Yoga for Functional Fitness in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Yoga is an effective intervention to improve functional fitness in adults with and without disabilities, but little research exists regarding yoga's impact on functional fitness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of a group yoga intervention on the functional fitness of adults with IDDs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This yoga intervention included 12 sessions of yoga over 7 weeks (60-min sessions twice a week) at a special population recreation and leisure program. The functional fitness test was used to examine physical functioning before and after the yoga intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Eight adults completed the baseline and posttest measures (age mean = 31; standard deviation = 6.55; 50% male). There were significant improvements in lower-body strength (9.00 ± 4.63 vs. 11.50 ± 3.16, P = 0.04, 28% improvement), upper-body strength (11.25 ± 3.54 vs. 14.25 ± 3.37, P = 0.018, 27% improvement), and agility and balance (9.29 ± 4.1 vs. 6.60 ± 1.54, P = 0.036, 29% improvement). Functional fitness often declines for people with IDD at a faster rate than the general population; thus, these significant changes indicate that a yoga intervention may enhance functional fitness for people with IDD. Clinicians or other healthcare providers might consider yoga as a means to improve functional fitness in adults with IDDs.

Predictors of Functional Improvements After Therapeutic Yoga Intervention for People with Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects nearly 10 million people worldwide, leading to decreased mobility and balance and potential loss of independence. Yoga has been associated with improved function for people with PD, but the predictive factors for improved functional outcomes as a result of yoga participation remain unexamined. The objective of this secondary data analysis was to identify predictive factors of functional improvement for people with PD after an 8-week yoga intervention. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify significant predictors of improvement in balance, fall control, PD symptoms, and activity constraints. Lower cognitive functioning was predictive of improvement in perceived control over falls, body responsiveness was predictive of improvement in PD-specific symptoms, and gait velocity was predictive of improvement in balance and activity constraints. Future research is warranted to evaluate the use of screeners to predict who is the best fit for yoga therapy. Additional research is needed to evaluate the need to include cognitive self-management training concurrent with yoga therapy.

Changes in Nonmotor Symptoms Following an 8-Week Yoga Intervention for People with Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive degenerative motor symptoms (e.g., tremors, impaired balance and gait) and nonmotor symptoms (e.g., fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain) that can negatively influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Previous studies have shown that yoga for individuals with PD improves balance, strength, and mobility. However, little research has been conducted to determine the effect of yoga on nonmotor symptoms of PD. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in nonmotor symptoms among individuals with PD following an 8-week yoga intervention. Data used for analyses were part of a larger study that researched improvements in motor function for individuals with PD. Participants (N = 27) were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 12) groups and completed pre- and postintervention quantitative measures. Within-group improvements were statistically significant for fatigue measured by the Parkinson's Fatigue Scale, balance confidence measured by the Activities Balance Confidence Scale, the belief in one's ability to manage falls measured by the Falls Management Scale, activity constraints measured by the Activities Constraint Questionnaire, and PD-specific quality of life measured by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8. Across-group changes were statistically significant for activity constraints. Findings indicate yoga may be an efficacious intervention for improving nonmotor symptoms as well as HRQoL for individuals with PD.