Yoga is most often associated with the achievement of extreme flexibility, balance and coordination. Unlike Tai Chi, which is a popular practice amongst all age groups in many Southeast Asian countries, yoga is rarely associated with rehabilitative therapy. However, a recent study may be the beginning of a change in outlook towards the benefits of yoga.
A small pilot study, conducted by researchers at Roudebush Veterans Administration-Medical Center and Indiana University, Department of Occupational Therapy in Indianapolis, Indiana in the United States, followed the progress of 47 chronic stroke victims. The study participants were divided into three groups:
One group attended twice weekly group yoga sessions.
A second group attended the group yoga sessions and also listened to a relaxation recording at least 3 times per week.
The third group did no rehabilitative exercise.
While the study group was small and the study conducted for only eight weeks, the study results were encouraging. According to lead researcher Arlene Schmid, Ph.D., O.T.R., "yoga in a group environment is cost effective and appears to improve motor function and balance."
The yoga classes were conducted by a registered yoga therapist with experience in teaching modified yoga techniques for physical therapy. Classes included modified yoga postures, relaxation techniques and meditation. Each class was designed to be more challenging than the previous class. At the end of the study, participants who regularly attended the classes or did the "yoga plus" routine that included relaxation recordings reported having improved balance.
Just as importantly, those who did yoga experienced greater confidence and quality of life at the conclusion of the study. Because their balance had improved, they felt more independent and were able to do daily tasks such as shopping without assistance or fear of falling. Others found themselves visiting friends more often because their increased mobility gave them the confidence they needed to venture outdoors. As Dr. Schmid remarked, "these were very meaningful changes in life for people."
While the researchers were encouraged by the results, they pointed out that widespread use of yoga for stroke victims was not currently feasible because of a lack of trained rehabilitative yoga instructors. However, Dr. Schmid pointed out that some physical therapists were beginning to incorporate yoga into their practices.
What Causes Stroke?
Although the symptoms of stroke are visible in the body as a loss of function or paralysis on one side of the body or the other, the cause of stroke is in the brain. An interruption of the blood supply to a portion of the brain causes brain cells to die. While stroke victims rarely recover fully, long term improvement in motor functions has been observed. Some neurologists speculate that with practice and controlled effort, other parts of the brain may be able to compensate for the areas that have stopped functioning.
This study, which was reported by the American Heart Association in a July 26, 2012 article entitled "Yoga may help stroke survivors improve balance" was admittedly incomplete, but the researchers involved in the project were encouraged enough to plan a larger study in the future. Hopefully, this pilot study and later studies will encourage more yoga instructors and physical therapists to explore yoga's potential as a rehabilitative form of exercise.
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