Effects of Yoga on Sleep Quality, Depression in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy [CP] which occurs in the developing brain as a result of injury in the fetal or perinatal period, is the most common developmental movement and motor impairment in childhood. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of physiotherapy yoga on sleep quality, depression in children with cerebral palsy.40 patients who were in the walking period [walking independently or with assistive device], with diagnosed CP and age between 5-17 were included the study. Individual's demographic data were recorded and normal motor development was assessed with Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM], postural analysis with New York Posture Rating Test, sleep quality with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and depression status with Childhood Depression Inventory. Timed Up and Go Test and Stair Ascending and Descending Test were applied. Yoga techniques which were breathing techniques, warm-up exercises [warming up in standing position], Surya Namaskar, Asanas, were performed for a total of 10 sessions, on alternate days and once a day for 45 minutes.32.5% of the individuals were female, 67,5% were male and their mean age was 10,77 ± 3,49. [p=0,012]. Yoga improved psychological condition, pain, sleep quality, posture in the child with CP. Also an improvement was found in exercise tests. As a consequence we believe that yoga should be applied safely and funly in children with SP.