An occupational therapist’s guide to an adaptive yoga program: a community based approach for adults with intellectual disabilities

Cruz, Patricia and Hoang, Nicholas and Michael, Tamarah and Nguyen, Ana-Karina (2020) An occupational therapist’s guide to an adaptive yoga program: a community based approach for adults with intellectual disabilities. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.

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Abstract

We created a training manual outlining an occupational-therapy based adaptive yoga program that focuses on instructor and caregiver education for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Yoga is known to have multiple benefits for those who engage in its practice. However, the population of study, adults with ID (aged 18-40), is an underserved community that has limited access to meaningful physical activities such as traditional yoga classes. As a result, this population is at risk for negative health outcomes due to their sedentary lifestyle. Because of these barriers, there is not enough literature investigating the physical and cognitive benefits of yoga for individuals with ID. Occupational therapists are better suited than other health care professionals to provide insight into adaptive program development as they are equipped with the knowledge to help the individual return to their favored occupations. In addition, research has also shown that by incorporating skilled staff training, overall outcomes have improved for their clients with ID. This thesis project aims to close the gap and develop an adaptive yoga program that is holistic in its approach to improving health outcomes for adults with ID, such as cognition, flexibility, endurance, and quality of life. By combining the foundational knowledge of occupational therapy with the principles of yoga, this program will make yoga accessible for adults with ID. The manual emphasizes instructor and caregiver training to increase the sustainability and competency of program clients in their home environment and daily lives. Results of the effectiveness of this program are not yet confirmed; however, plans for program implementation are outlined in the manual.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Depositing User: Institutional Administrator
Date Deposited: 13 Jan 2022 01:19
Last Modified: 02 May 2024 21:59
URI: http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/45

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