Improvements in ICF Components in Individuals With Chronic Stroke Following a Yoga-Based Intervention

Abstract

Objective: To understand perceived outcomes following a yoga intervention for individuals with chronic stroke, framed within the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Design: Small, prospective mixed-method, randomized controlled trial of a yoga intervention for individuals at least 6 months post-stroke. Setting: Community-based rehabilitation laboratory. Participants: Forty-seven individuals were randomized to either the intervention or the wait-list control. Twenty-six individuals from the yoga arm agreed to participate in the focus groups. Individuals were eligible for the study if they were >6 months post-stroke and had completed all stroke related rehabilitation. Interventions: The yoga-based intervention was one-hour, twice per week, for a total of 16 yoga classes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Five focus groups occurred during the final week of the yoga intervention. A semi-structured focus group guideline was developed to include questions and probes. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Two main themes emerged around domains of the ICF: improvements in body structures and functions; and improvements in activity and participation. In terms of body structure and functions, many study participants discussed substantial perceived changes in both mental and physical functioning, including improved emotional regulation, improvements in stability and range of motion, and unanticipated improvements, such as increases in vision, increased sensation perception, and reduction of diabetic complications. Many study participants commented on the benefits and increases in various activities and participation due to their involvement in the post-stroke yoga intervention. Conclusions: Qualitative data indicated that changes in body function allowed for improved activity and participation.