Effects of a Yoga-Based Program on Well-Being and Traumatic Stress: A Noncontrolled Trial in Rwanda, Africa

Abstract

Our study aimed to explore the psychosocial benefits of a yoga program called Trauma-Informed Mind-Body Well-Being (TI-MBW) in Rwanda, Africa. The study used a nonrandomized controlled trial design with 227 Rwandan community members between 18 and 75 years old. TI-MBW yoga students (n = 109) participated in 12 weeks of yoga classes delivered through trauma-informed methods, while the non-yoga control group (n = 118) did not take part in the program. The study measured the impact of the yoga program on participants' well-being as compared to the control group. Data collection involved pretests, posttests, and a 6-month follow-up measuring self-efficacy, self-regulation, mindful self-care, belief in personal growth, and traumatic distress. Quantitative statistical analysis, including analysis of variance with repeated measures, indicated that individuals who engaged in the yoga program exhibited clinically significant increases in constructs related to well-being as compared to the control group. Follow-up data further revealed that continued participation in the program increased self-regulation, self-efficacy, mindful self-care, and belief in personal growth. These outcomes support the notion that yoga-based programs, such as TI-MBW, may enhance the well-being of individuals in Rwanda. The significance of this study lies in its distinction as what is believed to be the first noncontrolled trial evaluating a yoga program with a follow-up conducted in Rwanda. Future research should focus on investigating the program across diverse populations to validate its broader applicability and potential benefits.

Keywords: Africa; Rwanda; noncontrolled trial; trauma-informed; well-being; yoga.