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Health

Stroke and Yoga: What´s the Evidence?

14. February 2022 ● 5 min. Reading time

A stroke often marks a turning point in life. The previous way of life is questioned. As a holistic approach , Yoga promises to bring body, mind and soul back into balance.

Is there scientific evidence of the effects of Yoga? Is Yoga suitable for stroke patients? To answer these questions, we looked at recent studies and reviews.

Two men and two women in a relaxing Yoga position

How can Yoga provide support after a stroke?

After a stroke, problems with movement, balance, and perception can occur. Language, concentration, and memory are also frequently affected. The new life situation can lead to psychological problems or depression.

As a complementary therapeutic measure, Yoga can have various health benefits, regardless of the clinical picture:

Strengthening of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments
Improvement of mobility and range of motion
Promotion of mindfulness, concentration, and the ability to relax
Improvement of balance, proprioception, and postural control
Reduction of stress, depressive moods, and states of anxiety
Promotion of well-being and social factors
Training of brain and memory functions
Reduction of pain

Making mistakes for neuroplasticity

After a stroke, it is necessary to learn how to cope with the new life situation. Movements that used to be automatic, have to be relearned. This is where Yoga can be a valuable support.

The mat is the testing laboratory: Movements that are needed in everyday life will be practised. If plan A doesn’t work, plan B may will. Mistakes are permitted and desirable. If toddlers always gave up the first time they landed on their bottoms, they would never learn to walk.

Even if a certain exercise doesn’t work yet, the movement pattern can be worked on. Perhaps part of the movement is successful or the necessary muscles can already be consciously controlled. These are successes. Celebrate them!

For stroke survivors in particular, frequent repetitions are important to stimulate the damaged areas in the brain. The brain is able to regenerate dead cell tissue. Some streets in the neurological highway may be closed, but the brain will find diversions. This ability is called neuroplasticity.

Evidence for Yoga in stroke patients

The Cochrane Collaboration published a review of Yoga for stroke patients in 2017. As an international, independent organization, Cochrane is considered to be the gold standard for studies. Three statistically relevant results were found in the Cochrane Review of Stroke and Yoga.

For patients after a stroke, participating in a regular Yoga program

improves memory performance,
reduces the occurrence of feelings of anxiety, and
increases the range of movement in individual parts of the body.

Data on Yoga for stroke patients

Overall, there is not much data on Yoga and strokes yet. There are not enough large, high-quality studies to clearly confirm the effectiveness and safety of Yoga for stroke patients. Nevertheless, there are many smaller studies that show a positive trend.

Yoga is a complex system of movement, breath, and meditation.

Exercise strengthens muscles, bones, and the cardiovascular system. It improves coordination, endurance, and mobility.
Conscious deep breathing leads to improved body awareness, mental and emotional relaxation, stress reduction, and increased breathing capacity.
Regular meditation improves attention, emotional control, and stress management.

Yoga after stroke: What do I need to consider?

In the case of existing physical and/or mental limitations, a medical assessment is the first step before starting to practice Yoga.

No matter what the limitation is, Yoga is always possible. Yes, always. Yoga is much more than physical exercise. Even people with significant limitations can practice Yoga.

If a patient is sitting in a wheelchair, the upper body can be mobilized. Bedridden patients can work with visualizations. The brain cannot distinguish whether a movement is carried out or only thought about. The received stimuli reactivate the damaged brain areas. The yogic philosophy gives patients hope and can have a positive effect on mental health.

How do I start Yoga after a stroke?

An experienced teacher is essential. Ideally, he or she has already worked with other patients and knows how to adapt exercises beneficial for patients.

In patients with hemiparesis or hemiplegia, there is a risk that the practitioner will not feel potential damage. Instructors take on great responsibility in providing the right guidance. Some rehabilitation centers offer special Yoga courses for people who have had a stroke. Private lessons also can make sense.

It is best to ask the rehabilitation centre or the respective doctor if there are special courses for patients. Yoga studios in the area can also be the first port of call.

What style of Yoga is suitable for stroke survivors?

Yoga therapy combines the Eastern Yoga tradition with modern therapeutic approaches from the West. Breathing exercises, body positions and meditation are adapted to the individual needs of the client. Yoga therapy is a good way for patients to start practicing Yoga.

Hatha is more or less the original form of Yoga. The three pillars of Hatha are body, breath, and meditation. The disciplines come together to produce better awareness of the body. Hatha Yoga is a good place for stroke patients to start.

Iyengar Yoga focuses on body movements and breathing techniques. The precise execution of the individual poses is essential. Numerous aids such as blocks and straps may be used for support. Each pose can be individually adapted –Iyengar Yoga is suitable for stroke patients.

Yin Yoga is a calm style and is often used as a complement to more active disciplines. The positions are held for a long time to promote flexibility and relax the mind. The style is suitable for patients, people suffering from stress, or elderly people.

Forrest Yoga was founded by Ana T. Forrest. It is the Western Yoga response to modern life problems. The physical focus trains people to deal with and compensate for individual limitations and injuries better. Forrest Yoga is suitable for stroke patients.

Vinyasa Yoga is an active and dynamic style. The various physical exercises are strung together in flowing movements. Due to the high intensity, the style is initially less suitable for stroke patients.

Ashtanga focuses on the sequence of recurring series of exercises. The style is dynamic and physically demanding. Ashtanga is initially not recommended for stroke patients.

Yoga as a therapy after a stroke: Yes or no?

People with chronic illnesses or limitations often feel overwhelmed. Between doctor appointments and therapies, the desire to do something to aid recovery arises.

Yoga is accessible to everyone and promises great health benefits. A medical assessment is always advisable before starting to practice Yoga.

Patients should initially be supervised by experienced instructors. Mindfulness and honesty regarding the own limitations protect against physical overload.

Movement is good for the body, conscious breathing and meditation are good for the mind. When performed safely, Yoga can have a positive effect on patients’ physical and mental well-being.

Author: Michaela Partel

Sources:

Meditation Enhances Proprioception and Balance in Individuals Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease’, Perceptual and Motor Skills (2021)

Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): A Systematic Review (2020)

Feasibility of a Yoga intervention to decrease pain in older women: a randomized controlled pilot study (2020)

Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation (2019)

Systematic Review of Yoga and Balance: Effect on Adults With Neuromuscular Impairment (2019)

Yoga Effects on Brain Health: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature (2019)

Mind-Body Interventions, Psychological Stressors, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors (2019)

Self-Management and Yoga for Older Adults with Chronic Stroke: A Mixed-Methods Study of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity (2018)

Participant-perceived outcomes of merging Yoga and occupational therapy: Self-management intervention for people post stroke (2017)

Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention: A Bibliometric Analysis of Published Research Studies from 1967 to 2013 (2015)