Experiences of hatha yogic exercises among patients with obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative study

Publication date: Available online 8 November 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Marian E. Papp, Maria Henriques, Gabriele Biguet, Per E. Wändell, Malin Nygren-Bonnier
Background and aimObstructive pulmonary disease can involve dyspnea and deconditioning. Hatha yogic exercises are a form of psychophysical attention-based activity. Research of experiences after participating in an adapted hatha yoga (YE) intervention remains limited. The aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of patients with obstructive pulmonary disease (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in a 12-week hatha yoga intervention (YE).MethodFifteen patients (10 women and 5 men, median age = 61, range: 44–76 years) who had participated in YE were interviewed after the intervention. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThree main categories emerged: "To focus and be aware of oneself", "To gain new knowledge through practice" and "To master one's own situation". The overall theme "From limitation to opportunity – to experience breathing as a tool in daily life" illustrates a learning process on different levels. The participants described improved physical symptoms and breathing techniques, greater energy/stamina and body awareness along with a new sense of control over their breathing in different situations.ConclusionsPatients with obstructive pulmonary disease may strengthen their self-awareness and improve control of symptoms and learning new ways of breathing after practicing YE, which may provide a tool to control disease symptoms in daily life.Trial registration numberNCT02233114.



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