600 Section - Integrating Yoga into Occupational Therapy Outpatient Rehabilitation Enhances Functional Outcomes

Occupational Therapy (OT) in outpatient rehabilitation, aims to promote functional independence, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Complementary movement-based interventions such as yoga are increasingly incorporated into rehabilitation settings due to their integration of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial components. Yoga is a holistic, mind–body discipline originating from ancient Indian philosophy that integrates physical postures, controlled breathing, and attentional regulation that promote physical function, psychological well-being, balance, breathing, and cognitive aspects, closely aligning with OT functional goals.

The aim of this ongoing study is to explore the feasibility and preliminary functional and psychological outcomes of integrating a structural yoga-based intervention into outpatient occupational therapy rehabilitation on a regular basis.

Design:

A structured yoga-based intervention was integrated into OT sessions in an outpatient rehabilitation center. Nine patients (aged 19–80 years) with diverse functional limitations participated in ten individualized one-on-one OT sessions delivered in a supervised clinical environment. The intervention focused on gentle postures, alignment, balance training, controlled breathing, body awareness, and relaxation, all directly related to patients’ functional individual subjective goals and daily activities. Outcomes were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computerized adaptive tests at admission and prior to discharge.

Results:

Preliminary findings suggest improvements in functional performance, participation, anger management, fatigue, pain management, and emotional well-being. Participants reported reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, increased participation, increased engagement in the rehabilitation process, and greater independence in daily activities.

Conclusion:

Integrating individualized yoga interventions within OT rehabilitation may enhance functional outcomes and psychosocial well-being. Yoga training appears to be a valuable adjunct to conventional OT practice, supporting a holistic and patient-centered rehabilitation approach. Further controlled studies are needed to evaluate efficacy, establish optimal protocols, and examine long-term outcomes across rehabilitation populations.