For the past number of years, yoga has grown to be of quite a particular interest to physical therapists, especially for those who are searching for an effective yet gentle workout to improve the balance in stroke survivors, coordination of complex movements, strength, as well as breathing. There are a number of research indicating that survivors can handle both the physical and cognitive demands of yoga. Furthermore, yoga can be used as an effective rehabilitation exercise.
http://guardianlv.com/2014/02/stroke-survivors-improve-balance-with-yoga/
The results from studies has shown that there are improvements in balance, strength, range of motion and walking among the main factors which improve quality of life and reduce disability for survivors. Stroke is in fact the most common diagnosis among patients treated by rehabilitation therapists. From there, it is generally followed by persistent motor and sensory deficits. Balance impairment also often continues more than six months after diagnosis.
Although Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend individuals recovering from stroke-related balance impairment to attend therapeutic training, there are no specific recommendations for exercise training that can aid in improving balance. In a 12-week yoga intervention program, yoga was proven to improve balance. The results of the study also indicated that the combination of postures, breathing, and meditation specific to yogic exercise are rather helpful to improve balance when they are utilized together.
With the growing number of disabled individuals on the rise, there is a clear need for more large-scale studies into effective rehabilitation exercises. As of today, there are more than 4.7 million people alive who have survived from a stroke. This makes stroke the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Many stroke survivors also report persistent health issues as well as reduced well-being due to the limited mobility and reduced activity level after their diagnosis. In fact, these individuals have a rather considerable risk of falling. Statistical analysis has shown that 73% of elderly post-stroke patients had fall within six months after they have been discharged from the hospital.
Aside from offering a gentle form of exercise that can be easily adapted to the needs of individual patients in post-stroke treatment, yoga also potentially improves the muscle force, balance, aerobic capacity and timed mobility to prevent them from falling. In a study designed to determine if yoga could improve balance and other important variables in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, it was discovered that yoga has potential benefits. For more of the story, you can refer here.
At OMG Yoga, we specialise in bringing yoga to you! In other words, our private yoga classes can be conducted from the comfort of your own. That alone helps you to reduce the time and cost required in travelling to a studio.