Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the implementation, feasibility, and safety of a one-on-one tele-yoga intervention for individuals with cervical dystonia (CD).

Background: Individuals with CD experience motor and non-motor symptoms that impact quality of life and activities of daily living but botulinum toxin injections focus on alleviating motor symptoms and their effectiveness is variable with potential side effects. Thus, there is a need for adjunct approaches that address motor and non-motor symptoms. Yoga is beneficial for individuals with chronic neck pain and other movement disorders. However, individuals with CD experience barriers to physical activity that impede access to in-person yoga. Delivering yoga remotely via videoconferencing (tele-yoga) may help to attenuate these barriers.

Method: A single group pilot feasibility study was conducted. Individuals with CD were enrolled and completed all study activities through videoconferencing. The study comprised a baseline assessment followed by a 6-week tele-yoga intervention period and a post-intervention assessment. A follow-up assessment was conducted 6 weeks after the post-intervention assessment. The tele-yoga intervention was delivered individually in real-time twice a week for thirty minutes. It consisted of breathing exercises, postures, and relaxation exercises. Adherence, adverse events, technological challenges, usability, and enjoyment were assessed as primary outcome measures. Several secondary outcome measures were also collected but are not presented at this time.

Results: Ten individuals have completed the study to date. No significant adverse events occurred, and yoga session adherence was 95%. There were minimal technological challenges with the most common being a delay in the audio/video. However, the systems usability scale indicated good usability with a score of 87.5±8.08. Mean enjoyment of the overall yoga session was 8.9±1.60 on a zero to ten scale with ten being the most enjoyment possible.

Conclusion: The tele-yoga intervention was safe, as indicated by the absence of significant adverse events. Despite the occurrence of technological challenges, they were minimal and manageable, and did not impact adherence. The high adherence rate may be attributed to good usability and high enjoyment. Overall, the implementation of a one-on-one tele-yoga intervention for individuals with CD is safe and feasible thus, efficacy trials should be initiated.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/tele-yoga-for-individuals-with-cervical-dystonia-a-pilot-study/