Author: Portz JD1, Waddington E1, Atler KE1, Van Puymbroeck M2, Schmid AA1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>a Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA.
<sup>2</sup>b Clemson University , Clemson , South Carolina , USA.
Conference/Journal: Clin Gerontol.
Date published: 2016 Nov 1
Other:
Volume ID: 1-8 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1080/07317115.2016.1252453. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 177
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated changes in physical fitness and physical activity among older patients with chronic stroke (stroke ≥ 6 months previous) after participation in a yoga infused self-management intervention.
METHODS: A mixed-methods secondary data analysis examined quantitative measures of endurance, strength, and gait speed and qualitative perspectives of intervention participants.
RESULTS: Based on Wilcoxon analysis, physical fitness outcome measures including endurance and lower and upper body strength significantly (p < .02) improved. Based on qualitative results of 2 focus groups and 14 individual interviews, participants expressed positive changes in endurance, strength, gait speed, flexibility, and balance. They also reported improvements in walking ability and duration, and expressed a desire to continue yoga and increase levels of exercise.
CONCLUSIONS: With the objective of improving physical fitness and exercise for older adults with chronic stroke, it is important for self-management interventions to provide specific safe and feasible physical activity components, such as yoga.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals may improve offered chronic stroke self-management interventions by incorporating yoga.
KEYWORDS: Endurance; exercise; group occupational therapy; lower extremity strength; participant perspectives; upper extremity strength
PMID: 28452644 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2016.1252453