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.