Introduction: Yoga can be an integral part of therapeutic treatment for people with various diseases and neuromuscular disorders. As a therapeutic method, it most often involves basic techniques: postures, breathing techniques and meditation and/or relaxation techniques. In people with multiple sclerosis (adapted) yoga practice can be used to improve balance and mobility and reduce pain and fatigue. Yoga practice is modified by aids such as non-slip mats, straps, armchairs, cubes and chairs. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma thesis is to review the results of research on the effectiveness of yoga practice to improve balance and mobility and reduce pain and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We searched for scientific articles in English in the PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases. We only reviewed articles published up to March 2020. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials published between 2004 and 2018 were included. The total number of subjects was 673. Three studies examined whether yoga exercise was effective in improving balance, five in mobility, five in reducing pain, and eight in fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. The results show the effectiveness of yoga practice. Authors found an improvement in balance (3/3 of the studies), walking speed (1/3) and walking distance (2/4), reduction of pain (4/5) and reduction of fatigue (7/8) after completion of yoga programs. Conclusion: It seems that practicing yoga can be a useful complementary therapeutic method in people with multiple sclerosis. Further research is needed to draw stronger conclusions about the effectiveness of yoga in improving balance and mobility and reducing pain and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.
|
