An exploration into the lived experience of adults with Fibromyalgia engaging in yoga.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a long-term pain condition which affects approximately one in twenty people in the United Kingdom, yet remains a relatively unknown and misunderstood condition in current society. Fibromyalgia has many symptoms which can be very unpleasant. However, due to this condition being relatively new and not well understood in medical society, medication is not always effective, nor a desirable option for individuals who have the condition, therefore an alternative solution is required. This leads on to the proposed idea within this study, that yoga could be a beneficial alternative for individuals who have Fibromyalgia to manage their symptoms and wellbeing. Firstly, the available literature will be reviewed, analysing current published research which has studied the benefits/limitations of using yoga as an intervention for people who have Fibromyalgia. Through reviewing the literature, there appeared to be a research gap requiring further investigation. No studies provided a high quality, qualitative perspective of yoga while living with Fibromyalgia. Which would be beneficial for occupational therapy literature, as chronic pain is a personal experience and therefore cannot truly be understood through a quantitative lens like the studies in the review. Therefore, leading to the proposed research aim "To explore the experience of individuals who have Fibromyalgia engaging in yoga, and how this influences occupational engagement." A qualitative study is proposed to understand the above aim. Recruitment of participants will come from yoga classes, who have Fibromyalgia. It is hoped the study will have eight participants that will complete semi-structured interviews, allowing the researcher to explore how yoga can influence their engagement in self-care, productivity and leisure.