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. 2016 Feb:24:34-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.11.007. Epub 2015 Dec 2.

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

Julia E Keosaian  1 , Chelsey M Lemaster  2 , Danielle Dresner  2 , Margo E Godersky  2 , Ruth Paris  3 , Karen J Sherman  4 , Robert B Saper  2
Affiliations

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

Julia E Keosaian et al. Complement Ther Med. 2016 Feb.

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.

Keywords: Low back pain; Qualitative; Yoga.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Barriers and Facilitators to Yoga Practice.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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