We initiated a falls prevention program using RxRelax Seated Therapeutic Yoga, as described in our October 18, 2024 blog. We wanted to examine the effectiveness of our completely seated yoga program focused on falls prevention in community dwelling older adults. Could participants reduce their risk of falls without getting out of the chair and not using any props like weights or exercise bands?
It seems so!
Just one hour per week of our seated yoga for eight weeks yielded a number of statistically significant results across the three protocols used to collect data.
Below are just several of the findings:
- Feeling sad or depressed decreased (p = 0.0232). Feelings like sadness or depression are frequently linked to falls. Conversely, falls can elicit or worsen depression for multiple reasons. Note: a “p-value” indicates probability. In this case, a p-value of 0.0232 means there’s less than a 3% chance that the results occurred by random chance. This makes the result statistically significant.
- Fear of falling decreased (p = 0.0014). This fear is associated with a greater likelihood of falling, perhaps due to reducing physical activity.
- Experiences of rushing to toilet decreased (p = 0.0000184). Urgency to void, especially at night, increases chances of loss of balance, slips and falls.
- The group also excelled in exercises designed to rise from the chair safely and with agility (p = 0.0004) and single leg balancing (p = 0.007323).
The data indicated an overall and statistically significant shift toward a lower falls risk for the group.
Thanks to all who participated! Together, we can inspire each other to actions that enhance our health and resilience.