Development and psychometric properties of the Self-efficacy for Mindfulness Meditation Practice scale.

This study aimed to develop a self-efficacy measure for mindfulness meditation practice (Self-efficacy for Mindfulness Meditation Practice scale). The scale was developed through a process of expert consensus, cognitive interviewing, and evaluation among 199 mindfulness meditation practitioners who completed an online survey. The 9-item Self-efficacy for Mindfulness Meditation Practice scale was unidimensional with three subconstructs of attention, compassion, and emotion. The omega hierarchical coefficient for the total scale was 0.78, and test-retest reliability was intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.80, 0.89). This study provides preliminary evidence that Self-Efficacy for Mindfulness Meditation Practice scale is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for mindfulness meditation practice.

Oxygen Consumption during Viniyoga Practice in Adults.

CONTEXT: The purpose of this study was to measure the oxygen consumption (V̇O2) during Viniyoga yoga movements (asanas) and to compare V̇O2 walking among adults. METHODS: Yoga practitioners (n = 10) were recruited to measure V̇O2 while at rest (30 min), practicing yoga (16 movements with different variations), and treadmill walking at 2 mph (10 min) and 3 mph (10 min). V̇O2 was measured using a whole-room indirect calorimetry. Each yoga movement was categorized by body orientation as standing, lying, and sitting. The differences in V̇O2 between yoga and walking were examined using Pearson's correlations. Differences in V̇O2 between poses (standing, sitting, and lying) were examined using linear regression models. V̇O2. RESULTS: Mean yoga-V̇O2 for the entire yoga session was 3.7 (standard deviation [SD] 0.43, range: 4.4-8.9) ml/kg/min. Yoga-V̇O2 varied by body orientation: standing = 7.5 (SD = 1.5) ml/kg/min, lying = 5.3 (SD = 1.0) ml/kg/min, and sitting = 5.4 (SD = 1.1) ml/kg/min. After adjusting for body mass, frequency of yoga practice, and resting energy expenditure, female gender was negatively associated with mean yoga V̇O2 for standing (B = -112.19, P < 0.05), lying (B = -141.87, P < 0.05), and sitting (B = -129.96, P < 0.05). Mean V̇O2 for walking 2 mph was comparable with sitting (r = 0.836, P < 0.05) and lying (r = 0.735, P < 0.05) whereas walking at 3 mph was comparable with standing (r = 0.718, P < 0.05) and sitting (r = 0.760, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that V̇O2 during yoga practice is comparable to V̇O2 during slow treadmill walking and may vary based on gender and body orientation.

Cross-sectional analysis of health-related quality of life and elements of yoga practice.

BACKGROUND: Mind-body practices such as yoga have been studied for their generally positive effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The association between how a person practices yoga and the person's HRQOL is not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Yoga practitioners were sent invitations to participate in an online survey via email. Yoga characteristics, HRQOL, and other sociodemographics were collected. Analyses of data from 309 consenting responders evaluated associations between yoga practice characteristics (use of yoga tools, length of practice, location, method, etc.) and the 10-item PROMIS Global Health scale for both physical and mental health components. RESULTS: Multivariable regression models demonstrated higher mental health scores were associated with regular meditation practice, higher income, and the method of practicing in a community group class (versus one-on-one). Higher physical health scores were associated with length of lifetime practice, teacher status, Krishnamacharya yoga style, and practicing in a yoga school/studio (versus at home). CONCLUSIONS: Meditation practice in yoga is positively associated with mental health. Length of lifetime yoga practice was significantly associated with better physical health, suggesting yoga has a potential cumulative benefit over time. Different locations and methods of practice may be associated with varying effects on health outcomes. Comparative cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on the variations in yoga practice are needed to further characterize health benefits of yoga.

Yoga for Risk Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Lifestyle change is recommended as treatment for adults at risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), although adoption of new behavioral patterns is limited. In addition, most existing lifestyle interventions do not address psychological stress or quality of life, both of which impact the burden of MetS. Yoga, a form of physical activity that incorporates psychological components (e.g., maintaining attention, relaxation), is a promising intervention for improving the burden of MetS. This randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week yoga program coupled with an evidence-based health education program (HED) compared to HED alone. A secondary, exploratory aim examined perceived stress, quality of life, and related psychological outcomes (mindfulness, perceived health competence, and mood). Sixty-seven adults at risk for MetS enrolled (mean age [SD]: 58 [10] years; 50% male; 79% non-Hispanic White). Preliminary results revealed significantly larger improvements in two quality of life domains (role-physical and general health perceptions) in the HED plus yoga group versus HED alone (ps < 0.05). This is the first study that implemented lifestyle education along with yoga to evaluate the potential unique effects of yoga on participants at risk for MetS. A larger clinical trial is warranted to further investigate these promising patient-reported outcomes.

Intervention Protocol for Investigating Yoga Implemented During Chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Fatigue and other treatment-related symptoms are critical therapeutic targets for improving quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer during chemotherapy. Yoga is a promising intervention for improving these therapeutic targets and has been primarily investigated in the group-class format, which is less feasible for cancer patients with high symptom burden to attend. Thus, we developed a protocol for implementing yoga individually in the clinic among patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: We followed recommended domains for developing a yoga protocol to be used in an efficacy trial. These recommendations include consideration to the style, delivery, components of the intervention, dose, specific class sequences, facilitation of home practice, measurement of intervention fidelity, selection of instructors, and dealing with modifications. The intervention protocol was developed by an interdisciplinary team. PROTOCOL: Yoga Skills Training (YST) consists of four 30-minute in-person sessions and was implemented while in the chair during chemotherapy infusions for colorectal cancer with recommended daily home practice for eight weeks. Therapeutic goals of the YST are to reduce fatigue, circadian disruption, and psychological distress. Elements of the YST are awareness meditation, gentle seated movement, breathing practice, and relaxation meditation. Attention, comfort, and ease are also highlighted. CONCLUSION: This description of a protocol for integrating yoga with conventional cancer treatment will inform future study designs and clinical practice. The design of the YST is novel because it implements yoga-most commonly studied when taught to groups outside of the clinical setting- individually during clinical care.

