Merging Yoga and Group OT (MY-OT) to Improve Balance and Decrease Fall Risk After Stroke

Merging Yoga and Group OT (MY-OT)

The long-term goal of this project is to advance best practices in occupational therapy (OT) to manage fall risk factors and reduce fall rates in older adults with stroke. To address this long-term goal, this team previously developed and pilot-tested a therapeutic yoga intervention to improve balance, balance self-efficacy, and fear of falling and a group OT intervention to improve the management of fall risk factors and fear of falling. The success of both prior studies supports Merging Yoga and group OT to improve balance, balance self-efficacy, and fall risk factor management. The objectives of this feasibility study are to 1) further develop, standardize, and manualize the MY-OT intervention and 2) assess change in balance, balance self-efficacy, and fall risk factor management.

8 week intervention of yoga plus occupational therapy. The objectives of this feasibility study are to 1) further develop, standardize, and manualize the MY-OT intervention and 2) assess change in balance, balance self-efficacy, and fall risk factor management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stroke >6 months prior
• 59 years or older
• prior fall or Fear of Falling (FoF)
• completed all stroke rehabilitation
• able to stand with or without an assistive device
• impaired balance with a score of <46 on the Berg Balance Scale
• able to speak English
• score >4 out of 6 on the short Mini Mental Status Exam (Callahan, Unverzagt et al., 2002)
• able and willing to attend twice weekly sessions for 8 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• people with life expectancy <9 months;
• inability to attend sessions due to unresolved transportation issues;
• inability or refusal to provide informed consent