Yoga May Aid Stroke Recovery

Yoga may help stroke survivors recover and become more active, a small study suggests. The study included 47 people who had a stroke more than 6 months in the past. They were randomly divided into 3 groups. Two of the groups did yoga twice a week. One of the yoga groups also listened to a relaxation recording 3 times a week. The third group received usual care. The program lasted 8 weeks. Yoga classes were taught by a registered yoga therapist. Yoga poses were modified for people’s needs, but became more challenging each week. People in the yoga groups had greater improvement in balance than those who received usual care. They were less afraid of falling. They also scored higher on measurements of independent living and quality of life. Most stroke rehab programs end after 6 months. But researchers said yoga could be an affordable way to help stroke survivors keep improving.