Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

YOGA-FIT: Protocol for a Crossover Trial Investigating the Feasibility and Impact of Yoga for People With Stroke

This study, called YOGA-FIT, is exploring whether a yoga programme designed for people with brain injuries, called LoveYourBrain Yoga, could also help those who have had a stroke. It wants to find out if this programme is practical, safe, and well-received by stroke survivors in Nova Scotia. Researchers will compare virtual online classes with in-person classes. They will look at whether doing yoga can improve things like balance, walking, and overall movement, as well as mental health, sleep, pain, and how people feel about their own health. The study also aims to see if participants’ thinking skills, tiredness, and quality of life change alongside these improvements.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

10 Dec 2027

Stroke

What is this study about?

This research project, called YOGA-FIT, is looking into a special yoga programme called LoveYourBrain (LYB) Yoga. This programme was originally created to help people who have had a brain injury, and now the researchers want to see if it can also help people who have had a stroke. The main goal is to figure out if this yoga programme can be easily adapted for stroke survivors and if it's practical to offer it both online and in person across Nova Scotia.

The LYB Yoga programme lasts for six weeks and includes meditation, breathing exercises, various yoga poses, and discussions. It's designed to help the brain learn new ways of working, which is really important for stroke recovery. The yoga exercises can be changed to suit different needs, so people with stroke can take part whether they prefer to sit or stand. The programme also includes group chats, learning activities, and ways to cope with life after a stroke, aiming to build a supportive community.

Researchers will assess how practical the programme is, for example, how much people enjoy it, how easy it is to join, and if there are any issues with equipment. They'll also measure if the yoga helps with balance, walking, and overall movement. They'll look at improvements in mood, such as anxiety and depression, and other health areas like pain, sleep, and how people generally feel about their health. The study is also interested in whether thinking skills, tiredness, and overall quality of life improve during the programme.

Key takeaways

The study explores if a special yoga programme helps stroke survivors.
It checks if the programme is safe, enjoyable, and practical to deliver.
Participants will attend two 90-minute yoga classes weekly, plus one 60-minute recorded session.
The yoga includes meditation, breathing, poses, and group discussions.
Potential benefits include improved balance, walking, mood, and sleep.
It offers both in-person and online class options.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has had a stroke at least three months ago and lives in Nova Scotia. It's important that you are generally well and stable from a medical point of view for at least eight weeks before the study begins.

You also need to be able to walk at least 10 metres, either by yourself, with someone helping you, or by using a walking aid like a stick or brace. Another requirement is being able to follow simple instructions with three steps, which is important for the yoga classes.

However, you won't be able to join if you have certain other serious health problems that affect your walking, balance, or safety, or if you have a condition like severe neglect (where you don't notice things on one side of your body) that might make it unsafe to take part. Also, you'll need to have a stable internet connection if you choose to do the online classes.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had your stroke at least three months ago?
Do you live in Nova Scotia?
Can you walk at least 10 metres (with or without help)?
Can you follow simple three-step instructions?
Do you have a stable internet connection (if considering online classes)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would join a LoveYourBrain Yoga programme for six weeks. This programme would involve attending two 90-minute yoga classes each week, which you could do either online or in person. In addition, you would do one shorter 60-minute recorded yoga class on your own whenever suits you best. Before starting the yoga programme and after it finishes, you would have some assessments to measure things like your balance, walking, and how you're feeling both physically and mentally. The total duration of your active participation in the yoga programme and assessments would be around six to eight weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several potential benefits, such as improved balance, walking, and overall movement, as well as better mood, sleep, and pain management. It could also help you feel more connected to others through the group discussions. As with any exercise programme, there's a small risk of discomfort or minor injury, but the yoga instructors are trained to adapt the poses to your needs, and safety is a priority. There are also specific exclusion criteria to try and prevent potential harm. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

NeuroCommons
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada

Common questions

What kind of yoga is it?

It's called LoveYourBrain Yoga, a special programme that includes meditation, breathing, yoga poses, and group discussions, adapted for people with stroke.

Do I have to do it online or in person?

The study offers both online (virtual) and in-person classes, so you might get to choose which one suits you best.

How long does the study last?

The yoga programme itself lasts for six weeks, and with the assessments before and after, your total involvement would be around six to eight weeks.

Will this yoga programme help me recover from my stroke?

That's exactly what the study is trying to find out! While we can't make promises, it aims to see if it can improve things like movement, mood, and overall well-being.

What if I can't do all the yoga poses?

The instructors will adapt the yoga poses to your needs, offering seated and standing options, so you can participate comfortably and safely.

How to find out more

Adria Quigley, PhD

adriaquigley@dal.ca 902-494-2734 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.