Impact of yoga on balance,balance confidence and occupational performance for adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of yoga on balance, balance confidence, occupational performance, and satisfaction with performance in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Method

Fifteen adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy attended eight weeks of yoga, including positive affirmations, breathing, postures and relaxation. Balance was measured using the Berg balance scale; balance confidence, using the activities-specific balance confidence scale; and occupational performance and satisfaction, using the Canadian occupational performance measure. We used a non-controlled pretest–posttest design.

Findings

Significant improvements were found for all measures. Improvements remained significant after the Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05/4–0.0125) and effect sizes were large for occupational performance and satisfaction (d_Cohen = 1.13, 1.07, respectively).

Conclusion

Yoga may significantly improve balance, balance confidence, occupational performance, and satisfaction for adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further research utilizing a control group, a larger sample size, and randomization is required.