Yoga as a means to negotiate physical activity constraints in middle-aged and older adults

In spite of the known benefits of physical activity participation, many adults still do not engage in physical activities. It is important to understand mechanisms that may facilitate the negotiation of physical activity constraints. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as the conceptual framework, this study analyzed secondary data from two yoga trials to explore potential mechanisms related to physical activity constraint negotiation. The results of data analysis support the idea that negotiation occurred both in mental body functions and in the environment. The Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions provides further explanation for the negotiation of mental functions and environment. Yoga, an activity known to enhance positive emotions, may reduce constraints through broadening the individual’s experience and opening the individual’s mind to new opportunities and activities

A Phase I Feasibility Study of Yoga on the Physical Health and Coping of Informal Caregivers

Family and friends who provide unpaid care to an individual with a disease or disability (known as informal caregivers) experience numerous threats to their physical health as a result of providing care. In spite of evidence that participation in physical and leisure activities can be health promoting, informal caregivers have reported diminished or completely absent leisure participation. Hatha yoga has documented therapeutic benefits, including reduced anxiety, as well as improved muscle strength and endurance and flexibility. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of conducting an 8-week yoga program with informal caregivers, and to gather pilot data on the effects of yoga on the physical fitness and coping of informal caregivers. Caregivers were randomized into a yoga intervention (n = 8) or control group (n = 9). The yoga sessions were 2.5 hours/week for 8 weeks and consisted of a variety of pranayama (breathing) and asana (postures) activities and were led by a certified yoga instructor. Four caregivers (two in each group) dropped out of the study. After the conclusion of the 8-week yoga program, lower body strength increased significantly for those in the yoga group and other notable trends occurred in terms of coping, upper body strength and aerobic endurance. Caregivers in the control group experienced an unexpected increase in lower body flexibility. These findings indicate that caregivers in a yoga program may receive some benefits. Future studies are encouraged to test the efficacy of yoga as an intervention for caregivers

Assessing the Prevalence of Gendered Ageism Among Long-Term Care Employees

Ageism, discrimination based on age, particularly against older adults, intersects with other forms of discrimination, including sexism. In long-term care settings, gendered ageism can manifest in various ways, influencing both the quality and type of care older adults receive based on their gender. Understanding and addressing ageism in these settings is essential to ensuring the dignity, respect, and quality of life for older adults. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore long-term care (LTC) employees’ attitudes towards age and gender. A theoretical framework of feminist disability theory and compulsory youthfulness allows for an intersectional critique of ageism, sexism, and ableism and how each contributes to the oppression of long-living adults (age 80 and over) and disabled long-living adults. Triangulation of data was achieved through surveys, interviews, and artifacts. Sixty employees completed an on-line survey consisting of demographic questions (age, race, gender, years employed in LTC, highest level of education, employment) and the Fraboni Scale of Ageism during the Coronavirus pandemic between August 21, 2020 and September 22, 2020. Data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test, One Way ANOVA, and One Sample Median Test. Twenty-one of these employees also participated in a phone interview during the time period of survey collection. Interview data were analyzed using open coding, axial coding, then thematic analysis. Cultural artifacts available to the primary researcher, and relating to the study, were noted. Considering the primary researcher was not allowed to enter the facility, the types of artifacts collected included social media posts via Twitter, Facebook, and the organization’s blog. Blog and social media posts ranged from September 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021. Mixing of qualitative and quantitative data was completed for the final results by merging them via side by side comparison table. Quantitative findings indicated there was a statistical difference in FSA scores for younger adults (M = 49.33, SD = 6.08), adults (M = 52.97, SD = 8.66), and older adults (M = 46.76, SD = 7.85). Middle age adults had significantly higher FSA scores than younger adults and older adults. Qualitative data provided the strongest connection that sexist and ageist attitudes exist among employees as it demonstrated that some employees had different expectations of residents based on the residents’ gender. A review of social media and policy artifacts concluded there was no resident perspective present in research topics, research trials, blog posts, or community events. Overall, findings indicated employees’ interactions with, and attitudes towards, residents were influenced by themes of compassionate ageism, ableism, and identity, which resulted in meta-theme caregiver validation and reward. Although most employees felt a deep connection with residents, they detached themselves from the aging process, instead seeking affirmation and recognition from residents through gratitude and positive interactions. Results from this study indicated certain power dynamics and suggested that employees actively sought positive care interactions with residents. Most employees preferred to care for residents who appeared to need assistance, were appreciative, and interacted with the employee in a positive way. When this occurred, employees enjoyed relationships with these residents and caring for them on a continuous basis. Essentially, employees preferred to care for someone who conformed to that employee’s expectations for care

Changes in Walking Spatiotemporal Parameters After Therapeutic Yoga in People with Chronic Stroke

Walking limitations after stroke can contribute to long-term functional impairments. Walking characteristics such as spatiotemporal step parameters may be associated with these persistent walking limitations. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in specific spatiotemporal walking parameters such as: walking speed; step length; swing time; step parameter symmetry; and double support time in adults with stroke who were participating in a therapeutic yoga intervention. The therapeutic yoga intervention was offered as a post-rehabilitation wellness activity 2 times per week for 8 weeks and was led by a yoga therapist. Spatiotemporal walking data were collected using the GAITRite Walkway System on a sub sample (n=24) of participants in a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of therapeutic yoga for improving balance in adults with chronic stroke. These data demonstrated that therapeutic yoga may have a positive impact on some spatiotemporal walking characteristics such as comfortable walking speed, step length, and double support time, while other spatiotemporal walking characteristics did not change (step parameter symmetry) or change at a significant level (sustained walking speed). The clinical relevance of this study is that participation in therapeutic yoga as a post-rehabilitation wellness activity may have a positive impact on walking characteristics in adults with chronic stroke

