Effect of Yoga Practices on Postural Stability, Fall Risk, and Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults

Background: Advancing age is frequently associated with balance impairment, increased fall risk, and psychological distress, which together contribute to loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Yoga, as a mind-body practice, has the potential to enhance physical stability as well as mental well-being in older adults. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured yoga program on balance, fear of falling, mobility, and mental health outcomes among older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test study was conducted at Nagpur, India. A total of 64 eligible participants (65-85 years) were purposively assigned to a yoga intervention group (n = 32) or a waitlist control group (n = 32). The 12-week intervention comprised preparatory exercises, yoga postures, breathing practices, and meditation. Outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention included balance, fear of falling, mobility, depression, and anxiety. Results: Data from 50 participants (yoga: n = 26; control: n = 24) were analyzed. The yoga group showed significant improvements in balance (p < 0.001) and functional mobility (p < 0.001), with significant reductions in fear of falling (p = 0.009), anxiety (p = 0.0003), and depression (p = 0.004). In contrast, the control group exhibited deterioration in functional mobility (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.009), with no significant gains in other measures. Between-group comparisons confirmed significantly greater improvements in the yoga group across all outcomes. Conclusions: A 12-week yoga program was feasible and effective in improving balance, functional mobility, and mental health, while reducing fear of falling among older adults. Yoga may serve as a safe, non-pharmacological intervention to promote healthy aging in institutionalized populations. Trial registration: This study was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (Registration No: CTRI/2023/10/058682; Registered on: 16 October 2023).