Yoga therapy in an individual with spinal cord injury: A case report

Summary No known research addresses the effects of yoga in those with spinal cord injury (SCI), yet yoga has the potential to improve many impairments commonly associated with SCI. This case report documents the outcomes of a yoga program in an individual with an SCI. The participant was a 59-year-old male who sustained an incomplete C3–C6 SCI. He practiced Hatha yoga for 60-min sessions, twice per week for 12 weeks and despite neurological injury, was able to complete a yoga program with modifications. Improvements were noted in balance; endurance; flexibility; posture; muscle strength of the hip extensors, hip abductors and knee extensors; and in performance of functional goals. No changes were noted in gait velocity, satisfaction in performance of goals or in overall quality of life. The participant was able to practice yoga even though he used an assistive device to walk.