Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: A Feasibility and Pilot Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess feasibility and changes in outcome measures following the Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (MY-OT for PD) program: a 14-session program which combined community-based yoga for PD, and fall-risk focused group occupational therapy sessions. Seventeen participants completed an 8-week control period consisting of their normal participation, and an 8-week intervention period (14 MY-OT for PD sessions). There were fewer self-reported falls in the intervention (6) vs. control periods (10). One fall risk factor management scale (the Fall Prevention and Management Questionnaire, p=.02), and balance (p<.01) showed significant improvement between the control and intervention. The MY-OT for PD program is an encouraging occupational therapist-led program, which may improve balance and reduce self-reported falls.

Keywords:

• Community-based programming
• fall management
• fall risk
• intervention programming
• Parkinson’s disease

Conflict of Interest

The physical therapist who completed balance assessments was not an independent party. He is now married to the first author. We attempted to reduce any potential bias by using standardized protocols to complete the assessments. Additionally, the he had been practicing as an outpatient physical therapist for seven years when the assessments were completed and these assessments are within a physical therapist’s scope of practice.

IRB protocol and clinical trials protocol

This study was approved by the Colorado State University Institutional Review Board (17-7398H). The study was published on clinicaltrials.gov under “Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson Disease: Phase 2” (NCT03578653).

Acknowledgements

Jennifer Atkins, for her expertise in community-based yoga for Parkinson’s disease and willingness to be involved in a research study. The master’s level occupational students who helped throughout the program: Heather Hill, Katie Lucas, Lauren Helbling, Michael Graham, Charla Kinkel, and Haylee Candray.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Global, through a small student grant mechanism. All work was completed as part of Laura Swink’s dissertation work at Colorado State University. She is now affiliated with, and funded by, the Veterans Administration (VA). However, none of the work was funded by the VA. Additionally, the contents of this manuscript do not represent the views of the VA of the United States Government.