Aims A service evaluation study of 10 adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) participants was undertaken to determine: the feasibility of providing yoga-therapy (YT) for RA in a standard consulting room the impact of a 16-week YT intervention programme on outcomes of function and quality of life. Methods Ten RA volunteers (aged 29–71) with RA duration of 1–15 years: the patient group comprised one Indian male, one white British female, three African-Caribbean females and five Indian females. The volunteers consented to 10 individual YT sessions: once weekly (4); biweekly (6). Intervention included lifestyle/behavioural strategies and cognitive restructuring concepts taken from yogic philosophy. Yogic tools include breath-centered physical yoga postures, breathing techniques; visualisation techniques for focused attention; mantras, meditation and mindfulness techniques. The schedules were personalised and adapted to the needs and abilities of each individual. Mixed method analysis with validated questionnaires and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews was applied. Results 98/100 booked sessions were attended by the participants. All 10 approved the clinic setting of service delivery. |