Medical Therapeutic Yoga for multiple sclerosis: examining self-efficacy for physical activity, motivation for physical activity, and quality of life outcomes.
Kimberly S Fasczewski, LaVerene M Garner, Lauren A Clark and 2 others
PMID 32393075WHAT IT FOUND
Fifteen people with MS completed a five-week group program combining yoga-based exercise, behavior-change education, journaling, and relaxation.
Confidence for physical activity and emotional quality of life scores changed; motivation, activity, and other quality-of-life scores did not.
Key findings
01Confidence in continuing physical activity despite barriers changed from before to after the program.
02Self-determined motivation and physical activity scores did not change from before to after the program.
03Emotional quality of life changed, while other quality-of-life subscales and overall quality of life did not.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study analysed 15 participants, so results could be unstable. There was no control group, so changes could be due to time, attention, or selection rather than the program. The intervention lasted five weeks, and the authors say results are not generalizable. The program included yoga-based exercise, behavior-change education, journaling, and relaxation, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. Physical activity and motivation did not change, even though participants reported positive experiences. One participant did not complete the program and was removed from the analysis.
Declared interests
The authors report no conflict of interest. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that yoga alone improved physical activity or motivation. This pilot analysed 15 participants, had no control group, and bundled yoga-based exercise with behavior-change education, journaling, and relaxation, so the effect of any single component cannot be separated.