Effects of saunayoga on people diagnosed with rheumatic diseases
Lehtola, Liinu (2017)
Lehtola, Liinu
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
2017
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2017112217756
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2017112217756
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects and suitability of saunayoga for people with different rheumatic diseases. Calm, stretching and strengthening yoga poses and gentle heat of the sauna are combined in saunayoga. Saunayoga as an exercise method has been popular among people with rheumatic diseases, but the evidence-based information on the topic is lacking. Sauna as a traditional Finnish innovation can offer an easily accessible exercise environment.
The study was conducted as a questionnaire-survey. Altogether 113 answers were received from members of Finnish Rheumatism Association around Finland. Out of the 12 questions included in the questionnaire, 5 of them were focused on and demonstrated in this thesis. The selected research questions concentrated on investigating the intensity of the session, type and suitability of the poses and the effect of sauna and a warm environment in exercising. The results were received in 10.10.-21.11.2016 after a saunayoga trial. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in analysis of the results.
Based on the results can be concluded that saunayoga could be beneficial and suitable treatment method for the majority of the individuals suffering from a rheumatic disease. However, every participant tolerates warmth differently, so the individualism has to be taken into consideration. Depending on the features, symptoms and activity of the disease, the suitability of saunayoga varies. The results demonstrated the intensity of the session to be convenient and no painful poses were experienced. The poses can be adapted and modified to be fitting for participants own condition and abilities. Based on the questionnaire, the majority of the participants reported positive feedback of sauna as an exercise place. These conclusions can’t be generalized on everyone with a rheumatic condition, but can be utilized among health care professionals when designing a treatment plan together with the person with a rheumatic condition.
The study was conducted as a questionnaire-survey. Altogether 113 answers were received from members of Finnish Rheumatism Association around Finland. Out of the 12 questions included in the questionnaire, 5 of them were focused on and demonstrated in this thesis. The selected research questions concentrated on investigating the intensity of the session, type and suitability of the poses and the effect of sauna and a warm environment in exercising. The results were received in 10.10.-21.11.2016 after a saunayoga trial. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in analysis of the results.
Based on the results can be concluded that saunayoga could be beneficial and suitable treatment method for the majority of the individuals suffering from a rheumatic disease. However, every participant tolerates warmth differently, so the individualism has to be taken into consideration. Depending on the features, symptoms and activity of the disease, the suitability of saunayoga varies. The results demonstrated the intensity of the session to be convenient and no painful poses were experienced. The poses can be adapted and modified to be fitting for participants own condition and abilities. Based on the questionnaire, the majority of the participants reported positive feedback of sauna as an exercise place. These conclusions can’t be generalized on everyone with a rheumatic condition, but can be utilized among health care professionals when designing a treatment plan together with the person with a rheumatic condition.