Poststroke Balance Improves With Yoga: A Pilot Study.
Author: Schmid AA, Van Puymbroeck M, Altenburger PA, Schalk NL, Dierks TA, Miller KK, Damush TM, Bravata DM, Williams LS.
Affiliation:
From the Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Health Services Research and Development Center on Implementing Evidence-Based Practice, Indianapolis, IN; VA HSR&D Stroke Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Indianapolis, IN; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN; Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, IN; Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN; Indiana University Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies, Bloomington, IN; Department of Physical Therapy, Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indianapolis, IN; Heartland Yoga Therapy, Indianapolis, IN; School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN.
Conference/Journal: Stroke
Date published: 2012 Jul 26
Other:
Word Count: 237
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Balance impairment is common after stroke; modified yoga may be able to improve balance and other important poststroke variables. Scientific-evidence is needed to support such treatment interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a yoga-based rehabilitation intervention on balance, balance self-efficacy, fear of falling (FoF), and quality of life after stroke.
METHODS:
This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study of yoga-based rehabilitation for people with chronic stroke. All yoga sessions were taught by a registered yoga therapist, occurred twice per week for 8 weeks and included seated, standing, and floor postures with relaxation and meditation. Balance was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, balance self-efficacy with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, FoF with a dichotomous yes/no question, and quality of life with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale.
RESULTS:
There were no significant differences between wait-list control (n=10) and yoga (n=37) groups in baseline or follow-up scores. However, using within-group comparisons, yoga group data demonstrated significant improvement in balance (Berg Balance Scale, 41.3±11.7 vs 46.3±9.1; P<0.001) and FoF (51% vs 46% with FoF; P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
A group yoga-based rehabilitation intervention for people with chronic stroke has potential in improving multiple poststroke variables. Group yoga may be complementary to rehabilitation, may be possible in medical-based and community-based settings, and may be cost-effective. Further testing of group yoga-based rehabilitation interventions is warranted.Clinical Trial Registration Information-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01109602.
PMID: 22836351
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