Participant-perceived occupational outcomes after two years of yoga for chronic pain

Abstract

Introduction The study aim was to investigate the perceived impact and experience of long-term involvement in community-based group yoga 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, participated in the study. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure data were collected during the 8-week yoga study (baseline) and after 2 years of yoga (follow-up). Baseline and follow-up Canadian Occupational Performance Measure data were compared 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. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and qualitative interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach. Findings Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores significantly improved between baseline and follow-up. Three main themes emerged from qualitative interviews: (a) Occupational shift from “existing” to “living,” (b) The change process is “progressive,” and (c) Yoga is “a positive thing I do in my life.” Conclusion Long-term involvement in community-based group yoga may improve and sustain occupational performance and satisfaction. Occupational therapists may consider yoga as a tool to promote occupational gains in people with chronic pain.