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@article{175365,
        author = {Raman Malik and Dr. Nishant Kumar},
        title = {Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: Enhancing Mobility, Balance, and Well-Being},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {11},
        pages = {3365-3374},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=175365},
        abstract = {Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD), a chronic neurodegenerative illness, is characterised by a progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. PD causes non-motor symptoms like mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments in addition to motor symptoms like tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. Although the illness was initially described by James Parkinson in 1817, more recent research has helped us understand its complicated aetiology by linking genetic and environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure and head traumas, to its development. Although the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is traditionally lower in South Asian and Indian communities than in Western countries, the overall burden is rising, most likely as a result of demographic changes such as an aging population and shifting lifestyle factors.
Research Methodology: Conventional therapies often entail pharmacological treatment, such as levodopa/carbidopa, dopamine agonists, and adjuvant drugs, such as MAO-B and COMT inhibitors, along with surgical methods, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) for more severe cases. Although these treatments help manage motor symptoms, they have disadvantages such as long-term issues and adverse effects, as well as the inability to reverse the progression of the disease. Moreover, non-motor symptoms are sometimes not adequately addressed.
In response to these limitations, yoga has emerged as a promising PD supplementary therapy option. With its origins in ancient Indian practice, yoga employs asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation to enhance balance, mobility, and psychological well-being. A structured 12-week yoga program was developed for those with mild to severe Parkinson's disease, taking into consideration various mobility restrictions with carefully crafted adjustments. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessments like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale, and gait analysis with qualitative assessments from focus groups, interviews, and participant diaries.
Result: The results indicated significant improvements in both the motor and non-motor domains. Quantitative data revealed faster TUG times, better walking speeds, higher balance scores, and longer stride lengths, all of which indicated increased functional mobility and a lower risk of falls. The psychological benefits of the intervention were also demonstrated by reductions in anxiety and depression scores and increases in quality of life assessments. According to qualitative feedback, group sessions increased confidence, enhanced emotional regulation, and strengthened social support.},
        keywords = {Yoga, Parkinson’s disease, Neurorehabilitation, Mobility, Complementary therapy, Well-Being},
        month = {April},
        }