Document Type

Student Research Paper

Date

Spring 2020

Academic Department

Occupational Therapy

Faculty Advisor(s)

Terri Dennehy

Abstract

Living with the long-lasting effects of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as stroke, has become a reality for millions of Americans in the United States. Reduced upper and lower extremity function, decreased balance and problematic mobility, and reduced daily independence are only a few residual symptoms which can affect function and quality of life for those affected by stroke. Over seven million Americans, ages 20 or older, self-reported having had a stroke in 2018 (The American Heart Association, 2018). Projections indicate that by 2030, an additional 3.4 million Americans over the age of 18 will have had a stroke (Benjamin et al., 2018). Due to these staggering predictions, there is a need for meaningful, effective treatments to promote functioning for these individuals. Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that plays a central role in filling this need for quality daily living. While OT has many researched and effective interventions for clients who have experienced a stroke, there are additional emerging techniques and therapeutic activities that may be beneficial for clients status post stroke, such as adapted yoga.

As an OT student who has an interest in the practice area of neurology, which includes those with stroke and in optimizing functional capacity and health, I want to better understand what the literature says about how yoga is being utilized in occupational therapy with individuals who are status post stroke. To better understand the plausibility and efficacy of yoga as an intervention strategy, a comprehensive review of the availed literature is warranted. This scoping review will examine the findings of empirical studies which investigated the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the neurologically involved population of stroke.

Notes

Senior thesis.

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