Yoga & Stroke Recovery

Current research on the effects of yoga and stroke recovery is sparse. But studies suggest yoga, as a gentle exercise program, can help survivors of stroke recover balance, coordination and mobility, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.

Common Physical Complaints

• Common problems for stroke patients include loss of balance, language impairment and one-sided weakness. One-sided weakness can affect the left or right side of the body, either or both of the limbs and possibly the face, which affects speech patterns.

Aphasia and coordination

• A yoga practice helped stroke patients with language impairment (aphasia), and improved their fine motor coordination, according to a study by Continuum Center for Health and Healing in New York.

Hemiparesis

• A study cited by the journal Physical Therapy suggested that yoga improved the performance of stroke patients suffering from hemiparesis, or weakness in one side of the body.

Negative Emotions

• Many stroke survivors experience negative emotions, such as stress, grief and sadness. Meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help to calm a student and relax her mind.

Modifying Poses

• Writing in Yoga Journal, Baxter Bell, M.D., suggests stroke survivors should begin practicing asanas (poses) in a chair to assess their mobility.

  The next step, for students who can move to the floor, is to replicate standing poses for students lying on the floor with their feet on the wall.

  Many standing poses, such as Warrior I and II, can be modified by using a sturdy folding chair to hold for balance.

Poses to Avoid

• Bell advises stroke survivors to avoid inversions and poses which bring the head below the heart. Also, because strokes can be caused by plaque in the carotid artery, the artery which brings blood to the head, he recommends keeping gentle twists centralized in the trunk and avoiding poses which twist the neck.