Comparisons of tai chi and Iyengar yoga intervention effects on muscle strength, balance, and confidence in balance


Author: Renkun Zhu1, Wenjin Wang2, Li Zhao3, Shanshan Mao4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> China Basketball College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.

<sup>2</sup> School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.

<sup>3</sup> School of Kinesiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.

<sup>4</sup> School of Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China - ss.mao@163.com.
Conference/Journal: J Sports Med Phys Fitness
Date published: 2021 Oct 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 61   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Pages: 1333-1338   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.11752-3.   ,  Word Count: 219  
    Background:

The aim of the study is to compare a 16-week tai chi and Iyengar yoga program effects on muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and balance confidence in elderly people.



Methods:

A total of 48 participants (≥60 years old) without mobility-impairing neurological disease, dementia, cardiovascular disease/symptoms during moderate exercise, poorly controlled hypertension, or balance-impairing drug use. Participants were divided into a tai chi group, an Iyengar yoga group, and a control group (eight males and eight females per group), using a restricted randomization scheme generated by software. While the former two undertook 16-week exercise programs, the control group received general education. Maximum concentric strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. The one-legged stand with eyes closed, "8 feet up and go," and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale were used to assess static balance, dynamic balance, and balance confidence in daily activities, respectively.



Results:

Both programs improved all measures significantly with tai chi being more effective for increasing knee flexor strength (P=0.045) and extensor strength (P=0.032) and ABC score (P=0.034); Iyengar yoga was more effective for improving static balance (P=0.014) and dynamic balance (P=0.025; all P values here vs. the other program).



Conclusions:

Tai chi and Iyengar yoga can improve strength, balance, and balance confidence among older people. Both are suitable exercise choices for older adults.





PMID: 34652086 DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.11752-3