Motor and Nonmotor outcomes in a Yoga and Task Based Exercise Program: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, nonmotor, and functional deficits. Physical interventions shows promise in reducing motor deficits, however displays variable results in reducing nonmotor symptoms. It is well established that task based training improves balance and function in neurologic conditions, and yoga, a complementary exercise shows positive outcomes in mood and sleep. Instituting Yoga in conjunction with task based functional activity may provide a balanced intervention program to ameliorate key deficits. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to ascertain whether Yoga coupled with task based exercise will induce positive change in function, postural alignment and control, improve quality of life, and reduce fatigue in persons with PD. Methods: Ten participants with PD (6 men and 4 women) with a mean age of 66.4 years enrolled in a two time per week, 8-week group intervention. The pilot study is a one group pre-post design. Outcome measures were the Cognitive Timed up and Go (TUG), Ten Meter Walk Test, craniovertebral angle for forward head, Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The study examined the nonmotor domain by implementing the Parkinson's disease Quality of Life (PDQL) and the Parkinson's Fatigue Scale (PFS). Results: The PFS showed significant pre (median score 60) to post-intervention differences (median score 49), Z =-2.03, P=.042. The BBS revealed significant improvement from pre (median score 52) to post intervention (median score 53), Z=-2.108, P=.035. Additional findings were reductions in the mean craniovertebral angle (6 degrees), 4.3 second reduction in the Cognitive TUG and a mean gain of 9 points in the PDQL. Discussion and Conclusions: A positive outcome was the reduction in fatigue, which was present throughout the Hoehn and Yahr stages. Furthermore, advances were noted in cervical alignment, postural control (BBS) and the Cognitive TUG. Yoga coupled with task based activity shows benefit in reducing fatigue and improving postural control in individuals with PD. Future studies should combine Yoga and functional activities to ascertain additional benefits.