Can yoga help post-concussion?
There has been a significant increase in research to validate the benefits of yoga and meditation following a concussion or a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Some of these benefits include;
- Improved attention skills- by increasing the thickness of the pre-frontal cortex, associated with focus and decision-making
- Memory augmentation- by changing brain structures associated with memory including the hippocampus
- Enhanced self –esteem
- Reduced mental fatigue- by supporting better information processing
- Reduced stress- by shrinking the amygdala, our fear and anxiety response center
- Boosting strength, balance, endurance and flexibility
A recent pilot study examined the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on symptoms of chronic mild traumatic brain injury/postconcussive syndrome. Twenty-two individuals ranging from 18-62 years old with mTBI and a postinjury of more than 7 months were included in the study. The participants took part in a 10- week Mindfulness-Base Stress Reduction program which included walking meditation, sitting meditation, mind-body practices and yoga. Clinically meaningful improvements were noted on measures of quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.43) and perceived self-efficacy (Cohen d = 0.50) with smaller but still significant effects on measures of central executive aspects of working memory and regulation of attention. Authors of the study believe the improvements of self-efficacy and quality of life may be attributed to the improved awareness and acceptance of their injury.
Implementing a consistent mindfulness, meditation or yoga practice can be a key element to a successful recovery from an acquired brain injury.
Azulay J1, Smart CM, Mott T, Cicerone KD. A pilot study examining the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on symptoms of chronic mild traumatic brain injury/postconcussive syndrome.J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2013 Jul-Aug 24
LoveYourBrain Foundation. www.loveyourbrain.com/yoga/learn