Evaluation of a Modified Yoga Program for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Authors

  • Kathryn J. B. Curtis York University, Department of Psychology, Toronto, Ontario
  • Sander L. Hitzig University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Life Course and Aging
  • Nicole Leong University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Claire E. Wicks York University, Department of Psychology, Toronto, Ontario
  • David S. Ditor Brock University, Department of Kinesiology, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
  • Joel Katz York University, Department of Psychology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Keywords:

spinal cord injuries, yoga, therapeutic recreation, program evaluation, pain, fatigue, mindfulness, self-efficacy, affect

Abstract

Yoga is a promising mind-body intervention for improving health and well-being in a number of clinical populations. At this time, there is no evidence on the benefits of yoga for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Twelve participants with SCI were recruited into a mixed-methods program evaluation of an eight-week modified yoga program. At baseline and exit, participants were evaluated on pain, fatigue, psychological factors, and mindfulness with self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Five participants completed the baseline and exit assessments. Significant changes were not found on any of the outcome scores. Qualitative analysis revealed main themes regarding expectations, benefits along emotional, mental, and physical domains, program satisfaction and recommendations. Participants reported highly enjoying the yoga intervention and the qualitative data indicated a number of therapeutic benefits (i.e., decreased stress, pain relief). Yoga appears to be a promising therapeutic recreation intervention post-SCI and a larger clinical trial is recommended to conclusively investigate both its objectively and subjectively measured benefits. 

Author Biographies

Kathryn J. B. Curtis, York University, Department of Psychology, Toronto, Ontario

Ms. Curtis is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at York University.

Sander L. Hitzig, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Life Course and Aging

Dr. Hitzig is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Toronto.

Nicole Leong, University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ms. Leong is a Therapeutic Recreationist at Toronto Rehab.

Claire E. Wicks, York University, Department of Psychology, Toronto, Ontario

Ms. Wicks is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at York University.

David S. Ditor, Brock University, Department of Kinesiology, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Ditor is an Associate Professor at Brock University.

Joel Katz, York University, Department of Psychology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Katz is a Canada Research Chair in Health Psychology at York University.

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Published

2015-05-11

Issue

Vol. 49 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Research Papers

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