Yoga for Stroke

INTERVENTION: Ten‐week yoga based program involving weekly 90 minute group classes instructed by a yoga instructor and daily 30 minute home practice which is based on recorded audio instructions. Intervention includes all of the following modalities: 1) Yoga based exercises involving low intensity, low‐weight bearing restorative movements and gentle stretching. Moderate rest periods between rounds and exercises. Practiced for 30‐35 minutes in weekly group classes and 5‐8 minutes in daily home practice. 2) Gentle breathing exercises involving breath awareness, diaphragmatic breathing, thoracic breathing, and increasing tidal volume. No breath retentions are performed. Practiced for 10 minutes in weekly group classes and 5 minutes in daily home practice. 3) Guided meditation while supine or sitting in chair. Meditation involves body and breath awareness while the body is kept still. Practiced for 20‐30 minutes in weekly group classes and 20 minutes in daily home practice. CONDITION: stroke PRIMARY OUTCOME: Assessment of fine motor coordination by the 9 hole peg test Assessment of functional capacity will be assessed with the 2 minute walk test. Everyday motor function will be assessed with the Motor Assessment Scale. Static and dynamic postural balance will be assessed with the Berg Balance Scale. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Geriatric depression scale State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults Stroke Impact Scale INCLUSION CRITERIA: minimum of 6 months elapsed time since stroke resulting in weakness on one side of the body (i.e., hemiparesis)