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yoga/pilates/dance

DEAF, BLIND, DEAFBLIND

BLIND ADAPTATIONS

  • The client who is blind may benefit from verbal instruction. Describe the pose/movement, then watch them perform the movement to check for understanding.

  • If the client needs a bit more instruction, allow them to feel how you are performing the pose/movement.

  • Ask the client first, but if needed, it may be helpful for you to arrange the client’s body in the correct position.

  • When dancing or moving, provide an audio signal (verbal feedback, tapping one’s foot to allow the client to stay oriented.)

INTELLECTUAL & NEUROLOGICAL

ALL ABILITIES ADAPTATION

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  • Define Skills

    • Along with having different sessions according to skill level, having a list of abilities that are recommended for each skill level allows for better experiences for both the instructor and client. These lists should include skills such as  balance along with a task example to better communicate expectations. For example, “The level 3 class requires that a client have excellent balance with the ability to stand on a single leg for a minimum of 30 seconds.”

PARKINSON'S DISEASE ADAPTATION

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

YOGA ADAPTATIONS

One of the biggest obstacles in exercise for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis is the intense fatigue they feel. Yoga is a great option if this is the case! Yoga can be done at varying levels of intensity making it great for adaptation to an individual. The meditative qualities of a yoga practice are also beneficial and may help relieve stress and fatigue.

 

Here are some considerations for adapting yoga to meet the needs of an individual with MS:
Yoga involves various stretching positions, this makes it great for individuals with MS. Focus gentle stretches on areas where muscle spasticity occurs (legs & feet). Using a yoga strap to gently stretch the soles of the feet and calves should be included in a warmup.
Some yoga studios offer hot yoga.

This may not be the best option for individuals with MS as heat is a common trigger for MS symptoms. If the individual does become overheated even in a normal temperature controlled room, placing a fan nearby and/or taking frequent breaks will help.
Consider a chair as a tool just like a yoga mat or blocks! Positions can be done seated on the floor or in a chair if necessary. For example: The same motions of arching and rounding the back in cat cow movements can be done seated.
Use the same chair that was used for sitting as a balance support when doing standing poses.

 

For example: Flamingo pose is a pretty complicated standing pose. This can be adapted maintaining the integrity of the activity but simplifying the position. Using the chair to help balance, the individual could gently pull their heel up to their glute using the hand not on the chair. This simplifies the pose but still stretches the target muscles.
Meditation, focus, and deep breathing are all central to yoga practices. If an individual is feeling overly fatigued or needs to take a break suggest they lay on their back or sit in a chair and work on the meditative parts of the practice. Deep breathing is a great way to calm the body and relieve stress for anyone!

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

YOGA ADAPTATIONS

The benefits of yoga are seemingly endless. From perfecting posture and improving balance to improving flexibility and building body awareness, yoga is a great exercise for individuals with muscular dystrophy. Yoga is about connecting mind and body, the focus on the individual; there should not be competitiveness in yoga.
Yoga can be adapted to a standing or seated practice. A chair can be used for poses that are seated but above the ground. Practice can also be more focused to laying down poses.
Yoga comes in many varying levels, from restorative yoga to a more challenging vinyasa flow. Each yoga pose has beginner versions to more advanced Yogi poses.
Props are great for adaptations, especially to make poses more doable and/or restorative. A strap can connect arms and legs without overstretching. Blocks can be used to bring the ground closer to the individual. Blankets and bolsters can hold up parts of the body so the individual can fully relax.  
Individuals with muscular dystrophy should avoid hot temperatures, practicing past fatigue or when ill. Bikram or Hot Yoga should be avoided. Savasana (corpse pose) or another recovery pose (such as child’s pose) should be taken when individuals begin to feel any fatigue.  
Chelsea Singer, a yoga instructor with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a type of muscular dystrophy, says, “For people who have disabilities, I focus on deep breathing and meditation. Even when a pose requires the use of muscles impacted by neuromuscular disease, I tell my students they can close their eyes and visualize the body part that won’t move the way they think it should.” So if certain poses cannot be physically performed, they can be be performed through visualization.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

UPPER BODY AMPUTATIONS &

PLEGIAS ADAPTATIONS

  • Include arm-free, wrist-free, and hands-free yoga sequences. There are classes that offer this type of session.  

  • Use the wall for support when practicing headstands or any pose that requires balance.

  • Provide a pillow or a rolled up towel/blanket for support in poses like “cobra”.

LOWER BODY AMPUTATIONS &

PLEGIAS. ADAPTATIONS

  • Focus on floor-based sequences if prosthetics are not used.

  • Switch to a running blade prosthetic, a lighter model designed for fitness, that will allow for easier movement of the legs.

    • Add a sneaker to the end of the blade to help distribute weight for increased balance.

  • Use a chair to assist in maintaining positions.

  • Provide a towel/blanket for foot support in poses like “downward dog”.

  • If there is a lot of swelling at the amputation site, suggest finding a wall, then lay on back with legs up in the air, and heels resting on the wall. This will relieve some pain as it drains potential/already swelling of the day. This will stretch your knee, hip, and sound leg to increase blood circulation overall.

AUTISM

VESTIBULAR ADAPTATIONS

 

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