Last Updated on Thursday, 23 June 2011 09:33
An Indiana University study that exposed older veterans with stroke to yoga produced "exciting" results as researchers explore 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 19 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 veterans' needs.
A range of balance items measured by the Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advance Balance Scale improved by 17 percent and 34 percent respectively by the end of the program. But equally exciting to lead researcher Arlene A. Schmid, rehabilitation research scientist at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, was the measurable gain in confidence the study participants had in their balance.
Last Updated on Thursday, 30 December 2010 14:15
According to an article in Dallas News Feb. 9, 2010, yoga can help calm, improve the attention span, and improve balance, strength and self control of children with downs syndrome, autism and other special needs.
The article interviewed Lynn Silberman, a woman who offers a yoga program for special-needs kids in the Dallas area. She said that all kids need exercise, but often children with special needs are not coordinated enough or fast enough to participate in organized sports.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 14:03
Because the practice of yoga focuses on breathing, it can help people suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, according to an article in Petaluma Angus Courier by Jean Grant-Sutton.
Grant-Sutton said, “Breath is related to all aspects of physiological functioning, including cardiovascular functioning, brain circulation, metabolic activity, endocrine activity, muscle and vascular tone, lymphatic drainage and homeostatic regulation.”
