Balance Flow Yoga: Preventing Falls and Injuries

Our research team recently completed a study called The Effect of Yoga on Decreasing the Risk of Fall-related Injury in Peri- and Post-menopausal Women.

The project determined the effect of 12 weeks of hatha yoga on fall risk factors such as balance, strength, mobility, confidence and incontinence and the ability to control landing and descent of a forward fall. Through focus group discussions, we also explored the participants’ perceived changes in overall health and well-being and some of the facilitators and challenges to participating.

Results are promising, showing significant improvements in fall risk factors and many perceived benefits and positive changes on quality of life and healthy aging.

Balance Flow Yoga developed for this project was designed by two physiotherapists on our team who are also yoga professionals by training. We created this video to share the essentials of the class with a broader audience.

This video demonstrates the key principles and practices of Balance Flow Yoga and also highlights the main themes emerging from the focus groups as depicted in the graphic below.

We invite you to view this video, and watch for future messages of training workshops and information sessions for leaders in healthcare, fitness, yoga and yoga therapy communities.

We hope this video will provide insight and guidance on ways to safely and effectively integrate evidence into yoga practice.