File
L. Roberts1,2, J. Dikken1, K. Metelsky1, A. Moore1, S. Street1
1University of Southampton, School of Health Sciences, Southampton, United Kingdom, 2University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Therapy Services, Southampton, United Kingdom
Background: Physical therapists are ideally positioned to support people to self-manage and function optimally. One activity, often recommended by clinicians, is yoga, which has been shown to improve biopsychosocial factors related to chronic pain across a wide range of morbidities. The literature concludes however, that more research is needed to optimize the integration of physical and psychological well-being in physical therapy and yoga, especially given the deleterious consequences of COVID-19 on health and well-being. In addition, with the recent rise in telehealth, virtual yoga has the potential for broader dissemination than in-person, further highlighting the need to research this activity.
Purpose: 1) To Identify the expectations and motivations for practising the Living Yoga Method; 2)to identify how practising online differs from attending classes in person; 3) to identify the physical effects reported by individuals and the impact on their perceptions of pain; 4) to explore the perceived effects on mental and spiritual well-being, and how these changed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods: Following pilot work with 4 individuals, this large qualitative study was undertaken with the community practising the Living Yoga Method. Based on Hatha yoga, this method comprises breathing techniques, yoga postures, digestion, cold water and mindset training. Adult participants were recruited with experience of live classes (in person or online) and/or on demand, for a minimum of 4 weeks. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted, exploring participants’ expectations and motivations, perceived effects on physical and mental health (positive or negative), and any impact on pain and spiritual well-being. The interviews were conducted online, to reduce logistical and geographical barriers. Data were analysed thematically and managed using a Framework approach comprising transcription, coding, developing a framework matrix and interpretation of the data.
Results: Between September 2021 and February 2022, n=46 in-depth interviews were undertaken (mean duration 45 minutes), by 4 researchers. The mean age of participants was 48 years, 63% were female, 83% white and the majority (89%) had experienced in-person, online live and on-demand practice. Participants described gaining self-awareness with a quietened mind and less negative thoughts. They reported public health gains (smoking and alcohol cessation, weight loss), increased energy, sleep and productivity, and improved decision-making. Physically, they reported improvements in strength, flexibility, balance, posture, fitness, breathing and digestion, while mentally and emotionally, they reported increased confidence, self-worth, enhanced relationships, greater connection to nature, less depression, anxiety and panic attacks, and a more positive outlook. In terms of class delivery, participants favoured offering both in-person and online sessions, citing logistical and environmental factors.
Conclusions: The Living Yoga Method is reported to have strong and positive impacts on physical, mental and emotional health and well-being. It can be delivered live (in-person on online), or on demand, and is reported to make important contributions to a self-management program, including enhancing self-confidence, relationships and well-being.
Implications: The data from this study support clinicians recommending yoga in self-management programs. The ethos of yoga closely aligns with physical therapy, enabling people to strive for better physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.
Funding acknowledgements: This study was unfunded.
Keywords:
Self-management
Yoga
Telehealth
Self-management
Yoga
Telehealth
Topics:
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Disability & rehabilitation
Professional practice: other
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Disability & rehabilitation
Professional practice: other
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: University of Southampton
Committee: Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences Ethics Committee
Ethics number: 66267
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
