How may yoga improve an individual’s physical functioning post- CVA?

Many individuals who have experienced a CVA experience decreased balance, which may also influence an individual’s balance self-efficacy, fear of falling, and quality of life post CVA (Schmid et al., 2012)(Schmid, Miller, Van Puymbroeck, & DeBaun-Sprague, 2014).

Image retrieved from: http://theconversation.com/yoga-may-be-the-missing-link-to-stroke-survivors-rehabilitation-36887 
Nearly three-quarters of all individuals who have experienced a CVA suffer from falls, leading to fractures, which can be very detrimental, and even fatal (Schmid et al., 2012).

This highlights the importance of addressing balance, balance self-efficacy, and fear of falling during CVA rehabilitation, in order to help decrease falls risk, and minimise injuries post- CVA.

In a recent study, post- CVA yoga participants reported being less afraid of falling, had an increased feeling of independence, and experienced a better quality of life following their engagement in yoga (Schmid et al., 2012).

Balance self-efficacy influences post-CVA activity and participation, and through increasing one’s balance self- efficacy, will help increase participation and community reintegration while also decreasing falls rates (Schmid, Van Puymbroeck, Portz, Atler, & Fruhauf, 2016).

This demonstrates some of the many benefits that yoga may have on individuals who have impaired balance following a CVA, and highlights the importance of addressing balance to help decrease falls risks.

See information from the Stroke Foundation regarding the purpose of rehabilitation post CVA, and for an explanation of other alternative therapies which may also be beneficial alongside yoga: http://www.stroke.org.nz/resources/8034_LAS_Sect3%20Therapy.pdf

References:
Schmid, A. A., Miller, K. K., Van Puymbroeck, M. V., & DeBaun-Sprague, E. (2014). Yoga leads to multiple physical improvements after stroke, a pilot study. Complementary Therapies In Medicine, 22(6), 994-1000. Doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.09.005
Schmid, A. A., Van Puymbroeck, M. V., Altenburger, P., Schalk, N., Dierks, T., Miller, K., & … Williams, L. S. (2012). Poststroke balance improves with yoga: A pilot study. Stroke, 43(9), 2402-2407. Doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.658211
Schmid, A. A., Van Puymbroeck, M. V., Portz, J. D., Atler, K. E., & Fruhauf, C. A. (2016). Merging yoga and occupational therapy (MY- OT): A feasibility and pilot study. Complementary Therapies In Medicine, 28, 44-49. Doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.08.003



Comments

  1. Anonymous4 August 2017 at 14:06

    This is a fascinating read! Yoga has some amazing benefits, I even notice it on myself when I don't go to my weekly yoga class. Great to see that yoga can be used to help people with their mental and physical wellbeing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown4 August 2017 at 15:51

    I am so glad that you have also experienced the benefits of yoga! I have recently began attending yoga classes, after reading about the many benefits it has, and I am really enjoying the health benefit it offers! My hope is that more people will realise the multiple health benefits that yoga offers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown6 August 2017 at 03:09

    I think I'll have to take up yoga now :) This is so interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown7 August 2017 at 17:17

      I would definitely recommend it! You will experience many health benefits :)

      Delete

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