Integrated Yoga and Naturopathy Interventions to Modify Functional Disability in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cureus, 2024 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57686 · Published: April 5, 2024

Alternative Medicine Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how combining yoga and naturopathy affects functional disability and independence in people with spinal cord injuries. Participants were divided into two groups: one received yoga and naturopathy alongside standard care, while the other received standard care alone. The study measured changes in functional ability, balance, and walking speed over three months.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

48 spinal cord injury patients

Evidence Level

Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
Significant improvements were observed in both groups; however, the yoga and naturopathy group showed greater improvements in self-care, respiratory/sphincter management, and mobility.
2
The yoga and naturopathy group also showed significant improvements in handgrip strength, time up and go test, 10-meter walk test, and Berg Balance Scale scores.
3
The study suggests that yoga and naturopathy can be a helpful addition to traditional physical therapy for spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Research Summary

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrated yoga and naturopathy on functional disability and independence in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The results indicated that combining yoga and naturopathy with routine care led to significant improvements in various functional measures compared to routine care alone. The authors concluded that yoga and naturopathy could serve as valuable adjuvant therapies in SCI rehabilitation programs to enhance functional outcomes.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Programs

Yoga and naturopathy can be integrated into spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs to improve functional outcomes.

Autonomic Function

The interventions may help in modifying autonomic dysfunction, improving vascular physiology, thermoregulation, and adrenaline outflow.

Further Research

Future studies should focus on early interventions and explore the long-term benefits of integrated therapies.

Study Limitations

1
The study had a relatively short follow-up period (three months).
2
The male-to-female ratio was skewed (95.64% males, 4.16% females), potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings.
3
The study did not explore the specific mechanisms through which yoga and naturopathy exert their effects.

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