Perceptions of benefits and barriers to Yoga practice across rural and urban India: Implications for workplace Yoga

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Even though Yoga is useful for prevention of obesity, diabetes and hypertension it is not universally practiced. The purpose of the study was to determine the benefits and barriers confronted by the community members while incorporating Yoga into routine practice and at workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the motivators and barriers to Yoga practice by estimating how these elements can be useful for development and incorporation of Yoga as a workplace activity and as a profession. METHODS: A nationwide multi-centered prospective study was conducted recruiting individuals of different age groups and geographical zones in India. Participants of Yoga intervention group were administered a questionnaire with 19 items on benefits (YBS) and 18 items on barriers for Yoga practice (BFYS). Data was analyzed using SPSS v21 software. RESULTS: Majority of the participants perceived Yoga improves "physical fitness", "relaxes mind and body", improves "stamina", across age groups. "Lifestyle", "Family commitments", "Physical over-exertion", "No Encouragement from family", "Occupational commitments" and "Few places to do Yoga" were perceived barriers across various geographical zones. Despite knowing the benefits of Yoga, these barriers prevented individuals from integrating it into their daily routine. CONCLUSIONS: The present study may be considered as a starting point for development of Yoga as a workplace activity and a profession based on the perceptions of its various benefits and barriers faced by a large study population spanning an entire nation.

Yoga Practice Is Beneficial for Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle and Endurance Under Restrictions and Stress Imposed by Lockdown During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Despite limited public health intervention strategies, Yoga has remained the mainstay for improving well-being, disease risk reduction, and improving mental and physical health (17-20, 24, 25). We had earlier reported significant barriers in access to Yoga resources even though the prevalence of Yoga in India and elsewhere was significantly noteworthy (26,27). Regardless, several studies have reported over time better physical health, mental health, and quality of life both among healthy individuals and those with disease or disorder (17-20, 24, 25).…”

Lessons From India: A Narrative Review of Integrating Yoga Within the US Healthcare System

“…One commonly followed model is the “co-location” of Ayurveda (a system of medicine based on the idea that disease is caused by an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness), Yoga, Unani (based on the principle that each individual is viewed as a separate entity, and each factor that makes up an individual is taken into account), Siddha (emphasizes the balance of the five elements of nature within the body), and Homeopathy (based on the theory that treats diseases using the substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy individuals to cure similar symptoms in sick people) [ 11 ] (AYUSH) systems, which combine yoga with conventional medical treatment or vice versa. Other models focus on offering yoga as a standalone therapy [ 12 ]. Yet another model emphasizes mutual cross-talk between consultants of different medical departments and patients' active involvement in decision-making, known as “systemic integration.”…”

“…Utilizing the validated 18 components of the Yoga Benefit Scale (YBS) and the 19 components of the Barrier for Yoga Scale (BFYS), a 2020 study [ 12 ] focused on the perception of the benefits and barriers of yoga in rural and urban India by categorizing the components under physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being rankings. More than 95% of participants agreed that physical fitness is a prime benefit of yoga.…”

Role of Mind–Body Intervention on Lipid Profile

“…in regular long-term practitioners of integrated yoga (yogic postures, pranayama, and meditation) based lifestyle in inmates of a residential university seems to point to the mechanism of yoga's effect of calming down the mind that may reflect on lipid profile. Hemispheric synchrony of high-amplitude gamma waves in the electroencephalographic of long-term meditators,[ 11 ] positive spiritual experiences reported by long-term meditation practitioners diagnosed with breast cancer,[ 12 ] and the health benefits reported by long-term practitioners of workplace yoga across rural and urban India[ 13 ] point to the holistic approach of yoga.…”