Research Article  |   January 2019
Mindfulness-Based Yoga for Youth With Persistent Concussion: A Pilot Study
Melissa Paniccia; Ruby Knafo; Scott Thomas; Tim Taha; Alysha Ladha; Laura Thompson; Nick Reed
Author Affiliations
  • Melissa Paniccia, PhD, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), is Postdoctoral Fellow, Concussion Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Postdoctoral Fellow, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; melissa.paniccia@utoronto.ca
  • Ruby Knafo, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), is Occupational Therapist and Yoga Instructor, Concussion Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Scott Thomas, PhD, is Professor, Faculty of Physical Education and Kinesiology, and School of Graduate Studies Appointment, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Tim Taha, PhD, is Associate Professor, Faculty of Physical Education and Kinesiology, and School of Graduate Studies Appointment, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Alysha Ladha, MD, is Developmental Pediatrician, Concussion Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Laura Thompson, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), is Occupational Therapist, Concussion Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Nick Reed, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), PhD, is Clinician Scientist and Occupational Therapist, Concussion Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and School of Graduate Studies Appointment, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, and Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Article Information
Research Articles
Research Article   |   January 2019
Mindfulness-Based Yoga for Youth With Persistent Concussion: A Pilot Study
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 2019, Vol. 73, 7301205040p1-7301205040p11. doi:10.5014/ajot.2019.027672
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 2019, Vol. 73, 7301205040p1-7301205040p11. doi:10.5014/ajot.2019.027672
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We explored the potential impact of mindfulness-based yoga (MBY) for youth with persistent concussion by examining occupation-based and neurophysiological outcomes.

METHOD. In this case series design study, 6 youths ages 13–17 yr with concussion symptoms for >4 wk participated in an 8-wk MBY intervention, 1×/wk for 45 min. Participation, self-efficacy, and heart rate variability (24 hr) were collected before, after, and 3 mo after the intervention. Heart rate variability was also measured during each session.

RESULTS. Trends of increased self-efficacy in academic, social, and emotional domains were found after MBY and maintained at 3-mo follow-up. Trends of increasing heart rate variability were also found pre- to postintervention and within the eight MBY sessions.

CONCLUSION. Preliminary results reveal positive trends after a novel, safe intervention for youth with persistent concussion symptoms and the value of exploring both occupation-based and neurophysiological measures. Future research with a larger sample and control group is warranted.