|
Monday, June 20, 2011
|
Yoga Improves Balance for Stroke Survivors |
|
|
|
|
It is often said that yoga can help bring balance to your life. A new study shows promise that yoga can also quite literally improve your balance. At first glance this may not appear to be as valuable as some of the other beneficial side effects of yoga, yet for those at greater risk for injury from falling, it is a substantial one.
Falls and injuries due to falls are one of the most frequent complications for stroke survivors. For those who have suffered a stroke, the risk of falling can quadruple, and the risk of breaking a hip after a fall is greatly increased. In addition to the increased risk of injury, stroke patients often have a fear of falling, especially if they have already had a fall. This psychological component is a significant problem as well, as it may lead to reluctance to move around. Increased immobility then further deteriorates muscle tone and stamina. In a recent study, twenty participants who had suffered a stroke and already completed their prescribed rehabilitation were lead in twice weekly one-hour yoga classes for eight weeks. The series started with everyone seated, then gradually added in standing poses. By the end of the study everyone was performing poses on the floor. Improvement was measured with the Berg Balance Scale and the Fullerton Advance Balance Scale. A 17% improvement was seen on items measured by the Berg scale and a 34% improvement was seen on the Fullerton scale. Arlene A. Schmid, the lead researcher in the study, found it “equally exciting” that there was a “measurable gain in confidence the study participants had in their balance.” Schmid presented the results of this pilot study at a meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. Even though it is considered a preliminary study, and the research has not yet undergone the peer review process, the promising results have generated a lot of interest. Has yoga improved your balance? What is your favorite balancing pose? 2 Comments
I love that yoga is becoming the new "it" medicine (as far as I can tell from all the latest medical headlines). I believe it all and moreso, that traditional medicine is by far more behind than alternative medicine, including practicing yoga.
1
June 24, 2011
I love it too!
I recently read that Western Medicine developed as a response to infectious diseases. It has done such a good job at that task, that we are now able to worry more about wellness and quality of life. It's interesting that our advances would bring us back to a re-examination of ancient practices. 2
June 24, 2011
Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Our Sponsor
 Our
Yoga for Beginners book takes you through the basics of practicing yoga and then teaches you the poses in the context of a yoga practice sequence. |
| Free Newsletter |
|---|
| Premium Content |
|---|
| Our premium members have access to deluxe features, detailed yogic information and downloadable MP3s. Check out our Premium Membership Benefits page to find out all of the rewards of joining. |
| New Users |
|---|
| To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. Questions? check out our yoga message board. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page |
| Yogic Wisdom |
|---|
|
When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath. Hatha Yoga Pradipika |
| Our Most Popular Pages |
|---|
| RSS Syndication |
|---|
 Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep informed on all new updates to YogaBasics.com.
In order to use our Newsfeed you need to cut and paste the URL into a RSS reader or use your browser's RSS "subscribe" button.
|
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
