title: "We're all in this together": A qualitative study of predominantly low income minority participants in a yoga trial for chronic low back pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of low-income minority adults taking part in a yoga dosing trial for chronic low back pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individual 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Yoga is a multidimensional treatment for low back pain that has the potential to favorably impact health in a predominantly low-income minority population.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: Julia.Keosaian@bmc.org.
authors: Julia E
authors: JE
authors: Keosaian
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Chelsey M
authors: CM
authors: Lemaster
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Danielle
authors: D
authors: Dresner
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Margo E
authors: ME
authors: Godersky
authors: Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Paris
authors: Group Health Research Institute, Group Health Cooperative, WA and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors: Karen J
authors: KJ
authors: Sherman
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Robert B
authors: RB
authors: Saper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015013:Yoga
keywords: Low back pain; Qualitative; Yoga