The Effect of Yoga on Decreasing Risk of Fall-Related Injury in Peri and Post-Menopausal

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of yoga on both fall risk factors AND capacity to successfully control landing and descent during a simulated fall among peri-and post- menopausal women. Older women are particularly vulnerable to sustaining fall-related injuries and although targeted exercises focusing on balance and strength may decrease the risk of falls, the ideal type of intervention to prevent injury when a fall is unavoidable is not known. Yoga is an increasingly popular health practice with potential benefits linked to improving balance, muscle strength and quality of life, but there is no evidence that yoga can improve the capacity to reduce the risk of fall-related injury. Such evidence will help to inform health promotion and fall/injury risk management for older adults.