Yoga helps elderly stroke victims improve balance, endurance
June 5th, 2011 - 4:10 pm ICT by IANSWashington, June 5 (IANS) Elderly victims of stroke exposed to yoga produce “exciting” results, including greater confidence and balance, new research says.
Researchers from Indiana University explored whether this popular mind-body practice can help stroke victims cope with their increased risk for painful and even deadly falls.
The pilot study involved a group of men and one woman, average age of 66. For eight weeks, they participated in a twice weekly hour-long group yoga class taught by a yoga therapist who dramatically modified the poses to meet the needs of the elderly.
The participants improved their balance by 17 percent and 34 percent, on different measures, respectively by the end of the programme, according to an Indiana statement.
Lead researcher Arlene A. Schmid, a rehabilitation research scientist at the university, found a measurable gain in confidence of study participants in their balance.
“It also was interesting to see how much the men liked it,” said Schmid, assistant professor of occupational therapy.
- Post-stroke depression increases dependency - Mar 16, 2011
- Depression, age, medical problems linked to dependence post stroke - Mar 15, 2011
- New research looks at getting stroke patients back on the feet - Feb 13, 2011
- Family involvement in exercise therapy benefits stroke patients - Mar 05, 2011
- Yoga may have the power to fight fibromyalgia - Oct 14, 2010
- Robot therapy can improve arm, shoulder mobility in stroke patients - Feb 11, 2011
- Tai chi 'cuts depression in elderly people' - Mar 17, 2011
- Magnets can help stroke patients speak - Nov 16, 2011
- Regular soda intake spikes stroke risk - Apr 22, 2012
- People who meditate have a stronger mind-body connection than dancers - Feb 25, 2011
- 6-8 hrs' sleep, less stress best natural way to cut flab - Mar 30, 2011
- Nintendo Wii keeps idle people fit - May 05, 2011
- Harmoniously designed wards help patients recover - Nov 02, 2011
- Hatha yoga reduces fear of falling in elderly - Mar 10, 2009
- Elderly victims of abuse more likely to use alcohol or drugs: Study - Mar 23, 2011
Tags: arlene, assistant professor, confidence, elderly victims, endurance, indiana university, measures, occupational therapy, pilot study, rehabilitation research, research scientist, researcher, risk, schmid, stroke victims, study participants, yoga class, yoga therapist