Abstract
Yoga is a form of exercise that may be beneficial to those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). There have been no randomized control research studies investigating the effect of yoga on those with PD. The objective was to determine if yoga can improve motor function in people with PD using a randomized controlled small group design. The PD participants were randomized into a yoga intervention group or a control group of no intervention. Assessment of physical function included motor examination scores from the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, posture, measures of extremity ROM, flexibility and strength, and biomechanical measures of balance and gait that occurred at 3 time points: prior to starting the intervention, at 6 weeks of intervention, and immediately following 12 weeks of intervention. Thirteen adults with PD met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants were unfamiliar with yoga. An Iyengar Hatha yoga program was tailored to fit participants with PD and designed to improve strength, flexibility, body alignment, and overall well-being. A 60-minute session, including physical postures, breathing, and meditation was implemented twice a week for 12 weeks. A significant improvement was found in motor UPDRS scores (p=0.004) and Berg Balance Scale scores (p=0.04) in the yoga group. A general trend of positive outcomes in the yoga group for strength, ROM and flexibility were noted with significant differences at p=0.05 in selected hip and ankle measurements. Qualitative improvements in posture were observed and there were significant improvements in the onset time of foot unloading and onset time of foot lift off. Findings suggest that yoga practice improves motor function which may be partially explained by improvements in balance, strength, posture and gait. Due to the progressive nature of PD yoga programs may offer a way to maintain wellness and perhaps quality of life.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological pathology affecting over one million Americans that causes significant functional limitations, such as impaired gait and balance eventually leading to profound disability
We conclude that the yoga intervention piloted in this project was feasible for the participants included in the study
Elbow Extension Strength that the yoga program was attractive to these participants and that the participants were compliant with the program
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological pathology affecting over one million Americans that causes significant functional limitations, such as impaired gait and balance eventually leading to profound disability. Impaired balance is a major problem for people with PD. Remediable risk factors for falls include decreased balance, reduced muscle strength and freezing gait [2]. Bradykinesia can lead to problems with gait initiation, which is the period between standing motionless and the completion of the first stride [3,4]. A shuffling gait pattern is the most prominent feature of gait seen in persons with PD with reduced stride length, decreased walking speed, and longer double-stance time [4,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
