The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in
Transcript Of The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in
Utah State University
[email protected]
All Graduate Plan B and other Reports
Graduate Studies
5-3-2019
The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults
Haley M. Hayes Utah State University
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports
Part of the Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons
Recommended Citation Hayes, Haley M., "The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults" (2019). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports. 1355. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1355
This Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at [email protected] It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Plan B and other Reports by an authorized administrator of [email protected] For more information, please contact [email protected]
THE EFFECTS OF A YOGA INTERVENTION ON REACTIVE BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS by Haley M. Hayes
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in
Health and Human Movement - Exercise Science
Approved:
______________________ David A.E. Bolton, Ph.D. Major Professor
____________________ Eadric Bressel, Ph.D. Committee Member
______________________ Brennan Thompson, Ph.D. Committee Member
____________________ Laurens H. Smith, Ph.D. Interim Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah
2019
ii
Copyright © Haley M. Hayes 2019 All Rights Reserved
iii
ABSTRACT
The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults by
Haley M. Hayes, Master of Science Utah State University, 2019
Major Professor: Dr. David A.E. Bolton Department: Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Research into successful aging has shown that the ability to control balance is a key part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Given the increased proportion of older adults in society, the development of effective strategies to promote successful aging are critical. One promising form of activity that could effectively sustain and/or improve balance in addition to other health markers is yoga. Although studies have been done showing yoga's benefits on mobility, mood and cognition the vast majority of these studies lack scientific rigor. The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the efficacy of a 6-week yoga intervention in improving reactive balance in older adults. This study is one part of a larger intervention study that investigated changes in cognitive function and muscle strength in addition to balance. Thirteen older adults were randomized into a yoga intervention group (n=7) or a control group (n=6). Subjects in the yoga group participated in hour long classes, twice per week for six weeks. Each yoga
iv class incorporate seated, standing and lying down poses along with breathwork and meditation. Subjects in the control group completed hour long sessions of computerbased cognitive training twice per week for six weeks. Reactive balance was tested using a custom lean and release device both before and after the intervention. Balance performance was measured as: (a) muscle onset time in the stepping leg, when a forward step was required to recover balance, and (b) stepping errors (i.e. taking a step when the leg was blocked). No statistically significant effects were noted between groups on response time (p = 0.447) nor error rate (p = 0.622). However, the low sample size likely compromises our ability to make definitive conclusions. This study is an early attempt to get very focused measures to evaluate yoga, using a balance task that emphasized heightened cognitive demand. With this study we were able to demonstrate the feasibility of using yoga as an intervention and provide insight for future studies looking at the potential effects of yoga on reactive balance in older adults.
(38 pages)
v
PUBLIC ABSTRACT
The Effect of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults Haley M. Hayes
Research into successful aging has shown that the ability to control balance is a key part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Given the increased proportion of older adults in society, the development of effective strategies to promote successful aging are critical. One promising form of activity that could effectively sustain and/or improve balance in addition to other health markers is yoga. Although studies have been done showing yoga's benefits on mobility, mood and cognition the vast majority of these studies lack scientific rigor. The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the efficacy of a 6-week yoga intervention in improving reactive balance in older adults. This study is one part of a larger intervention study that investigated changes in cognitive function and muscle strength in addition to balance. Thirteen older adults were randomized into a yoga intervention group (7 participants) or a control group (6 participants). Subjects in the yoga group participated in hour long classes, twice per week for six weeks. Each yoga class incorporate seated, standing and lying down poses along with breathwork and meditation. Subjects in the control group completed hour long sessions of computer-based cognitive training twice per week for six weeks. Reactive balance was tested using a custom lean and release device both before and after the intervention. Balance performance was measured as: (a) muscle onset time in the
vi stepping leg, when a forward step was required to recover balance, and (b) stepping errors (i.e. taking a step when the leg was blocked). No differences were noted between groups on response time or error rate, however, it is likely that the low sample size compromises our ability to make definitive conclusions. This study is an early attempt to get very focused measures to evaluate yoga, using a balance task that emphasized heightened cognitive demand. With this study we were able to demonstrate the feasibility of using yoga as an intervention and provide insight for future studies looking at the potential effects of yoga on reactive balance in older adults.
vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank my committee members, Drs. David A. E. Bolton, Eadric Bressel and Brennan J. Thompson for their valuable advice, guidance and participation. I would also like to send gratitude to the late Dr. Dennis G. Dolny for his encouragement and support.
I would like to express my sincere and overwhelming gratitude to my two amazing children. L & S, thank-you for the love, support and patience you both freely gave during this process. Without that, none of this would have been possible.
