Executive Function After Yoga: Adults With Acquired Brain Injury-A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently leads to executive function (EF) deficits.
• These EF deficits can significantly impair an individual's ability to engage in daily occupations.
• Occupational therapy increasingly incorporates yoga as an intervention for neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of an 8-week adaptive group yoga intervention on executive function (EF) in adults with chronic ABI.
• To determine if yoga can positively impact specific domains of EF affected by ABI.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm pilot study design was employed, with assessments conducted before and after the 8-week intervention.
• Twelve participants with chronic ABI (>6 months post-injury) were recruited.
• An 8-week adaptive group yoga program, consisting of weekly 60-minute sessions, was administered by a specialist.

Main Results:

• Nine participants completed the study.
• Significant improvements were observed in the Behavioral Regulation Index of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) (p = .046).
• No significant changes were found in other EF measures, including the Metacognition Index or Global Executive Composite.

Conclusions:

• Adaptive group yoga shows potential for improving specific aspects of executive function, particularly behavioral regulation, in adults with chronic ABI.
• While promising, these findings suggest the need for further investigation with larger sample sizes.
• Yoga may be a valuable adjunct therapy within occupational therapy practice for individuals with ABI.