Does a Medical Therapeutic Yoga Group Intervention Remediate Impairments Commonly Found in People with Multiple Sclerosis? A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system resulting in varied physical and cognitive deficits that often contribute to changes in postural control as well as decreased self-efficacy and lower perceived quality of life. One intervention often recommended for the control of MS symptoms is rehabilitation. While rehabilitation is often effective, it is traditionally delivered in a unidisciplinary manner in private-session format. This pilot study presents the use of a biopsychosocial interdisciplinary group yoga intervention to improve postural control, self-efficacy, and quality of life in individuals living with MS.

METHODS

This pilot study examined 15 subjects who participated in a 5-week prospective Medical Therapeutic Yoga (MTY) program designed for individuals diagnosed with MS. Pre and post-testing was completed.

RESULTS

The participants demonstrated improvements in overall balance (t(14)=3.42, p=0.004), dual-tasking (t(13)=2.30, p=0.034), dynamic gait (T(14)=-2.311, p=0.021), reactive balance (T(114)=-2.157, p=0.031), and self-efficacy (t(12)=3.40, p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

MTY offers a biopsychosocial framework to provide integrative interdisciplinary care across disciplines. In this pilot investigation, postural control and feelings of self-efficacy improved. This modality of rehabilitation warrants further investigation.