Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

This project was established to explore the complementary practices of yoga and occupational therapy (OT) and its effectiveness in addressing depression in adult populations with chronic illnesses. Project objectives aimed to provide OTs with an increase in perceived knowledge regarding the use of yoga as a therapeutic tool, to identify the beneficial therapeutic relationship between yoga and OT, to increase the likelihood of implementing yoga during OT intervention. to enable OTs to educate others regarding the benefits of yoga and OT. and to promote an understand ing of the similar yogic and OT philosophies in relation to client-centered practice. A literature review was conducted to evaluate current research in the areas of yoga. depression, and OT to bridge the gap and investigate correlations in research. Ten currently practicing occupational therapists (OTs) completed the initial pretest survey. and eight of those participants completed a posttest survey after reviewing an educational PowerPoint and an adaptive yoga manual. The PowerPoint provided education on depression, the correlation between depression and chronic illness, the affiliation between yoga and OT, and current research supporting the use of yoga for populations with depression. The adaptive yoga manual was designed for OT implementation with populations of all abilities living with chronic illness and suffering from depression and/or depressive symptoms. The manual consists of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama). and meditation for a mind-body approach. Pretest and posttest surveys were compared using the results from the eight participants who completed both surveys, Posttest results revealed the PowerPoint and adaptive yoga manual contributed to OTs remarking an increased comfort. likelihood, and frequency of implementation of yoga techniques within the target population. Additionally, participants revealed changes in their understanding and recognition of depression, depression-related symptoms, and depression's influence on occupational performance and therapeutic outcomes. All participants reported an increase in familiarity with current evidence-based research evaluating the benefits of yoga for relieving symptoms of depression. In conclusion, the project appears to be effective in both educating OTs on the correlation between depression and chronic illness and increasing the likelihood of implementation of yoga techniques during OT intervention.

Publication Date

2019

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