Self-Management and Yoga for Older Adults with Chronic Stroke: A Mixed-Methods Study of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated changes in physical fitness and physical activity among older patients with chronic stroke (stroke ≥ 6 months previous) after participation in a yoga infused self-management intervention.

METHODS: A mixed-methods secondary data analysis examined quantitative measures of endurance, strength, and gait speed and qualitative perspectives of intervention participants.

RESULTS: Based on Wilcoxon analysis, physical fitness outcome measures including endurance and lower and upper body strength significantly (p < .02) improved. Based on qualitative results of 2 focus groups and 14 individual interviews, participants expressed positive changes in endurance, strength, gait speed, flexibility, and balance. They also reported improvements in walking ability and duration, and expressed a desire to continue yoga and increase levels of exercise.

CONCLUSIONS: With the objective of improving physical fitness and exercise for older adults with chronic stroke, it is important for self-management interventions to provide specific safe and feasible physical activity components, such as yoga.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals may improve offered chronic stroke self-management interventions by incorporating yoga.