Abstract
From the clinical perspective, a significant problem affecting senior populations is hypomobility, coupled with deconditioning. The term biologic involution describes this physiologic decline due to aging.
Signs include decreased maximum aerobic capacity, general fatigue, and sarcopenic muscle weakness. Related problems include reduced isolated movement patterns, general instability, and impairment of orientation in space.
All of these issues are accompanied by a variety of degenerative changes including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, respiratory disorders, and dementia. They also increase the risk of falls and reduce independence in daily living.
Two of the key factors contributing to biologic involution are reduced range of hip extension and inactivity. Reduced hip extension is compensated with either an increase in the anterior tilt of the pelvis or a marked decrease in stride length.2 Inactivity leads to shortening of muscles and tendons, which may develop into articular capsule contractions.
Research has consistently proven that elderly individuals with osteoarthritic conditions can benefit from stretch, strength, and conditioning exercises. These activities improve endurance and physical function and have a positive influence on the individual's phenotype, including the parameters of gait, posture, and psychological state.3 Yoga taught from a therapeutic perspective combines the elements of stretch, strength, and conditioning, and unites physical postures with mental focus, through breath awareness and meditation.
The elderly student can develop stability and spatial awareness by maintaining dynamic muscle activity and correct breathing, both within postures and in transitions in and out of postures. The postures help them to perform isolated movement patterns, leading to an overall increase in sensorimotor integration and subsequent improvements in muscle imbalances.
Regular yoga practice has also been shown to have a positive influence on orthopedic, respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychosomatic conditions, making it an ideal model for medical rehabilitation and preventative care in senior populations.