The Postural Balance of Elderly Men Is Enhanced by Islamic Prayer Publisher



Mirhajian S S ; Jahromi G P ; Mirani A ; Salari S ; Talebian S ; Mozaffari H ; Hatef B
Source: Journal of Modern Rehabilitation Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: Islamic prayer has several components that enhance physical and mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of prayer on balance control. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy elderly men were divided into two groups in the study: One group (n=15) consisted of people who regularly prayed (WP). Another group (n=15) who did not pray (WOP) was matched on various factors with the praying group, such as demographics, lifestyle, physical and psychological abilities, cognitive abilities, and heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Biodex recorded the balance indexes under simple and dual-task conditions. Mann-Whitney and Pearson chi-square tests were used for non-parametric analyses, while t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for parametric analyses and to balance variables. The tests were conducted from 9:00 to 13:00. Results: ANCOVA showed that the overall, Ant-Post, and Med-Lat balance index values in simple and dual-task conditions were significantly lower in the WP group than in the WOP group (P<0.05). Age was considered a covariate. Other variables that influence balance control, such as demographics, lifestyle, psychological and physical health, cognitive abilities, and changes in HRV during tests, did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: Islamic prayer is associated with improved balance control in elderly men, independent of other effective factors. It can be used as a physiotherapy intervention for the elderly. Copyright © 2026 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.