TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2012//
TI  - Poststroke balance improves with yoga: a pilot study
JO  - Stroke
A1  - Schmid, Arlene A.
A1  - Van Puymbroeck, Marieke
A1  - Altenburger, Peter A.
A1  - Schalk, Nancy L.
A1  - Dierks, Tracy A.
A1  - Miller, Kristine K.
A1  - Damush, Teresa M.
A1  - Bravata, Dawn M.
A1  - Williams, Linda S.
SP  - 2402
EP  - 2407
VL  - 43
IS  - 9
N2  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Balance impairment is common after stroke; modified yoga may be able to improve balance and other important poststroke variables. Scientific-evidence is needed to support such treatment interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a yoga-based rehabilitation intervention on balance, balance self-efficacy, fear of falling (FoF), and quality of life after stroke. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study of yoga-based rehabilitation for people with chronic stroke. All yoga sessions were taught by a registered yoga therapist, occurred twice per week for 8 weeks and included seated, standing, and floor postures with relaxation and meditation. Balance was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, balance self-efficacy with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, FoF with a dichotomous yes/no question, and quality of life with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between wait-list control (n=10) and yoga (n=37) groups in baseline or follow-up scores. However, using within-group comparisons, yoga group data demonstrated significant improvement in balance (Berg Balance Scale, 41.3±11.7 vs 46.3±9.1; P<0.001) and FoF (51% vs 46% with FoF; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A group yoga-based rehabilitation intervention for people with chronic stroke has potential in improving multiple poststroke variables. Group yoga may be complementary to rehabilitation, may be possible in medical-based and community-based settings, and may be cost-effective. Further testing of group yoga-based rehabilitation interventions is warranted.Clinical Trial Registration Information-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01109602.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0039-2499
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.658211
ID  - ref1
ER  -