The Yoga4Health
Research
The Westminster Study
The Yoga4Health programme was commissioned by the NHS (West London Clinical Commissioning Group) in 2016 and developed by leading yoga teachers, yoga therapists, doctors, and medical researchers. It was piloted with NHS staff before being delivered to 279 patients in West London (Over 22 courses between February 2018 and May 2019).
A mixed method evaluation was carried out on the programme by School of Social Science, Westminster University. Full details of the published research paper can be found here. The evaluation assessed the acceptability, feasibility and outcome of the pilot Yoga4Health programme.
Findings of the research showed:
Statistically significant improvements were shown in all outcomes pre to post intervention, all of which were sustained at 3 month follow up
Clinical meaningful changes in patients' health and wellbeing.
The Westminster Study Outcomes
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Increased Patient Activation
Patient Activation Measure (PAM)* went up significantly for 62% of patients.
Physical health also showed meaningful improvements, with 45% of patients reporting better health and waist circumference reduced by an average of 14cm.
*PAM: Patient Activation Measure refers to a person’s capacity and confidence to self-manage their health and care.
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Significant Stress Reduction
Stress as measured by the PSS-4* scale was significantly down.
*PSS-4:Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) is an instrument for assessment of stress perception levels in the general population. -
Significant Anxiety Reduction
Sense of well-being, including life satisfaction, purpose and happiness was up.
Anxiety rates fell.
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Significant Depression Reduction
Depression as measured by the HADS* scale was significantly reduced.
*HADS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a self-administered measure used to screen for the presence of depression and anxiety. -
Increased Social Connection
Social connectedness as measured by the HFS* scale was significantly increased.
*HFS: Hawthorne Friendship Scale measuring social connectedness -
Other Measurable Benefits
Return on investment: £2.19 for £1 investment (1 year)
Fewer GP attendance, A&E Attendance, other hospital attendance, social service visit.
Increase in Patient Activation
Positive impact on gaining employment
3 months post intervention-44% attended a local class; 50% used course material to support home practice.
Improvement in sleep, stress levels, physical & mental health. Positive changes to lifestyle
The Yoga4Health Ireland Pilot Programme
March 2023 to December 2024 at Kells Family Resource Centre
Participants self-referred based on criteria of protocol.
Advertised in local press, GP offices and Primary Care Centres
Number of participants 70 (89% female, 11% Male)
Age Range 19 – 78 years
Preliminary Results (Winter 2024)
Why People Attend?
78% want to improve their mental health ‘slow down thoughts, learn to relax, deal with anxiety
56% want to improve their physical health ‘improve strength, flexibility’
28% want to develop friendship
66% attended 8 sessions or more out of 10 week programme
The Yoga4Health Pilot Programme (Some Preliminary Results)
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100%
Would recommend to family or friend
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93%
Agree or strongly agree that they now have a better understanding of the link between physical activity and their health
What Students Said:
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‘It has been amazing as I feel I'm doing a good thing for my overall mental and physical health. I’m more flexible than I thought I was and the breathing exercises etc have been really good for relaxation’.
Yoga4Health Pilot Participant 2024
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‘I feel much more flexible, I found a sense of connection and I found the classes very relaxing and so enjoyable they made me happy, I so looked forward to going each week’.
Yoga4Health Pilot Participant 2024
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‘It helped me to sleep by teaching me how to relax my body’..
Yoga4Health Pilot Participant 2024
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‘It helped me relax and interact socially’.
Yoga4Health Pilot Participant 2024