Abstract
This research was designed to examine the comparative impact of high-speed multidirectional, multi-component yoga (YogaCue) and traditional slow-paced yoga (HATHA) on changes in cognition and physical performance in adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Physical performance measures including neuromuscular strength and power, and aerobic fitness were assessed across the intervention period. The study included a total of 20 adults ages 60-99 (76 6.3) with UPDRS III mobility stages 1-3. Cognitive assessments of executive function included the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, MoCA, Trail Making Tests A & B, and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test. Physical measures were evaluated by the Timed up and Go (TUG), 5 time sit to stand (5xSTS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and the Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT). Neuromuscular measurements of strength were assessed by leg press and chest press 1-repeition maximum, LP1RM and CP1RM respectively, and neuromuscular power by leg press and chest press peak power, LPPP and CPPP, respectively. Further, aerobic fitness was measured by the 6-minute walk test, (6MWT) and estimated VO2max was obtained (V02). Behavioral analysis was determined using the Beck Depression Index (BDI), Daily functional activity by the Functional Activity Questionnaire (FAQ) and Parkinson’s assessment by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire -39 (PDQ-39). Individuals were placed in either YogaCue (n=12) or HATHA (n=8) groups to train for 3 sessions of 60-minutes per week for 24 weeks. A 2 (group) x 2 (time) mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for all outcome measures.This research shows that YogaCue was more effective than HATHA yoga in improving cognitive, neuromuscular, and physical measures in adults with Parkinson’s Disease.