Feasibility and results of a case study of yoga to improve physical functioning in people with chronic traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed-methods case study was to investigate whether an 8-week 1:1 yoga program was feasible and beneficial to people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method: This was a mixed-methods case study of one-to-one yoga for people with TBI included three people. We completed assessments before and after the 8-week yoga intervention and included measures of balance, balance confidence, pain, range of motion, strength and mobility. Qualitative interviews were included at the post-assessment. We include a percent change calculation and salient quotes that represent the perceived impact of the yoga intervention. Results: All participants completed the yoga intervention and all demonstrated improvements in physical outcome measures. For the group, balance increased by 36%, balance confidence by 39%, lower extremity strength by 100% and endurance by 105%. Qualitative data support the use of yoga to improve multiple aspects of physical functioning, one participant stated: “I mean it’s rocked my world. It’s changed my life. I mean all the different aspects. I mean physically, emotionally, mentally, it’s given me you know my life back…”. Conclusions: Yoga, delivered in a one-to-one setting, appears to be feasible and beneficial to people with chronic TBI.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to many aspects of physical functioning impairment.

• Yoga delivered in a one-to-one setting may be feasible and beneficial for people with chronic TBI.

• Balance
• traumatic brain injury
• yoga

Acknowledgements

We thank the Indiana University Occupational Therapy students involved with this research: Erin Debaun-Sprague, MS OTR; Elizabeth Short, MS OTR; Jenna Mitchell, MS OTR; Laura Montgomery, MS OTR; and Tiffani Davis, MS OTR.

Declaration of interest

Dr. Schmid and this study were supported by a VA Career Development Award (VA RR&D CDA D6174W).