What’s This Research About?
This study evaluated a virtual yoga program for veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VA) recognizes yoga for improving veterans’ health, particularly for chronic pain and PTSD. In order to offer alternatives to medication, the VA has included yoga and other complementary programs as part of its Whole Health System, which focuses on holistic, personalized care.
Before the pandemic, virtual yoga programs had been shown to match in-person yoga in effectiveness and satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual yoga. However, there were challenges with internet issues, technology limitations, and safety concerns.
The San Francisco VA, launched this pilot tele-yoga program from October 2020 to September 2021. They aimed to assess the program’s potential for broader implementation, its impact on veterans’ health, and their experiences with livestream yoga classes from home.
TITLE: Implementation of Virtual, Livestream Yoga Classes for Veterans at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Program Evaluation
PUBLICATION: Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health
DATE: 2024
AUTHORS: Catherine Pham, Caitlin Hildebrand, Gary Tarasovsky, Natalie Purcell, Karen Seal, Francesca Nicosia
Mixed-Methods Pilot Program Evaluation: Assesses the feasibility, effectiveness, and implementation of a program using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. By combining numerical data with personal stories and feedback, a mixed-methods evaluation gives a comprehensive understanding of a program’s strengths and weaknesses. In this case, it helped assess the TeleYoga program for veterans and its potential for wider implementation.
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