Document Type : Original article
Authors
1
Elderly Association, Sport for All Federation
2
Sport injuner in sport medicine federation
3
Head of Yoga Committee, Qom Province Sport for All Board, Qom, Iran.
4
M.Sc. in Sport Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22037/sjrm.2026.117565.3447
Abstract
Objective: The increase in the elderly population is associated with decreased physical fitness, impaired balance, and increased risk of falls, which can seriously affect their functional independence and physical health. Targeted exercise training is known as one of the most effective strategies for preventing falls. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of aquatic yoga and Otago exercises on muscle strength, balance, range of motion, and fall risk in elderly women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. Elderly women aged 60 to 70 years in Qom were randomly assigned to three control groups, Otago exercises, and yoga in water (12 people in each group). The exercise interventions were implemented for 8 weeks. The variables of lower limb muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer), balance, and fall risk (Timed Up and Go test), ankle and spine range of motion (goniometer), and flexibility (Sit-and-Reach) were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, paired t-test, and Bonferroni post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05.
Findings: The results showed that both the aquatic yoga and Otago interventions significantly improved lower limb muscle strength, balance, range of motion, and reduced fall risk compared to the control group (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two training groups in balance and fall risk indices. However, the aquatic yoga group showed a significantly greater improvement in spinal range of motion compared to the Otago and control groups (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, both the aquatic yoga and Otago training programs are considered safe and effective interventions for improving physical fitness, balance, and reducing fall risk in elderly women. Given the superior effect of yoga in water on spinal range of motion, this intervention can be used as a suitable option in fall prevention programs for the elderly if aquatic facilities are available.
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