title: Feasibility and Impact of an 8-Week Integrative Yoga Program in People with Moderate Multiple Sclerosis-Related Disability: A Pilot Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This pilot study determined the feasibility of a specifically designed 8-week yoga program for people with moderate multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability. We explored the program's effect on quality of life (QOL) and physical and mental performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a single-group design with repeated measurements at baseline, postintervention, and 8-week follow-up. Feasibility was examined through cost, recruitment, retention, attendance, and safety. Outcomes included the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory (MSQLI), 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS), Multidirectional Reach Test (MDRT), maximum expiratory pressure, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-3″ (PASAT-3″).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen participants completed the study. The program was feasible. There were significant main effects on the 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey Mental Component Summary (SF-36 MCS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Bladder Control Scale (BLCS), Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), Mental Health Inventory (MHI), MSWS-12, T25FW, NHPT, PASAT-3″, 6MWT, FTSTS, and MDRT-Back. Improvements were found on the SF-36 MCS, MFIS, BLCS, PDQ, MHI, and MSWS-12 between baseline and postintervention. The effect on PDQ persisted at follow-up. Improvements were found on the T25FW, NHPT, 6MWT, FTSTS, and MDRT-Back between baseline and postintervention that persisted at follow-up. The PASAT-3″ did not change between baseline and postintervention but did between postintervention and follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The yoga program was safe and feasible. Improvements in certain measures of QOL and performance were seen at postintervention and follow-up.
authors.forename: Evan T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kietrys
authors.forename: Susan Gould
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Fogerite
authors.forename: Mariella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Donald A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Barone
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Parrott