Advances in neuroimaging technology, like functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), support the evaluation of task-dependent brain activity during functional tasks, like balance, in healthy and clinical populations. To date, there have been no studies examining how interventions, like yoga, impact task-dependent brain activity in adults with chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). This pilot study compared eight weeks of group yoga (active) to group exercise (control) on balance and task-dependent neural activity outcomes. Twenty-three participants were randomized to yoga (n = 13) or exercise groups (n = 10). Neuroimaging and balance performance data were collected simultaneously using a force plate and mobile fNIRS device before and after interventions. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effect of time, time x group interactions, and simple (ie, within-group) effects. Regardless of group, all participants had significant balance improvements after the interventions. Additionally, regardless of group, there were significant changes in task-dependent neural activity, as well as distinct changes in neural activity within each group. In summary, using advances in sensor technology, we were able to demonstrate preliminary evidence of intervention-induced changes in balance and neural activity in adults with ABI. These preliminary results may provide an important foundation for future neurorehabilitation studies that leverage neuroimaging methods, like fNIRS.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PubMed Central
• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher