Hatha Yoga to Improve Kyphotic Posture and Its Complications

Yoga for Seniors:Understanding the Benefits and Risks of ParticipationGeorge Salem, PhDUSC Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy

University of Southern California1Yoga maybe an ideal exercise activity for seniors

University of Southern California

Yoga is fun!

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga can be done at home or in a class

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga may improve or maintain flexibility

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga may improve or maintain strength

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga may improve or maintain balance

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga is mindful

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga can be modified

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga Empowers Seniors Study (YESS)Primary Aim: Measure physical demands of the yoga postures / asanas

University of Southern California101* Aim was to Quantify the Physical Demands Associated with Yoga Participation

We did so by collecting Biomechanical data in a Motion Analysis Laboratory

Here, we see a PPT being instrumented for biomechanical analysisYESS: Methods

Opening

Middle &

Closing

SequencesUniversity of Southern California11In order to be True to Yoga, we had our PPTs go through the yoga program with the guidance of our instructor.

They performed opening, middle, and closing sequences.Biomechanical analysisJoint Moment of Force: JMOF

YESS: Methods

University of Southern California12Here we see a PPT performing the TREE pose. Marker data along with GRF data are used to create a Musculoskeletal Model

With the model we can then quantify the joint angles, reaction forces, and joint torques produced during the asana.

We call these joint torques Joint Moments of Force.

We were particularly interested in the JMOF about the hip because Hip Abductor Strength is associated with Balance, Gait performance, and Fall risk.Muscular Endurance 2 Min Step Test:

YESS: Results* p < 0.0515.2%**12.4%

University of Southern California13Here are data from the 2-min Step Test.

It is a measure of Hip Muscular Endurance

Muscular Endurance Heel Rise Test:YESS: Results* p < 0.0533.9%**19.4%

University of Southern California14The Heel Rise Test is a measure of plantar flexor (calf muscle) EnduranceKnee Extensor Strength:YESS: Results

University of Southern California15There was no change in knee extensor strengthYESS: ResultsStatic Balance

University of Southern California16YESS: ResultsYoga-related side effectsYoga-Related Problem # of occurrences (number with prior condition)Shoulder Pain 6 (6)Upper Back Pain 1 (1)Low Back Pain 3 (2)Knee Pain1 (0)Thigh Pain1 (1)Heartburn (Reflux)1 (1)Leg/foot pain (Venous Insufficiency)1 (1)University of Southern CaliforniaWe also wanted to see if we could identify poses which may have contributed to the reported AEs in the study.

We found that the most common side effect of the program was Shoulder Pain.

Thus,m was sought to identify which poses may be contributing to shoulder problems in those PPTs that had had previous problems17YESS: Results Yoga-related side effectsYoga-Related Problem # of occurrences (number with prior condition)Shoulder Pain 6 (6)Upper Back Pain 1 (1)Low Back Pain 3 (2)Knee Pain1 (0)Thigh Pain1 (1)Heartburn (Reflux)1 (1)Leg/foot pain (Venous Insufficiency)1 (1)University of Southern CaliforniaYESS: ResultsShoulder flexor JMOF across poses

University of Southern California19We then looked at the JMOF in order to identify those poses which had both a High Flexion Angle and a High Flexor Joint Moment

We identified both the Side Stretch and the Downward Facing Dog as those poses which had high angles and moments.

This also has implications for program design and prescription:

It suggests that these poses should be modified further or replaced for PPTs that have had a previous shoulder problem.Yoga is popular with over 1-million senior participants

University of Southern California

Yoga maybe an ideal exercise activity for seniorsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaYoga appears to increase/maintain fitness

University of Southern CaliforniaYESS: ResultsYoga-related side effectsYoga-Related Problem # of occurrences (number with prior condition)Shoulder Pain 6 (6)Upper Back Pain 1 (1)Low Back Pain 3 (2)Knee Pain1 (0)Thigh Pain1 (1)Heartburn (Reflux)1 (1)Leg/foot pain (Venous Insufficiency)1 (1)University of Southern CaliforniaWe also wanted to see if we could identify poses which may have contributed to the reported AEs in the study.

We found that the most common side effect of the program was Shoulder Pain.

Thus,m was sought to identify which poses may be contributing to shoulder problems in those PPTs that had had previous problems23Senior yoga requires proper instruction

University of Southern CaliforniaYoga should be one component of balanced exercise program

University of Southern CaliforniaThank you!

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