Stroke patients who incorporate yoga into their rehabilitation have improved balance and flexibility, a stronger and faster gait, and more strength and endurance than those who undergo more traditional recovery programs, two new studies have found.
The research – led by researchers from the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Indianapolis and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis – tracked the benefits of adding yoga to an eight-week yoga rehab program for older veterans recovering from stroke.
The findings, presented this week at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in San Francisco, indicated virtually all patients had some gains in strength, flexibility and endurance as a result of the yoga. The yoga activities "improved neuromuscular control, likely allowing for strength improvements in affected limbs, sides or areas of disuse," said Arlene Schmid, lead investigator for one the studies. A second study found yoga improved participants’ balance and helped them to take faster, longer steps or strides.
"Clinicians need methods to manage and improve these post-stroke physical impairments," said Schmid, adding that it might be appropriate to include yoga in the in-patient or out-patient stroke rehabilitation programs.
About 5 million Americans are living with the consequences of stroke, which can lead to decreased independence, limited mobility and isolation.