Yoga Versus Resistance Training in Mild to Moderate Severity Parkinson’s Disease: A 12-Week Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Yoga is a mind-body intervention which may address the motor and non-motor needs of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: Explore the safety and feasibility of a 12-week biweekly course of Iyengar yoga in patients with PD, and collect pilot data on efficacy compared to resistance exercise.\rMethod: Prospective randomized controlled single blinded study in patients with mild to moderate PD. Participants selected an urban or suburban site, and was randomized 1:1 to yoga or resistance classes.\rResults: 17 participants were enrolled. Mean age 67.3 (SD 9.8) years, and mean UPDRS III score was 24.2 (SD 7.0). There were 3 withdrawals unrelated to the intervention. There were no major adverse events. 16% of yoga classes were missed compared to 8% of resistance classes (p=0.04). Significantly more classes were missed at the urban site (14.8% vs. 7.5%). Both groups improved on mean TUG time, UPDRS score, and PDQ-39 score compared to baseline, although the between-group differences were not statistically significant.\rConclusion: Attendance for yoga classes was inferior to resistance classes. Improvements in both motor and non-motor outcome measures need to be replicated with a larger study. Feasibility data will need to be taken into account in designing such a study.