Positive Health Online

Abstract

HEWETT and COLLEAGUES, 1 School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia. zoehewett@hotmail.com ;2 Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2617, Australia.  kate.pumpa@canberra.edu.au 3 National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia.  caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au ; 4 School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia.  p.fahey@westernsydney.edu.au   5 School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia; National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia.  b.cheema@westernsydney.edu.au conducted a study to investigate factors influencing adherence to a 16-week Bikram yoga intervention in stressed and sedentary adults.

Background

Bikram yoga may enhance health outcomes in healthy adults and those at risk for chronic disease, however, challenges remain in achieving optimal adherence to this practice. This study investigated factors influencing adherence to a 16-week Bikram yoga intervention in stressed and sedentary adults.

Methodology

Experimental group participants (n = 29) were instructed to attend 3-5 Bikram yoga classes weekly for 16 weeks. Baseline demographics, behaviours and health measures were investigated as predictors of adherence. Barriers were assessed via documentation of adverse events, and exit survey responses.

Results

Participants (38.2 ± 10.1 years) were predominantly overweight-obese (83%), female (79%), and attended 27 ± 18 classes. Higher adherence was associated with older age (p = 0.094), less pain (p = 0.011), fewer physical limitations (p = 0.011), poorer blood lipid profile, and higher heart rate variability (HRV; total power, (p = 0.097)). In multi-variable analysis, three variables: age (β = 0.492, p = 0.006), HRV (β = 0.413, p = 0.021) and pain (β = 0.329, p = 0.048) remained predictors of adherence. Difficulty committing to the trial, lack of enjoyment and adverse events were barriers to adherence.

Conclusion

These findings should be considered in the development of future Bikram yoga trials to facilitate higher levels of adherence, which may enhance health outcomes and inform community practice. Future trials should investigate and address additional barriers and facilitators of Bikram yoga practice.

References

Zoe L Hewett  1 , Kate L Pumpa  2 , Caroline A Smith  3 , Paul P Fahey  4 , Birinder S Cheema  5. Predictors of and barriers to adherence in a 16-week randomised controlled trial of Bikram yoga in stressed and sedentary adults. Complement Ther Med.; 42:374-380. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.015. Epub 2018 Dec 19. Feb 2019.