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

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated changes in physical fitness and physical activity among older patients with chronic stroke (stroke ≥ 6 months previous) after participation in a yoga infused self-management intervention.

METHODS

A mixed-methods secondary data analysis examined quantitative measures of endurance, strength, and gait speed and qualitative perspectives of intervention participants.

RESULTS

Based on Wilcoxon analysis, physical fitness outcome measures including endurance and lower and upper body strength significantly (p < .02) improved. Based on qualitative results of 2 focus groups and 14 individual interviews, participants expressed positive changes in endurance, strength, gait speed, flexibility, and balance. They also reported improvements in walking ability and duration, and expressed a desire to continue yoga and increase levels of exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

With the objective of improving physical fitness and exercise for older adults with chronic stroke, it is important for self-management interventions to provide specific safe and feasible physical activity components, such as yoga.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Health professionals may improve offered chronic stroke self-management interventions by incorporating yoga.