Qualitative study of a predominantly minority population from yoga dosing study for chronic low back pain

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of yoga and the barriers and facilitators of yoga practice for a predominantly minority population participating in a dosing study of yoga for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Study participants were recruited from 5 community health centers in a racially diverse neighborhood of Boston, MA and were 18-64 years old and had non-specific CLBP for > 12 weeks with an average pain intensity for the previous week of >4 on a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Participants were randomized to receive yoga once or twice per week for a 12 week period. To explore perceived effects of yoga and barriers to practice, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a random sample of participants. Interview protocol included questions about perceptions of the impact of yoga practice, if any, on low back pain and quality of life, experience with yoga practice in class and at home, and any other personal or physical changes noticed in connection with yoga practice. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and a preliminary analysis was conducted. Transcripts will be analyzed further using thematic analysis techniques (Lieblich, et al.) and managed in QDA software, ATLAS.ti. Emerging themes on yoga experience, perceptions, and barriers to practice will be used as sensitizing concepts for further analysis. Sociodemographic results will also be presented. Results will focus on motivations and barriers for participating in a study with a complementary and alternative medicine treatment. Given that feelings of stress reduction, spirituality, and mind-body connection will be explored, the “unquantifiable” aspects of yoga will be highlighted.