Yoga for stroke rehabilitation
Stroke is a major health issue and cause of long‐term disability and has a major emotional and socioeconomic impact.
Rehabilitation focuses on recovery of function and cognition to the maximum level achievable, and may include a wide range of complementary strategies including yoga.
Yoga is a mind‐body practice that originated in India, and which has become increasingly widespread in the Western world. Recent evidence highlights the positive effects of yoga for people with a range of physical and psychological health conditions.
A recent non‐Cochrane systematic review concluded that yoga can be used as self‐administered practice in stroke rehabilitation.
Studies reported a significant benefit in improving aspects of range of movement, and a significant benefit in reducing anxiety.
Additionally, after discharge from hospital or other stroke services, stroke survivors have to cope with the long‐term effects of stroke. Research has shown that yoga can help people with long‐term conditions to cope better. Yoga can also improve quality of life.
How the intervention might work
Traditionally, yoga practitioners are reputed to benefit physically and psychologically from yoga practice (Bower 2014).
Yoga is considered a physical activity (Sattelmair 2010) and as such has positive effects on brain chemistry and may lead to strengthened physical states (Garret 2011).
In addition, the relaxation and personal integration aspects of yoga contribute to mindful awareness and personal acceptance (Garret 2011), enhancing ability to sustain attention (Oken 2006).
Conclusion
The review suggested that yoga has evidence to support its use as part of patient‐centered stroke rehabilitation.