New research suggests persons afflicted with multiple sclerosis are able to move easier and better after taking-up yoga.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the insulating covers of the neurons in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage causes physical, mental and psychiatric problems.

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A specialized yoga trial for individuals with MS has been developed by a team led by Susan Gould Fogerite PhD, director of research at the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the School of Health Related Professions at Rutgers.

Fogerite said that despite there being widespread proof that yoga when used as a form of exercise can help people with MS, there has been no empirical data collected on yoga's efficacy and safety.

She noted the majority of feedback has been based on personal accounts.

Her team found that at the end of the two-month trial, the study's participants had finer motor coordination, better balance, were able to stand from a sitting position and walk for short distances for a longer period of time.

The quality of the lives of the patients also improved, as did their mental health, vision, walking and concentration. Participants also reported a drop in fatigue and pain.

 "Yoga is not just exercise, it is a whole system of living," Fogerite said.

"The panel of experts who advised us on the trial wanted to make sure that we provided a fully integrated program that included philosophy, breathing practices, postures, relaxation and meditation."

The trial, which was held at the Still Point Yoga Center in a town near Philadelphia, had 14 participants.

The team of scientists originally had 72 people interested in the research. Due to the availability of the subjects and other criteria, however, only 14 were finally approved. 

TagsYoga, Multiple Sclerosis, brain, Neuroscience, Science, Research, scientific research, exercise