Feasibility and results of a case study of yoga to improve physical functioning in people with chronic traumatic brain injury

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed-methods case study was to investigate whether an 8-week 1:1 yoga program was feasible and beneficial to people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method: This was a mixed-methods case study of one-to-one yoga for people with TBI included three people. We completed assessments before and after the 8-week yoga intervention and included measures of balance, balance confidence, pain, range of motion, strength and mobility. Qualitative interviews were included at the post-assessment. We include a percent change calculation and salient quotes that represent the perceived impact of the yoga intervention. Results: All participants completed the yoga intervention and all demonstrated improvements in physical outcome measures. For the group, balance increased by 36%, balance confidence by 39%, lower extremity strength by 100% and endurance by 105%. Qualitative data support the use of yoga to improve multiple aspects of physical functioning, one participant stated: I mean it's rocked my world. It's changed my life. I mean all the different aspects. I mean physically, emotionally, mentally, it's given me you know my life back horizontal ellipsis . Conclusions: Yoga, delivered in a one-to-one setting, appears to be feasible and beneficial to people with chronic TBI. Implications for Rehabilitation Chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to many aspects of physical functioning impairment. Yoga delivered in a one-to-one setting may be feasible and beneficial for people with chronic TBI.