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University of Southern California Y oga for Seniors: Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Participation George Salem, PhD USC Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy

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University of Southern California Yoga maybe an ideal exercise activity for seniors

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University of Southern California Yoga is fun!

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University of Southern California Yoga can be done at home or in a class

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University of Southern California Yoga may improve or maintain flexibility

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University of Southern California Yoga may improve or maintain strength

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University of Southern California Yoga may improve or maintain balance

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University of Southern California Yoga is mindful

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University of Southern California Yoga can be modified

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University of Southern California Yoga Empowers Seniors Study (YESS) Primary Aim: Measure physical demands of the yoga postures / asanas

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University of Southern California YESS: Methods Opening Middle & Closing Sequences

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University of Southern California Biomechanical analysis Joint Moment of Force: JMOF YESS: Methods

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University of Southern California Muscular Endurance 2 Min Step Test: YESS: Results * p < 0.05 15.2% * * 12.4%

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University of Southern California Muscular Endurance Heel Rise Test: YESS: Results * p < 0.05 33.9% * * 19.4%

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University of Southern California Knee Extensor Strength: YESS: Results

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University of Southern California YESS: Results Static Balance

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University of Southern California YESS: Results Yoga-related side effects Yoga-Related Problem # of occurrences (number with prior condition) Shoulder Pain6 (6) Upper Back Pain1 (1) Low Back Pain3 (2) Knee Pain1 (0) Thigh Pain1 (1) Heartburn (Reflux)1 (1) Leg/foot pain (Venous Insufficiency)1 (1)

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University of Southern California YESS: Results Yoga-related side effects Yoga-Related Problem # of occurrences (number with prior condition) Shoulder Pain6 (6) Upper Back Pain1 (1) Low Back Pain3 (2) Knee Pain1 (0) Thigh Pain1 (1) Heartburn (Reflux)1 (1) Leg/foot pain (Venous Insufficiency)1 (1)

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University of Southern California YESS: Results Shoulder flexor JMOF across poses

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University of Southern California Yoga is popular with over 1-million senior participants

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University of Southern California Yoga maybe an ideal exercise activity for seniors

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University of Southern California Yoga appears to increase/maintain fitness

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University of Southern California YESS: Results Yoga-related side effects Yoga-Related Problem # of occurrences (number with prior condition) Shoulder Pain6 (6) Upper Back Pain1 (1) Low Back Pain3 (2) Knee Pain1 (0) Thigh Pain1 (1) Heartburn (Reflux)1 (1) Leg/foot pain (Venous Insufficiency)1 (1)

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University of Southern California Senior yoga requires proper instruction

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University of Southern California Yoga should be one component of balanced exercise program

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University of Southern California Thank you!