Yoga Meditation Enhances Proprioception and Balance in Individuals Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
Nicholas P. Cherup, Keri L. Strand, Lucrezia Lucchi, Savannah V. Wooten, Corneliu Luca, Joseph F. Signorile
Abstract
This study compared the effectiveness of two proprioceptive exercise programs for persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thirty-three patients with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to a yoga meditation program (YoMed) or to an established proprioceptive training program (PRO). Both interventions included twice weekly sessions (45 minutes each), spanning a 12-week period. Outcome measures included: joint position sense (JPS 45 °, JPS 55 °, JPS 65 °) and joint kinesthesia (JK Flex and JK Ext ), the Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool (TIN), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), dynamic posturography (DMA and TIME) and the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG). Test administrators were blinded to group affiliation. Significant between-group differences favoring the YoMed group were observed for TIN ( p = 0.01, d = 0.77) and JK Flex ( p = 0.05, d = −0.72). DMA and TIME scores significantly improved for both groups, and no adverse events were reported. These findings indicate that the YoMed program is safe and effective for patients with PD. Researchers should continue to examine the clinical efficacy of mind-body techniques to improve movement control and body awareness in this population.