Date of Award
5-1-2021
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (MMSc)
First Advisor
Diana Richardson, MD
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes debilitating motor deficits in addition to many non-motor symptoms. Tremors, stiffness, and abnormal gait changes are easily recognized as disabling; however, effects from anxiety are more insidious to disease burden which negatively affect both motor and psychological capabilities. Anxiolytics or antidepressants are often prescribed but can cause adverse side effects, prompting the need for alternative treatments. Yoga and mindfulness therapies are favorable alternative treatments known to reduce anxiety. This two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial compares effects of yoga and mindfulness therapies in the reduction of anxiety for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Yoga is hypothesized to have greater statistically significant effect in reducing anxiety compared to mindfulness due to its combined mental and physical benefits. However, if both interventions demonstrate positive outcomes, both may prove to be beneficial adjunctive treatments for patients with anxiety in Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegenerative movement disorders.
Recommended Citation
Tung, Winifred, "The Effects of Yoga Versus Mindfulness on Anxiety in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease" (2021). Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses. 114.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysmpa_theses/114
