Perceptions of hatha yoga amongst persistently depressed individuals enrolled in a trial of yoga for depression

Abstract

Objectives To understand depressed individuals’ experiences in a 10-week hatha yoga program. Design In a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to either 10 weeks of hatha yoga classes or a health education control group. This report includes responses from participants in yoga classes. At the start of classes, average depression symptom severity level was moderate. Main outcome measures After 10 weeks of yoga classes, we asked participants (n=50) to provide written responses to open-ended questions about what they liked about classes, what they did not like or did not find helpful, and what they learned. We analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. Results and Conclusions Elements of yoga classes that may increase acceptability for depressed individuals include having instructors who promote a non-competitive and non-judgmental atmosphere, who are knowledgeable and able to provide individualized attention, and who are kind and warm. Including depression-related themes in classes, teaching mindfulness, teaching breathing exercises, and providing guidance for translating class into home practice may help to make yoga effective for targeting depression. Participants’ comments reinforced the importance of aspects of mindfulness, such as attention to the present moment and acceptance of one’s self and one’s experience, as potential mechanisms of action. Other potential mechanisms include use of breathing practices in everyday life and the biological mechanisms that underlie the positive impact of yogic breathing. The most serious concern highlighted by a few participants was the concern that the yoga classes were too difficult given their physical abilities.

A mixed methods evaluation of an individualised yoga therapy intervention for rheumatoid arthritis: Pilot study

“…However, group yoga classes may not be appropriate for some people with RA, particularly those with restricted mobility and other comorbidities. Additionally, engagement with yoga classes may be particularly challenging for those with depression 26 as well as minority and low income groups due to accessibility and beliefs about the suitability of yoga for arthritis and other health limitations. 27,28 In contrast, individualised yoga therapy is specifically tailored to individual needs and abilities, adapting traditional practices of physical postures, breath control, meditation, visualisation and yogic philosophy to suit each patient.…”

Treatment credibility, expectancy, and preference: Prediction of treatment engagement and outcome in a randomized clinical trial of hatha yoga vs. health education as adjunct treatments for depression

“…A second, and related possibility, is that people with greater expectancy of success were more likely to engage in informal practice (e.g., noticing one’s breath while in a stressful situation) during the week. Previous analyses of qualitative data suggest that participants in this study did engage in this type of practice (Uebelacker et al, 2017a), and other researchers have also found that people who participate in a yoga class continue to use “tools” learned in yoga, such as breathing practices, gentle stretching, or “centering” even a year after the class (Kinser et al, 2014). However, due to its brevity and integration with day-to-day life, this kind of informal practice may not be reflected in participants’ responses regarding minutes per week of home practice in the current study.…”

The experience of mindful yoga for older adults with depression

“…In accordance with our findings, previous yoga studies report that low costs of classes would help to encourage attendance (Atkinson & Permuth‐Levine, ). The participants in the current study considered the instructor to be one of the most important elements to encouraging participation in the mindful yoga programme, and this has been highlighted in earlier yoga studies involving people with depression (Uebelacker et al, ). Our findings suggest that the essential qualities of a mindful yoga instructor include being enthusiastic and knowledgeable, giving clear explanations and demonstrating a caring attitude.…”