Yoga for quality of life and balance in postmenopausal osteoporosis

There are several reasons to practice yoga, if you are postmenopausal and have osteopenia or osteoporosis: yoga has been shown to maintain and even build bone mineral density. 

In addition, as researchers from Istanbul University, Turkey, point out in this study, yoga also offers "a positive effect on balance, posture, flexibility, and life quality resulting from its effects on balance, stretching, relaxation and strengthening."

The aim of their study was "to evaluate the effect of yoga exercises in postmenopausal osteoporotic women on balance and life quality and to compare the results with a classic osteoporosis exercise program."  Twenty-six postmenopausal osteoporotic women over 55 years of age were studied with results showing the positive effects of yoga on balance, pain, and general health. Abstact: PubMed. Article by Tüzün S, Aktas I, Akarirmak U, Sipahi S, Tüzün F, European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine [2010 Feb 18 - Epub ahead of print]