Comparative Impacts of Tai Chi, Balance Training, and a Specially-Designed Yoga Program on Balance in Older Fallers

Objective To compare the effect of a custom-designed yoga program with 2 other balance training programs. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Research laboratory. Participants A group of older adults (N=39; mean age, 74.15±6.99y) with a history of falling. Interventions Three different exercise interventions (Tai Chi, standard balance training, yoga) were given for 12 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Balance performance was examined during pre- and posttest using field tests, including the 8-foot up-and-go test, 1-leg stance, functional reach, and usual and maximal walking speed. The static and dynamic balances were also assessed by postural sway and dynamic posturography, respectively. Results Training produced significant improvements in all field tests (P<.005), but group difference and time × group interaction were not detected. For postural sway, significant decreases in the area of the center of pressure with eyes open (P=.001) and eyes closed (P=.002) were detected after training. For eyes open, maximum medial-lateral velocity significantly decreased for the sample (P=.013). For eyes closed, medial-lateral displacement decreased for Tai Chi (P<.01). For dynamic posturography, significant improvements in overall score (P=.001), time on the test (P=.006), and 2 linear measures in lateral (P=.001) and anterior-posterior (P<.001) directions were seen for the sample. Conclusions Yoga was as effective as Tai Chi and standard balance training for improving postural stability and may offer an alternative to more traditional programs.