Therapeutic Yoga to Improve Function in Parkinson's Disease
Therapeutic Yoga to Improve Function in Parkinson's Disease
This is a single blind, randomized, wait-list controlled, phase II exploratory pilot study.
This is a single blind, randomized, wait-list controlled, phase II exploratory pilot study
 utilizing an after-trial embedded mixed methods approach that will examine the efficacy of
 therapeutic yoga as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals with PD to improve balance and
 reduce fear of falling (FoF). Potential participants will have a FoF in order to enter the
 study. An after-trial embedded mixed methods design will be employed in this study and will
 include the collection of qualitative data to assist in the overall interpretation of the
 more heavily weighted quantitative trial data. Adding qualitative methods will serve as a
 post-hoc analysis capturing participant perceptions of the relationships between the yoga
 intervention and various outcomes. More specifically, the qualitative data will aide in
 explaining the link between the various yoga techniques and mechanisms that participants
 attribute to improved balance, reduced FoF, and other bio-psychosocial outcomes and
 experiences. Qualitative data will be collected using focus group interviews with
 participants in the yoga group at the end of the class in week 8.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease with a rating of 1.5-4 on the Modified Hoehn and Yahr
 Scale of Parkinson's Disease Progression

 -  Endorsement of FoF,44 able to stand and walk 10 meters with or without an assistive
 device

 -  >18 years old; able to speak English

 -  Score >4 out of 6 on the short Mini Mental Status Exam

 -  Able and willing to attend twice weekly sessions for 8 weeks

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  People with self-reported life expectancy <12 months

 -  Inability to attend sessions due to transportation issues

 -  Current involvement with other physical activity (including yoga), rehabilitation, or
 other intervention studies

 -  Inability or refusal to provide informed consent