Effect of yoga on balance, falls, and bone metabolism: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in healthy individuals
Pooled result · Static balance (meta-analysis of 4 RCTs, yoga vs NIC)Result — go to the resultSMD 2.36 95% CI 1.13–3.58Authors' conclusion
In healthy adults, low certainty evidence shows that yoga has a beneficial effect on balance. Its effect on BMD remains unclear. Standardised protocols and longer-term research are necessary to facilitate more definitive conclusions on yoga's role in enhancing skeletal health and preventing falls.
Study context
- Population
- Healthy individuals
- Participants
- 1,408 individuals18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Yoga vs no intervention control or comparators such as Tai Chi
- Outcome
- Static balance (meta-analysis of 4 RCTs, yoga vs NIC)
Methodological detailspredefined protocol, Cochrane RoB2, GRADE, Study durations 6 weeks to 14 months; 24 balance assessment tools; substantial heterogeneity in yoga styles, durations and assessment methods
- Predefined protocol
- Cochrane RoB2
- GRADE
- Study durations 6 weeks to 14 months; 24 balance assessment tools; substantial heterogeneity in yoga styles, durations and assessment methods
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
SMD
2.36
95% CI 1.13–3.58
P = 0.0002
Yogavs NIC
SMD 2.36 (95% CI 1.13–3.58); P = 0.0002
Further pooled results
Falls and fear of falling
- Yoga's effects on falls and fear of falling (FOF) were mixed
Bone formation
- Two studies showed a positive effect of yoga on bone formation
Bone mineral density (BMD)
- Positive effect of yoga on BMD in only one study
- Meta-analysis of 2 RCTs: no significant effect on BMD for yoga vs no intervention control (NIC)
Original publication
Effect of yoga on balance, falls, and bone metabolism: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in healthy individuals. Osteoporos Int. Published 28 November 2024. doi:10.
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