A recent study from Indiana University sought to determine the benefits of yoga on reducing the risk of falls in older stroke victims. About 80 percent of people who have strokes experience compromised balance abilities, quadrupling the risk of having a fall while also increasing risk of breaking a hip after a fall. The researchers investigated whether yoga, a therapy with high focus on improving balance and stability, could improve stroke victims balance abilities, thus reducing their heightened risk of falling.

The study included 19 men and one woman, average age 66. Twice a week for 8 weeks they participated in a yoga class led by a yoga therapist who modified the poses in a way that made them accessible to this population of older adults. "Everything was modified because we wanted them to be successful on day one," stated lead researcher Arlene Schmid.

The participants began with yoga postures while seated in chairs, eventually working their way up to standing postures, and finally, all participants were able to do yoga poses on the floor—a considerable achievement taking into account many older adults are not readily willing to get down on the floor for fear of not being able to get back up. While it would be difficult to find a similar yoga class publicly, the researchers suggest finding a yoga therapist trained to work with disabled individuals.

Researchers used the Berg Balance Scale to measure balance ability: a score of less than 46 indicates increased fall risk. Participants began the study with an average score of 40 and improved that score to 47 by the end of the study. Endurance was also significantly improved, measured by a seated step test and a walk test.

Schmid was particularly impressed with how much the participants enjoyed the yoga. They had already completed physical therapy, but felt like they still needed improvement. The yoga therapy served to do just that.

Schmid wants to expand her research to include larger groups in order to determine if this therapy is effective on a larger scale. Studies on therapeutic yoga are rapidly increasing as more people become aware of the vast benefits of this practice. Studies like these serve to open up the possibilities of spreading yoga to people who may never have considered it.