Effectiveness of Yoga along with Occupational Therapy Intervention on Balance and Gait in Older Adults

Background: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity among the elderly, with fear of falling (FoF) contributing to reduced physical activity, social participation, and quality of life. Evidence suggests that structured physical activity, including occupational therapy and yoga, may enhance balance and gait performance. However, limited research exists on their combined impact. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 56 community-dwelling older adults aged 60–80 years with balance impairments or FoF. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving occupational therapy (OT) intervention or an experimental group receiving OT combined with yoga. Both groups underwent 12 weeks of bi-weekly sessions. Balance and gait were assessed using the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment II (POMA II) at baseline and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired and independent t-tests with a significance level of p<0.005. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in POMA II scores post-intervention. The experimental group showed greater improvements across multiple components including chair balance (p=0.001), standing balance (p=0.000), and gait elements such as walk initiation and step characteristics (p<0.05). Though both interventions were beneficial, the addition of yoga in the experimental group yielded superior outcomes in several domains, suggesting a synergistic effect. Conclusion: Occupational therapy interventions, both alone and in combination with yoga, effectively improved balance and gait in older adults, contributing to a reduced risk of falls. The integration of yoga further enhanced these benefits, highlighting its potential as a valuable adjunct to traditional OT programs. Key words: occupational therapy, elderly, yoga, balance, fall prevention