Perceived impact and experience of long-term yoga involvement for people with chronic pain
Date
2018
Authors
Rose, Caroline M., author
Schmid, Arlene A., advisor
Atler, Karen E., committee member
Portz, Jennifer D., committee member
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Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived impact and experience of long-term involvement in a community-based group yoga class for people with chronic pain. Methods: Eleven participants, who previously completed an 8-week yoga intervention and continued attending yoga at a community pain clinic for 2 years, took part in the study. A mixed methods approach was employed. Two-year follow-ups of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were collected and compared to baseline COPM scores to measure change in perceived occupational performance and satisfaction. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted to explore participants' perceived impact and experience of long-term yoga involvement. COPM data were analyzed using Wilcoxon sign ranked non-parametric tests and qualitative interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach. Findings: COPM performance and satisfaction scores significantly improved between baseline and follow up after 2 years of yoga. Three main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews: 1) Occupational shift from "living" to "existing," 2) The change process is "progressive," and 3) Yoga is "a positive thing I do in my life." Conclusion: Long-term involvement in community-based group yoga may improve and sustain occupational health and well-being. Therefore, occupational therapists may consider yoga as a tool to promote occupational health in people with chronic pain.
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Subject
community-based
occupational performance
yoga
COPM
chronic pain
occupational satisfaction