viii CONTENTS
Page ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... iii PUBLIC ABSTRACT .........................................................................................................v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ ix LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................x INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................................................5
Participants ............................................................................................................5 Experimental Design .............................................................................................7 Outcome Measures ................................................................................................8 Statistical Analysis ..............................................................................................12 RESULTS ..........................................................................................................................12 Response Time ....................................................................................................13 Error Rate ............................................................................................................14 Time to Handle ....................................................................................................16
DISCUSSION ....................................................................................................................17 Methodological Considerations ...........................................................................20 Future Directions .................................................................................................22
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................23 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................26
Appendix A. Example Yoga Poses Used in the Study ........................................26 Appendix B. Sample Yoga Class Structure.........................................................28
ix
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1
2
3
Page Individual TA muscle onset time and group averages at pre-testing and post-testing. ..........................................................................14
Individual number of errors and group averages at pre-testing and post-testing ............................................................................15
Individual average time to handle contact and group averages for pre-testing and post-testing. ....................................................................16
[email protected]
All Graduate Plan B and other Reports
Graduate Studies
5-3-2019
The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults
Haley M. Hayes Utah State University
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports
Part of the Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons
Recommended Citation Hayes, Haley M., "The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults" (2019). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports. 1355. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1355
This Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at [email protected] It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Plan B and other Reports by an authorized administrator of [email protected] For more information, please contact [email protected]
THE EFFECTS OF A YOGA INTERVENTION ON REACTIVE BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS by Haley M. Hayes
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in
Health and Human Movement - Exercise Science
Approved:
______________________ David A.E. Bolton, Ph.D. Major Professor
____________________ Eadric Bressel, Ph.D. Committee Member
______________________ Brennan Thompson, Ph.D. Committee Member
____________________ Laurens H. Smith, Ph.D. Interim Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah
2019
ii
Copyright © Haley M. Hayes 2019 All Rights Reserved
iii
ABSTRACT
The Effects of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults by
Haley M. Hayes, Master of Science Utah State University, 2019
Major Professor: Dr. David A.E. Bolton Department: Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Research into successful aging has shown that the ability to control balance is a key part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Given the increased proportion of older adults in society, the development of effective strategies to promote successful aging are critical. One promising form of activity that could effectively sustain and/or improve balance in addition to other health markers is yoga. Although studies have been done showing yoga's benefits on mobility, mood and cognition the vast majority of these studies lack scientific rigor. The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the efficacy of a 6-week yoga intervention in improving reactive balance in older adults. This study is one part of a larger intervention study that investigated changes in cognitive function and muscle strength in addition to balance. Thirteen older adults were randomized into a yoga intervention group (n=7) or a control group (n=6). Subjects in the yoga group participated in hour long classes, twice per week for six weeks. Each yoga
iv class incorporate seated, standing and lying down poses along with breathwork and meditation. Subjects in the control group completed hour long sessions of computerbased cognitive training twice per week for six weeks. Reactive balance was tested using a custom lean and release device both before and after the intervention. Balance performance was measured as: (a) muscle onset time in the stepping leg, when a forward step was required to recover balance, and (b) stepping errors (i.e. taking a step when the leg was blocked). No statistically significant effects were noted between groups on response time (p = 0.447) nor error rate (p = 0.622). However, the low sample size likely compromises our ability to make definitive conclusions. This study is an early attempt to get very focused measures to evaluate yoga, using a balance task that emphasized heightened cognitive demand. With this study we were able to demonstrate the feasibility of using yoga as an intervention and provide insight for future studies looking at the potential effects of yoga on reactive balance in older adults.
(38 pages)
v
PUBLIC ABSTRACT
The Effect of a Yoga Intervention on Reactive Balance in Older Adults Haley M. Hayes
Research into successful aging has shown that the ability to control balance is a key part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Given the increased proportion of older adults in society, the development of effective strategies to promote successful aging are critical. One promising form of activity that could effectively sustain and/or improve balance in addition to other health markers is yoga. Although studies have been done showing yoga's benefits on mobility, mood and cognition the vast majority of these studies lack scientific rigor. The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the efficacy of a 6-week yoga intervention in improving reactive balance in older adults. This study is one part of a larger intervention study that investigated changes in cognitive function and muscle strength in addition to balance. Thirteen older adults were randomized into a yoga intervention group (7 participants) or a control group (6 participants). Subjects in the yoga group participated in hour long classes, twice per week for six weeks. Each yoga class incorporate seated, standing and lying down poses along with breathwork and meditation. Subjects in the control group completed hour long sessions of computer-based cognitive training twice per week for six weeks. Reactive balance was tested using a custom lean and release device both before and after the intervention. Balance performance was measured as: (a) muscle onset time in the
vi stepping leg, when a forward step was required to recover balance, and (b) stepping errors (i.e. taking a step when the leg was blocked). No differences were noted between groups on response time or error rate, however, it is likely that the low sample size compromises our ability to make definitive conclusions. This study is an early attempt to get very focused measures to evaluate yoga, using a balance task that emphasized heightened cognitive demand. With this study we were able to demonstrate the feasibility of using yoga as an intervention and provide insight for future studies looking at the potential effects of yoga on reactive balance in older adults.
vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank my committee members, Drs. David A. E. Bolton, Eadric Bressel and Brennan J. Thompson for their valuable advice, guidance and participation. I would also like to send gratitude to the late Dr. Dennis G. Dolny for his encouragement and support.
I would like to express my sincere and overwhelming gratitude to my two amazing children. L & S, thank-you for the love, support and patience you both freely gave during this process. Without that, none of this would have been possible.
viii CONTENTS
Page ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... iii PUBLIC ABSTRACT .........................................................................................................v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ ix LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................x INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................................................5
Participants ............................................................................................................5 Experimental Design .............................................................................................7 Outcome Measures ................................................................................................8 Statistical Analysis ..............................................................................................12 RESULTS ..........................................................................................................................12 Response Time ....................................................................................................13 Error Rate ............................................................................................................14 Time to Handle ....................................................................................................16
DISCUSSION ....................................................................................................................17 Methodological Considerations ...........................................................................20 Future Directions .................................................................................................22
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................23 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................26
Appendix A. Example Yoga Poses Used in the Study ........................................26 Appendix B. Sample Yoga Class Structure.........................................................28
ix
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1
2
3
Page Individual TA muscle onset time and group averages at pre-testing and post-testing. ..........................................................................14
Individual number of errors and group averages at pre-testing and post-testing ............................................................................15
Individual average time to handle contact and group averages for pre-testing and post-testing. ....................................................................16