Yoga for Parkinson’s Disease
Yoga is one of the most beneficial complementary therapies for Parkinson’s Disease. It can help to improve movement, increase flexibility, improve posture, loosen tight and painful muscles, rebuild confidence and through these benefits enhance quality of life. Yoga can energise the body and mind, improve concentration and reduce stress.
The issue of mobility has important implications for falls in PD. Yoga participation can improve functional mobility and how a person with PD walks. Standing yoga poses target the hip extensor, knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor, which support centre-of-mass during walking and may improve overall stability.
Balance training is an important component of any PD therapy. Research shows yoga-related improvements in balance (tandem, one-leg) and an associated reduction in fear of falling; this can also help keep people with PD active in their community for longer.