multimodal activity that improves aspects of fitness like strength , balance and flexibility , as well as mental wellbeing .
Background Yoga has been recommended as a muscle strengthening and balance activity in national and global physical activity guidelines .
However , the evidence base establishing the effectiveness of yoga in improving physical function and health related quality of life ( HRQoL ) in an older adult population not recruited on the basis of any specific disease or condition , has not been systematic ally review ed .
The objective of this study was to synthesis e existing evidence on the effects of yoga on physical function and HRQoL in older adults not characterised by any specific clinical condition .