“We're all in this together”: A qualitative study of predominantly low income minority participants in a yoga trial for chronic low back pain

- Qualitative interviews with predominantly low-income minority individuals enrolled in a yoga research study reveal that perceived effects, barriers and facilitators of yoga practice are similar to previous research findings with mostly white individuals.
- Participants viewed yoga as a means of pain relief as well as attributed improved mood, greater ability to manage stress, and enhanced relaxation to yoga.
- Findings suggest yoga may be a multidimensional treatment for back pain that has the potential to favorably impact health in a predominantly low-income minority population.

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of low-income minority adults taking part in a yoga dosing trial for chronic low back pain.DesignIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen participants recruited from a randomized yoga dosing trial for predominantly low-income minority adults with chronic low back pain. Interviews discussed the impact of yoga on low back pain and emotions; other perceived advantages or disadvantages of the intervention; and facilitators and barriers to practicing yoga. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed, coded using ATLAS.ti software, and analyzed with inductive and deductive thematic analysis methods.SettingBoston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.ResultsParticipants viewed yoga as a means of pain relief and attributed improved mood, greater ability to manage stress, and enhanced relaxation to yoga. Overall, participants felt empowered to self-manage their pain. Some found yoga to be helpful in being mindful of their emotions and accepting of their pain. Trust in the yoga instructors was a commonly cited facilitator for yoga class attendance. Lack of time, motivation, and fear of injury were reported barriers to yoga practice.ConclusionsYoga is a multidimensional treatment for low back pain that has the potential to favorably impact health in a predominantly low-income minority population.