TF06: Yoga Therapy for ALS: Exploring the Impact of Yoga Breathing and Quality of Life

Speaker bio: Kimberly Richardson, MS, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

This session will summarize the results and impact of a small-group research study that examined the effects of pranayama on the quality of life of individuals living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This progressive neurodegenerative condition affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, so we will also discuss how yoga therapy can be made accessible to individuals with varying abilities and diagnoses, including those who use a wheelchair, live with chronic pain and fatigue, or struggle with respiratory constraints and limited mobility due to a neurodegenerative diagnosis.

Implemented at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, participants in the study we will be exploring committed to 6 weeks of facilitated sessions following a yoga breathing protocol developed and implemented by Kim Richardson. Learn about the outcomes of the research, as well as the roles yoga therapists can play in academic studies by developing therapeutic protocols and facilitating one-to-one sessions while staying within the appropriate scope of practice for their education, experience, and credentials.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop increased knowledge and understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
2. Recognize benefits of therapeutic yoga breathing/pranayama for individuals with ALS as well as other clients.