New yoga program for early Parkinson’s limbers up for clinical trial
24-week daily routine is designed to improve mobility, digestion, mental health
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- A new yoga program for early Parkinson's disease is heading to a clinical trial.
- The 24-week routine is designed to improve mobility, balance, and motor symptoms.
- It also addresses nonmotor symptoms like digestion, anxiety, and mental well-being.
A newly developed yoga program designed specifically to improve mobility and mental well-being for people in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease is heading to a clinical trial.
Developed by a trio of scientists, the customized program was recently detailed in the journal Annals of Neurosciences, under the article titled “Development and Validation of a Customised Yoga Therapy Module for People Living with Early Parkinsonism.”
While yoga is a centuries-old practice combining physical exercise with meditation, not all of its many modern styles are ideal for someone with a movement disorder. However, research shows that the right kind of yoga can ease stiffness, improve balance, and reduce anxiety and depression for those living with Parkinson’s.
Tailoring yoga for Parkinson’s needs
To address this, the researchers designed a routine tailored specifically for early-stage Parkinson’s patients. They started by reviewing existing medical literature to identify the most beneficial yoga practices and postures. Next, the team gathered feedback from Parkinson’s patients, caregivers, doctors, and certified yoga therapists to carefully craft the program.
The program consists of one-hour sessions, held five days a week over a 24-week period. It includes a variety of mobility exercises to address Parkinson’s motor symptoms, such as stretches to relieve rigidity in the arms and legs and exercises to improve balance.
To address the nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s, the program also incorporates movements that ease digestive issues like constipation, alongside breathing and meditation techniques to support mental health and mindfulness.
The scientists described the program as “a symptom-specific and participant-friendly first step” toward establishing an approved daily practice for mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s. With the framework now published, the team is planning further studies to put the program into practice.
Carol Deal
I want to know more about exercise for Parkinsons