Perceived benefits for informal caregivers after an 8-week yoga intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease

Authors

  • Alysha A. Walter, MS, CTRS
  • Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT
  • Brent L. Hawkins, PhD, LRT/CTRS
  • Kathleen Woschkolup, MD
  • Enrique Urrea-Mendoza, MD
  • Fredy J. Revilla, MD
  • Arlene A. Schmid, PhD, OTR

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2017.0144

Keywords:

informal caregiver, yoga, Parkinson's disease, CAM, recreational therapy

Abstract

An informal caregiver (ICG) is a family member and/or friend who provides unpaid care to an individual with a disability or chronic disease. ICGs often put their healthcare second while caring for their loved ones; and this may lead to negative impacts on their well-being. ICGs attended an 8-week therapeutic yoga intervention for their care recipients with Parkinson’s disease. ICGs who participated in the yoga classes were assessed utilizing a retrospective pretest and traditional post-test to determine the presence of depressive symptoms and positive aspects of caregiving. Although the sample size was small, data revealed improvements in depressive symptoms and positive aspects of caregiving. Focus group and individual interview data revealed five qualitative categories: yoga engagement, relationship improvement, psychological improvements, functional improvements, and community engagement. Future research should expand participation of ICGs in yoga trials to determine the extent of changes in psychosocial well-being.

Author Biographies

Alysha A. Walter, MS, CTRS

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina

Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina

Brent L. Hawkins, PhD, LRT/CTRS

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina

Kathleen Woschkolup, MD

Director of Neurology, Movement Disorders Specialist, Bon Secours Neurology, Greenville, South Carolina

Enrique Urrea-Mendoza, MD

Greenville Health System, University Medical Group, Greenville, South Carolina

Fredy J. Revilla, MD

Greenville Health System, University Medical Group, Greenville, South Carolina

Arlene A. Schmid, PhD, OTR

Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Published

03/05/2018

How to Cite

Walter, MS, CTRS, A. A., Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, M., Hawkins, PhD, LRT/CTRS, B. L., Woschkolup, MD, K., Urrea-Mendoza, MD, E., Revilla, MD, F. J., & Schmid, PhD, OTR, A. A. (2018). Perceived benefits for informal caregivers after an 8-week yoga intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 16(4), 23–29. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2017.0144

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