Introduction to Asana | Stroke Recovery

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Every individual’s needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or treatment.

Asana (physical postures)

Asana is one of the eight limbs of yoga and means “physical posture” or “pose.” Asana is one of the most common types of yoga in health care and research shows asana may improve strength, flexibility, and motor control in patients recovering from a stroke. 

Following a stroke, most patients experience paresis leading to significant limitations in motor control and activities of daily living (ADLs). Research indicates that engaging in yoga improves flexibility, strength, coordination and encourages neuromuscular reeducation, thereby leading to improved outcomes in motor function. Research suggests asana increases flexibility, balance, strength, and range of motion (Yang & Fahey, 2021).

Asana with a focus on bilateral upper extremity movements:

·       Bridge pose

·       Chair pose

·       Child’s pose

·       Extended mountain

·       Tabletop

·       Downward facing dog

·       Cat cow

·       Warrior I

Asana with a focus on contralateral movements of the extremities:

·       Extended Easy Pose

·       Tree pose

·       Boat pose

·       Warrior II

Asana with a focus on cross lateral extremity movements:

·       Modified side plank

·       Seated pigeon pose

If you are interested in learning more about specific asana for stroke rehabilitation, you can purchase a 30+ page PDF in the section “E-Books.”