Effect of yoga and group occupational therapy on community reintegration and perceived activity constraints for people with chronic stroke
Date
2016
Authors
Bolster, Ruby, author
Schmid, Arlene, advisor
Atler, Karen, committee member
Portz, Jennifer, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Purpose: People with stroke commonly experience perceived activity constraints, or barriers to engaging in activity, as well as challenges with community reintegration. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an 8-week yoga and group occupational therapy (OT) intervention (Merging Yoga and OT: MY-OT) on perceived activity constraints and community reintegration among individuals with chronic stroke. We also assessed the correlation between perceived activity constraints and community reintegration in this sample. Method: This non-controlled pilot study employed a pre- and post-test design. Fourteen people with chronic stroke participated in MY-OT and completed assessments at baseline and at the completion of the 8-week intervention. Results on an established activity constraints questionnaire and the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. Results: Perceived activity constraint scores improved significantly (76.82±10.97 vs 87.08±9.5, p=.005; 13% change), as did RNLI scores (79.25±15.45 vs 97.92±11.46, p=.004; or a 24% improvement). Perceived activity constraint and RNLI scores demonstrated an excellent and significant correlation (rs=.864, p=0.001). Conclusions: When working with people with chronic stroke, rehabilitation professionals may consider group OT combined with yoga. Rehabilitation professionals may target perceived activity constraints in order to improve community reintegration.