Stroke Symptoms Improve with Group Yoga

Eliciting the mind-body connection, yoga has been shown to demonstrate therapeutic benefits, thought to result from the combination of postures, breathing and meditation, as compared to traditional exercises.  Arlene A. Schmid, from Roudebush VA Medical Center (Indiana, USA), and colleagues enrolled 47 older adults, three-quarters of whom were male, who were divided into three sections: One section engaged in twice-weekly group yoga for eight weeks; the second section met twice weekly for group yoga and was provided with a relaxation audio recording to use at least three times weekly; and the third section received usual medical care that included no rehabilitation. The yoga classes, taught by a registered yoga therapist, included modified yoga postures, relaxation and meditation. Classes grew more challenging each week.  Group yoga improved motor function and balance: improvement in balance was statistically significant and clinically meaningful. It was also greater than previously found by other post-stroke exercise trials. Study participants reported they increasingly attempted new activities in different, more challenging environments and, while aware of potential fall risk, grew confident in maintaining their balance. Writing that: “A group yoga-based rehabilitation intervention for people with chronic stroke has potential in improving multiple poststroke variables,” the study authors cgonclude that: “Group yoga may be complementary to rehabilitation, may be possible in medical-based and community-based settings, and may be cost-effective.