The Therapeutics Effects of Yoga in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

The Therapeutic Effects of Yoga in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

To determine if yoga is beneficial in improving physical function quality of life and medical status in people with Parkinson's disease

This pilot study is a randomized controlled study of 20-30 individuals with Parkinson's disease will have a control group with no training and a research group with yoga training. The control group will have the opportunity to attend yoga training of the same intensity after the study is completed. The effects of yoga will not be on the control group. Data on physical function will be derived from assessments including strength, balance, flexibility, ROM. gait, posture and functional analysis performed in the Georgia Holland Cardiopulmonary and Neuromuscular Research Lab. Questionnaires related to quality of life, depression and falls will determine psychological impact or yoga training. Vital signs, pulmonary function tests and blood draws will be done in the General Clinical research Center (GCRC) and protein analysis will be done in the diabetes research lab.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parkinson's Disease
• Stage 1-3 Hoehn & Yahr

Exclusion Criteria:

• Decline in immune function
• 6 month joint surgery
• spinal fusions
• decline in mental status measured by Folstein Mini Mental Status Exam