EFFECTS OF 6 WKS OF YOGA TRAINING ON SELECTED MEASURES OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC BALANCE

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of 6 wks (2 xlwk) of Hatha yoga training on selected measures of static and dynamic balance. Initially, 30 adult, healthy males and females volunteered for this study. At 6 wks, nyoga = 6, nCOnlrol = 7. All participants underwent one static and two dynamic tests on a force plate prior to and 6 wks into the stUdy. SO of the COP in the x and in the y directions were averaged for each test and compared between groups and across time using mixed model ANOVAs. The only significant difference was the main effect for time on NP leg swing (dynamic balance) in the x direction. Mean differences were observed for the yoga group in both dynamic balance tests in the x direction. We suggest a training stimulus of 2 sessions/wk and/or 6 wks of yoga is not adequate to significantly influence static and dynamic balance.