Yoga Practice Among Veterans With and Without Chronic Pain: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population, necessitating effective nonpharmacological treatment options.
• Yoga is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in managing chronic pain.
• Understanding how individuals with chronic pain engage with yoga is crucial for optimizing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differences in yoga practice characteristics between individuals with and without chronic pain.
• To evaluate the utility of the Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire, Short Form (EPYQ-SF) for assessing yoga practice in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey methodology was employed with a cohort of veterans who reported practicing yoga.
• The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire, Short Form (EPYQ-SF) was used to collect data on yoga practice context and properties.
• Comparative analysis of yoga practice patterns was conducted between participants with and without chronic pain, supplemented by qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• Among 110 yoga practitioners, 37% reported having chronic pain.
• Practitioners with chronic pain engaged in gentler and less active yoga compared to those without pain.
• Individuals with chronic pain less frequently attended yoga studios and reported shorter practice durations, with most practice occurring at home.

Conclusions:

• Observed differences in yoga practice between individuals with and without chronic pain have significant implications for designing effective yoga interventions.
• Future yoga interventions for chronic pain should consider alternative individual delivery formats.
• Addressing barriers to group yoga practice is essential for individuals with chronic pain.