Yoga led by a physical therapist for individuals with Essential Tremor: An explorative pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the outcomes for individuals with Essential Tremor (ET) who participate in a community-based yoga class, led by a neurologic physical therapist.

Six subjects with ET completed an 8-week intervention consisting of weekly 1-h yoga classes (in the Vinyasa style) guided by an instructor (200-h registered yoga teacher, physical therapist, and neurological resident).

Five subjects demonstrated improvements on the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Scale (mean 15.3%, range 8.3-34.7%). The mean improvement on the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale was 10.8% (range 2.5-20%). Five subjects maintained pre-intervention anxiety levels ("very low") while one reported increased anxiety secondary to a non-study related factor. Minimal improvements were noted in the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire.

This pilot study offers support for further examining the benefits of integration of yoga into an exercise program for individuals with ET and specific suggestions for future research are offered. There were no adverse events with participation in yoga.