Assessment of Functional Balance and Walking Speed in Yoga practitioners aged 55-65 Years: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Functional balance and walking speed are key indicators of mobility and independence in middle-aged adults. Age-related musculoskeletal and neuromuscular changes begin during the fifth and sixth decades of life and may adversely affect postural control and gait. Yoga is widely practiced in this age group; however, its influence on functional balance and walking speed remains inconsistent. Objectives: To assess functional balance and walking speed in yoga practitioners aged 55–65 years and to compare these outcomes with age-matched normative values. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 100 yoga practitioners aged 55–65 years selected using purposive sampling. Static balance was assessed using the Single-Limb Stance Test, dynamic balance using the Four-Square Step Test, and walking speed using the 10 Meter Walk Test. The best of three trials for each outcome measure was considered for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intergroup comparison. Results: Yoga practitioners demonstrated significantly better static balance 32.04 ±9.08 compared with age-matched normative values 30.27±5.29. No statistically significant differences were observed in dynamic balance 7.41±1.77 and walking speed 199.83±44 compare with the normative value 7.49± 0.00 and 191.14± 11.74 respectively. P value <0.05 was considered as level of significance. Conclusion: Yoga practice was associated with improved static balance in adults aged 55–65 years; however, it did not significantly influence dynamic balance or walking speed. Yoga may be effective for enhancing postural stability, but additional task-specific balance and gait training may be required to improve dynamic functional performance in this age group. Key words: Functional balance; Walking speed; Yoga practice; Middle-aged adults