The Impact of Yoga on Quality of Life after Stroke

poster abstractAbstract Objective: Evaluate the effect of an innovative 8 week yoga-based rehabilitation intervention on 1) stroke specific quality of life (QoL) and 2) activity and participation scores in veterans with chronic stroke. Rationale/Background: Declines in Quality of Life (QoL), activity, and participation are common after stroke. Such declines are related to increased mortality, dependence, and costs. As more people live with long-term effects of stroke, it is necessary to develop innovative and evidence-based rehabilitation and occupational therapy interventions to improve QoL, activity, and participation in people with chronic stroke. Methods: • Participants- Participants included veterans with chronic stroke (>9 months) who had completed all occupational and physical therapy after stroke, reported some residual disability or functional loss after stroke; and scored >4 out of 6 on the Short Mini Mental Status Exam. • Setting- All data were collected in the Rehabilitation and Integrative Therapy lab at an urban university. • Design- This was a mixed methods pilot study of an 8 week yoga-based rehabilitation intervention. Data were collected before and after the 8 week yoga intervention. Data collection was completed by a trained research assistant. We used paired t-tests and Wilcoxon non-parametirc tests as appropriate to compare group change in scores over the 8-weeks. • Measure(s)- Measures included the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SSQoL) (high score=better QoL) to measure QoL and activity and participation were measured with the ICF Measure of Participation and Activity (IMPACT) (low score=less limitations in activity and participation). Both are valid and reliable instruments. Qualitative comments were collected during focus groups after the intervention. Supportive qualitative comments regarding improved QoL and activity and participation are included. All qualitative comments were reviewed by two researchers, and exemplar quotes are included

Leisure as a Means of Coping: The Experience of Taiwanese Parents of Adult Children with Disabilities

The complexity of the caregiving phenomenon suggests a need to explore the diverse voices and perspectives of parental caregivers of children with disabilities concerning the meaning of caregiving within the cultural context. In this study, we used semi-structured interviews to investigate how Taiwanese parents of adult children with disabilities manage their caregiving stress on a daily basis. Through snowball sampling, ten participants were recruited from Southern Taiwan. We found that the parents in this study had gone through a stressful induction process to overcome their denial about having a child with a disability and learn how to manage social stigma. Despite these external stressors, over time the parents developed a variety coping techniques to maintain their health and well-being. Additionally, we found that these parents consciously and deliberately used leisure activities to relieve their stress. Implications for practice and research are discussed

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF PRACTITIONERS’ USE OF YOGA WITH YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA

It is not uncommon for youth (ages 2–19) to experience trauma. There are various types of traumatic events that may lead to adverse effects on youths’ emotional, cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual health. It is important that youth receive support and resources to address the negative impacts trauma may have on their minds and bodies. Yoga is a holistic practice that may address these negative effects in all 5 health domains. However, there are many inconsistencies and gaps in the literature regarding the use of yoga with youth who have experienced trauma. The purpose of this descriptive survey research study was to address these inconsistencies by describing the approaches of 56 practitioners who utilize yoga with youth who have experienced trauma, and their perceptions of how and why they use yoga with these youth. Findings highlighted the importance of implementing trauma-specific adaptations when facilitating yoga with youth who have experienced trauma, such as increasing participant autonomy, providing a safe environment, and developing a therapeutic rapport. Results also indicated that the most common use of yoga among these practitioners was to address emotional and physical needs of youth who have experienced trauma. Implications of study findings and opportunities for future research are discussed

The Lived Experience of Siblings of Children With Cancer Who Attended a Peer Support Camp in the United States

Childhood cancer has a profound and negative impact on siblings, yet there are limited studies exploring lived experiences from their perspective. This qualitative study examined the perceptions and experiences of siblings of children with cancer who attended a peer support camp. Semi-structured interviews were conducted three to six weeks after the weeklong peer support camp with a stratified random sample of 10 siblings (six non-bereaved and four bereaved) ages 8 to 16 years. The qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and an inductive data-driven approach. Four themes emerged: social connection (subthemes: support/feeling of belonging, mentorship, and expressing feelings), personal growth, identity, and freedom to have fun and relax. These findings add to the scant body of research by providing enhanced understanding of the siblings’ experiences and new insights into their perceptions of meaning and outcomes associated with participation in a peer support camp. These findings have implications for peer support camp programs and the well-being of siblings of children with cancer

Perceptions of Yoga Therapy Embedded in Two Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals: Agency Perspectives

Inpatient medical rehabilitation has maintained a typical medical-model focus and structure for many years. However, as integrative therapies, such as yoga therapy, emerge as treatments which can enhance the physical and mental health of its participants, it is important to determine if they can be easily implemented into the traditional rehabilitation structure and milieu. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of key agency personnel on the feasibility and utility of yoga therapy implemented in inpatient rehabilitation. This study reports the results of focus groups and an individual interview with key stakeholders (administrators and rehabilitation therapists) from two rehabilitation hospitals following the implementation of yoga therapy. Results focused on several key themes: feasibility from the therapist and administrator perspectives, challenges to implementation, and utility and benefit. Overall, the implementation and integration of yoga therapy were positive; however, some programmatic and policy and organizational considerations remain. Implications for practice and future research are provided