Yoga Aides Senior Stroke Victims

These inspirational outcomes came from an Indiana University study in which had researchers investigating if this popular mind and body therapy could aide older veteran stroke victims manage their increased risk for painful and deadly falls.

Participants in the pilot study consisted of 19 men and women at a medium age of 66 years old. They took part in twice weekly hour long group classes, for a period of eight weeks. The classes were led by a yoga therapist who greatly altered the poses to meet veteran's needs. At the start of the classes participants had performed poses while seated in chairs, then had moved forward to sitting and standing poses. Ultimately, all had performed poses on the floor. Lead researcher Arlene A. Schmid, rehabilitation research scientist at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis found this to be compelling due to the unwillingness many older adults have to working on the floor.

In the study a range of balance items measured by the Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advance Balance Scale, resulting in improvement of 17% and 34% accordingly by the end of program. They participants also showed a measurable gain in confidence regarding their balance.

Schmid continued to state that men had enjoyed it too. Many veterans wished for the study to continue or had inquired about a take home exercise plan so they could continue with the yoga practice. Participants enjoyed it because they were not receiving any other treatment and had previously finished rehabilitation; they felt there was room still to improve.

A score of 46 or less on the Berg Balance Scale signifies a risk for fall. According to Schmid, the participants averaged at the start of the study with a score of 40. The score had improved to a 47 surpassing the fall risk threshold. Participants also had remarked improvements in endurance which was based on a seated two minute step test and a six minute walk test.

Reports concerning stroke and falls are severe. Studies have shown strokes can quadruple the risk of falls and remarkably increase the risk of a hip becoming broken after a fall. It has been estimated that eighty percent of people who have strokes will also have some degree of impaired balance.

In closing Schmid remarked the reason of the modification was so that they would be successful one day and everyone can on some level.

She continues that research into the therapeutic uses of yoga is taking off especially in the mental health field.

Classes like the one conducted in the study should be taught by a yoga therapist who has additional training in anatomy and physiology along with working with people who have disabilities. To find a comparable class in the general populace could be difficult.

There have been numerous other studies in which yoga has shown its therapeutic value in the world of alternative medicine.

News released just last May on a small study conducted with people who practiced yoga and had rheumatoid arthritis had shown remarked improvements of disease actitivity.

Other notable mentions of yoga's therapeutic value include:

Effective for tension in neck, shoulders, hips and knees

Reduces high blood pressure

Improves flexibility of spine and bone health

Best benefit of all it does improve your health and can help you maintain good quality health.

There are numerous styles of yoga. You may wish to check out a class or two and improve your health along the way.

Sources:

Medical News Today: June, July

Therapeutic Yoga DC

Detroit Examiner