Objectives: The aim of current study was to determine the effects of Hata yoga training on dynamic and static balances of elderly women in Mashhad.

Methods and Materials: The present study enjoys the semi-experimental design. The statistical population of the study, which has been carried out in 2009, were elderly women of Mashhad who were voluntarily invited to participate in the research. 29 healthy elderly women aged 56-72 years old have been selected who haven’t had any disease history during the last one year such as: advanced osteoporosis, hip replacement, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, common occurrences of dizziness, or any surgery. Before and after doing the Hata yoga training program which was performed in 3- sessions of 1- hour during 8 weeks Dynamic and static balances were evaluated by fall risk test and postural stability test respectively by Biodex Balance System. Finally data were analyzed by using Variance analysis (GLM-repeated measures) and Dependent T-test and the significance of results was α=0.05.

Results: The effects of 24 sessions of Hata yoga training were significant on static balance: overall (P=0.001), anterior-posterior (P=0.002), medial-lateral (P=0.006) and dynamic balance of elderly women (P=0.00).

Conclusion: Considering the positive influence of Hata yoga training on dynamic and static balances, it is concluded that Hata yoga training has led to the improvement muscle strength among elderly women particularly endurance and strength of muscles in lower extremity and may increase the efficiency of neuro- motor system and improve somatosensory of muscles and joints by ameliorating the existed balance and decreasing fall risk in elderly women.

Objectives: Senility and reduction of physical activities usually cause undesirable physical and even mental effects on the adults. Since physical activities can improve physical even mental condition, and consequently bring about more independence for adults, the purpose of this paper was to find out the effects of some of yoga practices on some factors of physical preparation in the elderly.

Methods & Materials: A total of 45 elderly women (age: 64±6.12 y, height: 162.50±10.21 cm, weight: 63.21±9.71 kg), all enjoying general health were selected through convenience sampling method to take part in this test. In this study, the Sharpened Romberg test (with open and closed eyes), acquiring operation test, timed up and go (TUG) test, number of arm flexion for 30 seconds test, number of takeoff and landing chair, getting hands together from behind, number of sitting and rising of the chair test, were used for measuring the static balance, dynamic balance, agility, upper organ, strength of lower organ, inflection of upper organ, trunk and lower organ, respectively. These tests were performed before and after the program. Data analysis was performed by variance analysis test and t relevant (at significant level P).

Results: Research findings showed that yoga exercises for 6 weeks significantly affected the static and dynamic balances with eyes open and closed, agility, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, flexibility, upper and lower extremities.

Conclusion: Yoga (Hatha yoga) may have positive effects on physical fitness of the elderly. These effects include improving strength in the upper and lower extremity, static and dynamic balances, and agility.