Yoga for Kyphosis Trial

This study seeks to determine whether a specially designed Hatha Yoga program can reduce hyperkyphosis in men and women who are at least 60 years of age and who have excessive thoracic kyphosis.

• Behavioral: Yoga, one hour class, 3 times per week, for 24 weeks
  Yoga, one hour class, 3 times per week, for 24 weeks
• Behavioral: Luncheon Seminar Series, once per month, for 24 weeks
  Luncheon Seminar Series, once per month, for 24 weeks

• Experimental: 1
  Yoga, one hour class, 3 times per week, for 24 weeks
  Intervention: Behavioral: Yoga, one hour class, 3 times per week, for 24 weeks
• Placebo Comparator: 2
  Luncheon Seminar Series, once per month, for 24 weeks
  Intervention: Behavioral: Luncheon Seminar Series, once per month, for 24 weeks

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 60 years or greater
• willingness to accept randomization
• adult-onset hyperkyphosis (noticed after age 50)
• measured Debrunner kyphometer angle >40 degrees

Exclusion Criteria:

active angina; uncontrolled hypertension (SBP greater than 160 or DBP greater than 90); high resting pulse or respiratory rate (HR >90 or RR>24 after 5 minutes seated); current unstable asthma or exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; cervical spine instability; unstable knee or shoulder joints; hemiparesis or paraparesis; use of assistive walking device or wheelchair; unable to hear or see adequately for participation in Yoga classes; unable to comprehend and follow directions (in English); unable to attend in-person classes; likely to move within the year after screening; has not had check-up by health care provider within 12 months (if not taking any prescription medications) or in the past 6 months (if any regular medicines taken) and is not willing to do so prior to enrollment; cannot pass physical safety tests. Physical safety was assessed as the ability to stably execute each of the following movements without human assistance: transition from standing to recumbent on the floor and get up from the floor to standing; lift both arms to shoulder level without losing balance; stand with feet side-by-side for 30 seconds; and stand with feet hip-width apart for 60 seconds.