Expectations and experiences of tele-yoga in persons with heart failure a longitudinal qualitative design

Abstract

Abstract Background Persons with heart failure need rehabilitation, but often face challenges due to their illness to participate. Yoga is an alternative form of rehabilitation. In this study we introduced tele-yoga that enables participants to practice group yoga at home with a live-streamed instructor via video communication and individual yoga using an application. Expectations of the participants play a crucial role in the perception of health and healthcare experiences. The aim was to explore the relationship between expectations and experiences of tele-yoga in persons with heart failure over time. Methods The study had a longitudinal qualitative design with data collected at 3 time points. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using summative content analysis. Study participants were recruited from the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial evaluating effects of 12 weeks of group tele-yoga. The interview guide explored participants' expectations of tele-yoga at baseline before the intervention started and their experiences after 3 and 6 months. Results Interviews were conducted with 93 study participants, of which 30 were women, with a mean age of 64.8 years (range 31-84 years). The most frequently expected effect of the yoga was reduced stress, anxiety, and worries (57%). A majority of the participants (84%) reported this effect after 3 and 6 months, described as ways to cope with stress, manage their illness, and reduce anxiety. Fifteen percent of the participants expected improved breathing, and 57% of the participants indeed experienced improved breathing after yoga training. Thirty-five percent of participants expected to have increased flexibility, and 47% indeed experienced that after 3 and 6 months. There was little congruence between expectations and experiences of relief from aches and pain. Most of those expecting relief did not experience it, and several who did not expect relief reported to experience decreased pain. At the 6 month interviews, 3 months after the ending of the tele-yoga intervention, no participant practiced yoga to the same extent as during the intervention. However, the majority stated that they had incorporated yoga techniques, particularly breathing and relaxation, into their daily lives. Conclusions The most prominent experiences of the tele-yoga intervention were improved stress relief, anxiety and worries, and an improved breathing and increased flexibility. Experienced effects were much higher than expected effects.