title: Controlled pilot study of the effects of power yoga in Parkinson's disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a specially designed power yoga program (YOGA) on bradykinesia, rigidity, muscular performance and quality of life in older patients with PD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University laboratory, US.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six patients with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to a YOGA or control group (CON). The YOGA program was three months, incorporating two sessions/wk of yoga classes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Upper and lower limb bradykinesia and rigidity scores from the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, one repetition maximums (1RM) and peak powers on biceps curl, chest press, leg press, hip abduction and seated calf, and quality of life (PDQ-39).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The YOGA group produced significant improvement in both upper and lower limbs bradykinesia scores, rigidity score, 1RM for all 5 machines and leg press power (p<.05). Significant improvements were seen in the PDQ-39 overall score, mobility and activities of daily living domain for the YOGA group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3-month YOGA program significantly reduced bradykinesia and rigidity, and increased muscle strength and power in older patients with PD. Power training is an effective training modality to improve physical function and quality of life for PD.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States.
authors.forename: Meng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ni
authors.affiliation: Green Monkey Yoga, Miami, FL, United States.
authors.forename: Kiersten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mooney
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States. Electronic address: jsignorile@miami.edu.
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Signorile
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018476:Hypokinesia / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015013:Yoga
keywords: Movement speed; Power; Quality of life; Rigidity; Strength