title: "Smoking Does Not Go With Yoga:" A Qualitative Study of Women's Phenomenological Perceptions During Yoga and Smoking Cessation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Smoking cessation is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, cigarette craving, increased negative affect, and increased experience of stress. Because yoga has been shown to reduce stress and negative affect, it may be an effective aid to smoking cessation. The objective of this study was to examine women's phenomenological experiences of vinyasa yoga as part of a smoking cessation program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were conducted post-intervention with women (n = 20) who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial of yoga as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation. The 8-week vinyasa yoga intervention included twice weekly 60-minute classes that involved breathing exercises, postures (asanas), and relaxation techniques. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis focused on descriptions of yoga, breathing, and bodily sensations including cigarette craving.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Focus group participants described vinyasa yoga as physically challenging. Most reported deliberate use of yogic breathing to cope with cigarette craving and stress. Other perceived effects included relaxation and an increased sense of body awareness and wellbeing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants viewed yoga as positive and potentially helpful for quitting smoking. Yoga may be an effective adjunct for smoking cessation.
authors: 1. The Miriam Hospital, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Providence, RI.|2. Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI.
authors: Rochelle K
authors: RK
authors: Rosen
authors: 3. University of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health, Lowell, MA.
authors: Herpreet
authors: H
authors: Thind
authors: 1. The Miriam Hospital, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Providence, RI.|4. Brown University, Alpert Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, RI.
authors: Ernestine
authors: E
authors: Jennings
authors: 1. The Miriam Hospital, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Providence, RI.|2. Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI.|4. Brown University, Alpert Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, RI.
authors: Kate M
authors: KM
authors: Guthrie
authors: 2. Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI.
authors: David M
authors: DM
authors: Williams
authors: 1. The Miriam Hospital, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Providence, RI.|2. Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Providence, RI.|4. Brown University, Alpert Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, RI.
authors: Beth C
authors: BC
authors: Bock
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health; D015013:Yoga / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: mindfulness; qualitative research; smoking cessation; vinyasa yoga