Assignment #3
Adapted Physical Game: Chair Yoga
Joy Pennick
W0259856
PENNICK, JOY
Introduction
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Program Description:
This was conceived as a weekly Chair Yoga program to run for a minimum of six to eight weeks.
Each session (60 minutes) includes warm-up and breathing exercises, yogic postures, and relaxation. By
attending each session, participants will progress through the basic series of postures and will build on
this foundation and understanding of yoga in a safe and gradual way.
Target Population:
Although designed for the senior population, this program is also suitable for those who are
physically compromised, requiring supports or adaptations to safely participate in gentle physical activity.
Inclusion Criteria:
The Chair Yoga program is intended for seniors or individuals experiencing physically
compromising conditions whose goal is improved physical conditioning. Compromising conditions may
include: arthritis, certain musculo-skeletal injury, amputations, and mobility or balance concerns. Chair
Yoga is ideal for individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs, if they meet other medical criteria. This
program can also promote general wellbeing by introducing relaxation and mindfulness techniques,
beneficial for those who experience stress or anxiety.
Exclusion Criteria:
There is an increased risk to individuals with underlying illnesses or vulnerabilities such as:
insulin-dependent diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, lung disease, cardiovascular disorders (angina,
arrhythmia, congestive heart disease, heart attack) or osteoporosis (Krucoff et al., 2010). Participants
should submit a medical history and may be required to obtain their doctors permission in order to
participate. In addition, individuals with severely impaired cognition (stroke, dementia and Alzheimers)
may not be able to follow instructions safely and may put themselves at risk for injury. Vision and
hearing loss may also prevent participation.
Equipment and Supplies:
Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing and to remove footwear. Solid,
stable, arm-less chairs (hard or soft-back) are preferred. A yoga mat can also be used beneath the chairs
PENNICK, JOY
for additional padding and improved stability, while blankets can be used during the final relaxation
postures. Finally, the environment should be temperature controlled, with adequate light, heat and
ventilation and must be readily accessible for those with mobility concerns.
Modifications and Adaptations:
Postures are done from a seated position or while standing, holding the chair for extra support.
All postures can be modified (in intensity and position) to accommodate limited range of motion and
options are demonstrated by the instructor. Contraindications (especially for osteoporosis) for all postures
are clearly explained and participants are reminded to work within their zone of safety and comfort.
Appropriate modification of postures may include:
No full head rotations or deep, forward head curls (thoracic spine flexion)
Risk Management:
Instructors must be certified Chair Yoga Instructors and have current CPR/AED certification. To
reduce risk of injury, instructors should have a solid understanding of the common medical conditions
and the associated risks (Kuenzer, 2015) for this population. Participants should also be asked to complete
a medical questionnaire (which may include permission from their doctor) as well as to sign a waiver, in
order to address liability issues. Clear instruction and explanation of contraindications and modifications
are essential to ensure that participants do not incur injury.
Process:
The following sequence represents a basic or foundational practice for beginners (Palmer, 2014).
Additional postures can be added to the sequence as the weekly sessions progress.
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References
Austin, D. R. (2013). Therapeutic recreation: Processes and techniques (7th ed.). Urbana, IL: Sagamore.
Fishman, L., & Saltonstall, E. (2008). Yoga for arthritis: The complete guide. New York, NY: W.W
Norton.
Krucoff, C., Carson, K., Peterson, M., Shipp, K., & Krucoff, M. (2010). Teaching yoga to seniors:
Essential considerations to enhance safety and reduce risk in a uniquely vulnerable age group. The
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16 (8), 899-905. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0501
Kuenzer, K. (2015, March/April). Yoga and the aging adult. American Fitness. Retrieved from
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.nscc.ca:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=082c9847-4d174e80-9721-9b01531ec9f6%40sessionmgr4003&vid=4&hid=128
Oken, B. S., Zajdel, D., Kishiyama, S., Flegal, K., Dehen, C., Haas, M.,...Leyva, J. (2006,
January/February). Randomized, controlled, six-month trial of yoga in healthy seniors: Effects on
cognition and quality of life. Alternative Therapies, 12(1), 40-47. Retrieved from
http://web.b.ebcohost.com
Palmer, J. (2014, April). Chair yoga teacher training. [Workbook and Workshop], presented at Chair
Yoga Teacher Training, Fall River Yoga Centre, Fall River, NS.