"We're all in this together": A qualitative study of predominantly low income minority participants in a yoga trial for chronic low back pain. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keosaian, Julia E.; Lemaster, Chelsey M.; Dresner, Danielle; Godersky, Margo E.; Paris, Ruth; Sherman, Karen J.; Saper, Robert B.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 24(2016)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Yoga -- Low back pain -- Qualitative; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.11.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Highlights: Qualitative interviews with predominantly low-income minority individuals enrolled in a yoga research study reveal that perceived effects, barriers and facilitators of yoga practice are similar to previous research findings with mostly white individuals. Participants viewed yoga as a means of pain relief as well as attributed improved mood, greater ability to manage stress, and enhanced relaxation to yoga. Findings suggest yoga may be a multidimensional treatment for back pain that has the potential to favorably impact health in a predominantly low-income minority population. Abstract: Objective: To explore the experiences of low-income minority adults taking part in a yoga dosing trial for chronic low back pain. Design: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen participants recruited from a randomized yoga dosing trial for predominantly low-income minority adults with chronic low back pain. Interviews discussed the impact of yoga on low back pain and emotions; other perceived advantages or disadvantages of the intervention; and facilitators and barriers to practicing yoga. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed, coded using ATLAS.ti software, and analyzed with inductive and deductive thematic analysis methods. Setting: Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. Results: Participants viewed yoga as a means of pain relief and attributed improved mood, greater ability to manage stress, and enhanced relaxation to yoga. Overall, participants felt empowered to self-manage their pain. Some found yoga to be helpful in being mindful of their emotions and accepting of their pain. Trust in the yoga instructors was a commonly cited facilitator for yoga class attendance. Lack of time, motivation, and fear of injury were reported barriers to yoga practice. Conclusions: Yoga is a multidimensional treatment for low back pain that has the potential to favorably impact health in a predominantly low-income minority population.