1. Iyengar Yoga’s Holistic Impact on Stroke Rehabilitation
Ugochi Oguh, Dr. Dorothy Hodgson
Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
Abstract
Iyengar yoga, created by B.K.S Iyengar, is a type of yoga that focuses on detail and the precise alignment of the body while incorporating breathing control and meditation. Iyengar yoga helps with the development of strength, mobility and stability
through the various poses. Props, such as blankets, blocks, and belts can be used to assist participants with performing positions while minimizing risk of injury or strain (Iyengar, 2007; Garfinkel, 2008). Previous research has demonstrated that
Iyengar yoga can improve the physical complications of post stroke individuals. Scientists have proven that certain poses practiced in Iyengar yoga help to strengthen core abdominal muscles which improves balance and mobility, common issues
experienced post stroke. But our interview with a woman who participated in Iyengar yoga after her stroke suggests that practicing Iyengar yoga also has psychological and emotional benefits. Our informant reported an improvement in self-reported
levels of anxiety, confidence, happiness, and even self-efficacy when she participated in consecutive Iyengar yoga classes for at least two months. This preliminary research suggests the need for further studies that will examine more systematically
how Iyengar yoga can be used for rehabilitation purposes to improve both physical and psychological complications that can arise from traumatic injuries.
Citations
Background
Results
Future Direction
Materials and Methods
This research seeks to illustrate how Iyengar yoga can improve both the mental and
physical functioning of a patient who has endured a traumatic condition such as a
stroke. Iyengar yoga is a practice that incorporates structured poses and deep
breathing while focusing on mind-body interactions. Prior studies have demonstrated
the mechanisms as to how Iyengar yoga enhanced musculoskeletal function however
they failed to elaborate on how psychological issues can also be improved. One
specific study conducted by Tiedemann et. al wonderfully demonstrated how well
Iyengar yoga improves physical complications that are typically results of stroke.
According to our interview Iyengar yoga is a sufficient means to strengthen the
body but mostly help with emotional and psychological issues. As stated by our
interviewee, interaction with the yogi, members of the yoga class, and the yogic
experience contributed greatly to how well emotion can improve.
Tiedemann, A. ( 1,2 ), et al. "A 12-Week Iyengar Yoga Program Improved Balance
And Mobility In Older Community-Dwelling People: A Pilot Randomized Controlled
Trial." Journals Of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences And Medical
Sciences 68.9 (2013): 1068-1075.Scopus®.
The 12 week trial by Tiedemann et al suggested that yogic practices could be
used for physical rehabilitation purposes. According to my results I think it can
also be used for mental rehabilitation for psychological disorders where
anxiety issues, and conditions of that nature are involved. It is important to
take into account that only one individual was interviewed and my conclusions
stem from this data alone. This limits my results because my sample size is
small and is not an accurate representation of the entire stroke population
who practices Iyengar yoga. I anticipate that many other individuals
experience the same emotional benefit of Iyengar yoga, and to affirm that I
would need to do more investigation throughout different populations.
Common Emotional Complications Post stroke
We conducted an ethnographic interview with a woman who had a stroke
within the past twelve months and questioned her about her experiences
with Iyengar yoga and how it helped after her stroke. For confidentiality
reasons our interviewee was given the pseudonym “Jane” and will be
referred to as such. The interview questions presented asked Jane to
elaborate on the physical complications developed after her stroke and
she spoke mostly of seizures and speech issues. However throughout the
interview Jane constantly stressed her extreme levels of anxiety after her
stroke as well as her unwillingness and fear of socialization. When asked
why she chose to participate in yoga after her stroke she said, “because I
was very nervous and I had a lot of seizures and I thought yoga would help
me be more calm” ( Interview w/ “Jane”). She felt most comfortable with
her yogi and through the practice of yoga Jane became more confident
and began to interact with people more. We used a Likert scale from one
to ten for which Jane rated her emotional and physical health before and
after the stroke. Her self-reported levels of anxiety, confidence, happiness
and strength increased compared to before the stroke.
Map of New Jersey with
Iyengar yoga studios
highlighted