Comparison of Hatha Yoga and Elderly Exercise in Functional Balance of the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Physical changes with age affect functional balance. Hatha Yoga, a common balance exercise for the elderly, is not widely known among them, despite its numerous benefits. This study aims to compare Hatha Yoga and elderly exercise to improve functional balance in the elderly.Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial with 26 participants divided into two groups: the Hatha Yoga group (n=13) and the elderly exercise group (n=13). Both groups engaged in three-week exercises for six weeks, with balance measured before and after the intervention using the BBS.Results: There was an increase in BBS scores before and after treatment in the elderly exercise group (p<0.001) and in the Hatha Yoga group (p=0.001). The BBS value of the Hatha Yoga group (42.00 ± 0.58) was higher than that of the elderly exercise group (41.92 ± 0.86) at the start of the study, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.953). At the end of the study, the BBS score in the Hatha Yoga group (55.08 ± 0.86) was higher than that of the elderly exercise (50.54 ± 1.76) and the difference was significant (p <0.001). The difference in the score of Hatha Yoga (13.08 ± 0.76) compared to elderly exercise (8.62 ± 1.61) results in a significant p <0.001.Conclusion: Hatha Yoga improves better balance than elderly exercises to improve the functional balance of eldersKeywords: Berg Balance Scale, eldery, functional balance, Hatha Yoga, senam lansia