This fMRI study has evaluated for the first time, the functional changes effected by yoga in post-stroke (ischemic) recovery. Left hemisphere stroke patients (n=13) with motor deficits practiced Hatha yoga for one hour daily for six months under the supervision of certified yoga trainers. Pre-intervention, and 3 and 6 months post-yoga intervention assessments were carried out using fMRI at 3T and also clinically evaluated using NIHSS score. Results show positive response to yoga, reflected both in the significantly reduced NIHSS scores and the increased BOLD activity in the left pre-central gyrus region in the stroke patients.
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