The George Institute for Global Health, PO Box M201, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013 Sep;68(9):1068-75. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glt087. Epub 2013 Jul 2.
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.
We conducted a blinded, pilot randomized 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 standing postures and received a fall prevention education booklet. The control group (n = 27) received the education booklet only. Primary outcome was standing balance component of the short physical performance battery with addition of one-legged stance time (standing balance). Secondary outcomes were the timed sit-to-stand test, timed 4-m walk, one-legged stand with eyes closed, and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Feasibility was measured by recording class attendance and adverse events.
Fifty-two participants completed follow-up assessments. The intervention group significantly improved compared with control group on standing balance (mean difference = 1.52 seconds, 95% CI 0.10-2.96, p = .04), sit-to-stand 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 stand 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.
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.
挑战平衡的运动可以提高老年人的活动能力并预防跌倒。瑜伽作为老年人的一种体育活动选择，尚未得到充分研究。本试验评估了 12 周的艾扬格瑜伽方案对老年人平衡和活动能力的可行性和效果。
我们进行了一项盲法、试点随机对照试验，采用意向治疗分析。参与者为 54 名居住在社区的老年人（平均年龄 68 岁，标准差 7.1），目前未参加瑜伽或太极课程。干预组（n=27）参加了为期 12 周、每周两次的瑜伽课程，重点是站立姿势，并接受了防跌倒教育手册。对照组（n=27）仅接受教育手册。主要结局指标是短体适能电池的站立平衡部分，增加单腿站立时间（站立平衡）。次要结局指标是计时坐-站测试、计时 4 米步行、闭眼单腿站立和简短跌倒效能量表-国际版。通过记录上课出勤率和不良事件来衡量可行性。
52 名参与者完成了随访评估。与对照组相比，干预组在站立平衡（平均差异=1.52 秒，95%置信区间 0.10-2.96，p=0.04）、坐-站测试（平均差异=-3.43 秒，95%置信区间-5.23 至-1.64，p<0.001）、4 米步行（平均差异=-0.50 秒，95%置信区间-0.72 至-0.28，p<0.001）和闭眼单腿站立（平均差异=1.93 秒，95%置信区间 0.40-3.46，p=0.02）方面均有显著改善。平均上课出勤率为 24 节课中的 20 节（83%）。没有发生严重不良事件。
本试验表明，艾扬格瑜伽对老年人的平衡和移动能力有益，且可行。艾扬格瑜伽对预防跌倒的效果值得进一步研究。
