title: Yoga leads to multiple physical improvements after stroke, a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess change in physical functioning (pain, range of motion (ROM), strength, and endurance) after 8 weeks of therapeutic-yoga.
  
  
  METHODS
  Planned analyses of data from a randomized pilot study of yoga after stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-based research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  People with chronic stroke (N=47) randomized to therapeutic-yoga (n=37) or wait-list control (n=10).
  
  
  METHODS
  16 sessions of therapeutic yoga (twice a week/8 weeks). Yoga was delivered in a standardized and progressive format with postures, breathing, and meditation, and relaxation in sitting, standing, and supine.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pain was assessed with the PEG, a 3-item functional measure of the interference of pain. ROM included neck and hip active and passive ROM measurements). Upper and lower extremity strength were assessed with the arm curl test and chair-to-stand test, respectively. Endurance was assessed with the 6-minute walk and modified 2-min step test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a Bonferroni Correction, pain, neck ROM, hip passive ROM, upper extremity strength, and the 6-min walk scores all significantly improved after 8 weeks of engaging in yoga. No changes occurred in the wait-list control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A group therapeutic-yoga intervention may improve multiple aspects of physical functioning after stroke. Such an intervention may be complementary to traditional rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Colorado State University, College of Health and Human Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Fort Collins, CO, United States. Electronic address: arlene.schmid@colostate.edu.
authors.forename: Arlene A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Roudebush Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center; Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
authors.forename: Kristine K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Clemson University, College of Health and Human Development, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson, SC, United States.
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Puymbroeck
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: DeBaun-Sprague
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D015013:Yoga
keywords: Exercise; Functional recovery; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Yoga