A brief yoga intervention implemented during chemotherapy: A randomized controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Fatigue and other treatment-related symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance) are critical targets for improving quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Yoga may reduce the burden of such symptoms. This study investigated the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled study of a brief yoga intervention during chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. DESIGN: We randomized adults with colorectal cancer to a brief Yoga Skills Training (YST) or an attention control (AC; empathic attention and recorded education). SETTING: The interventions and assessments were implemented individually in the clinic while patients were in the chair receiving chemotherapy. INTERVENTIONS: Both interventions consisted of three sessions and recommended home practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was feasibility (accrual, retention, adherence, data collection). Self-reported outcomes (i.e., fatigue, sleep disturbance, quality of life) and inflammatory biomarkers were also described to inform future studies. RESULTS: Of 52 patients initially identified, 28 were approached, and 15 enrolled (age Mean = 57.5 years; 80% White; 60% Male). Reasons for declining participation were: not interested (n = 6), did not perceive a need (n = 2), and other (n = 5). Two participants were lost to follow-up in each group due to treatment changes. Thus, 75% of participants were retained in the YST and 71% in the AC arm. Participants retained in the study adhered to 97% of the in-person intervention sessions and completed all questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial to assess YST among patients receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Data collected and challenges encountered will inform future research.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale (YSES).

BACKGROUND: Yoga is a behavioral practice that uses physical movement, breathing, and meditation to improve health and promote personal transformation. Ancient yoga philosophy proposed that an individual's confidence about yoga, a concept similar to self-efficacy, will affect the likelihood of improved health from yoga practice. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a self-efficacy measure for yoga practice (the Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale; YSES). METHODS: Yoga practitioners were recruited to evaluate the psychometric properties of YSES via a secure online survey. We collected data on additional measures to further examine construct validity. After two weeks, participants were invited to complete YSES items again to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: A majority of participants (N = 309) were White (85%), female (82%), and yoga instructors (56%). The 12-item YSES is unidimensional with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93. Test-retest reliability is r = 0.79 (n = 170). YSES scores are positively correlated with health competence, health-related quality of life, and years practicing yoga, supporting construct validity. Also, yoga teachers scored significantly higher on the YSES than non-teachers (p < 0.001). Non-significant relationships with education, income and sex supported discriminant validity. YSES maintained internal consistency and construct validity for all yoga styles surveyed. CONCLUSION: YSES is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for yoga practice that may provide insight into barriers to adopting and maintaining yoga as a health behavior.

Feasibility and Safety of Intradialysis Yoga and Education in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis are much more sedentary than healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a 12-week intradialysis yoga intervention versus a kidney education intervention on the promotion of physical activity. DESIGN AND METHODS: We randomized participants by dialysis shift to either 12-week intradialysis yoga or an educational intervention. Intradialysis yoga was provided by yoga teachers to participants while receiving hemodialysis. Participants receiving the 12-week educational intervention received a modification of a previously developed comprehensive educational program for patients with kidney disease (Kidney School). The primary outcome for this study was feasibility based on recruitment and adherence to the interventions and safety of intradialysis yoga. Secondary outcomes were to determine the feasibility of administering questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks including the Kidney Disease-Related Quality of Life-36. RESULTS: Among 56 eligible patients who approached for the study, 31 (55%) were interested and consented to participation, with 18 assigned to intradialysis yoga and 13 to the educational program. A total of 5 participants withdrew from the pilot study, all from the intradialysis yoga group. Two of these participants reported no further interest in participation. Three withdrawn participants switched dialysis times and therefore could no longer receive intradialysis yoga. As a result, 13 of 18 (72%) and 13 of 13 (100%) participants completed 12-week intradialysis yoga and educational programs, respectively. There were no adverse events related to intradialysis yoga. Intervention participants practiced yoga for a median of 21 sessions (70% participation frequency), with 60% of participants practicing at least 2 times a week. Participants in the educational program completed a median of 30 sessions (83% participation frequency). Of participants who completed the study (n = 26), baseline and 12-week questionnaires were obtained from 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study of 12-week intradialysis yoga and 12-week educational intervention reached recruitment goals but with less than targeted completion and adherence to intervention rates. This study provided valuable feasibility data to increase follow-up and adherence for future clinical trials to compare efficacy.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy and the postpartum period: an analysis of the National Health Interview Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is commonly used among women, but few national data exist regarding CAM use during pregnancy or the postnatal period. METHODS: Data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed for women ages between the ages of 18 and 49 years who were pregnant or had children less than 1 year old. CAM use was identified based on standard definitions of CAM from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. CAM use among women who were pregnant or with a child less than 1 year was compared with the other similarly aged female responders. CAM use was examined among these women stratified by sociodemographics, health conditions, and conventional medicine use through bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among pregnant and postpartum women from the ages of 19 to 49 years in the United States, 37% of pregnant women and 28% of postpartum women reported using CAM in the last 12 months compared with 40% of nonpregnant/non-postpartum women. Mind-body practices were the most common CAM modality reported, with one out of four women reporting use. Biological therapies, excluding vitamins and minerals, during the postpartum period were used by only 8% of women. Using multivariable regression modeling, we report no significant difference in CAM use among pregnant compared with non-pregnant women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.88; [95% confidence interval 0.65-1.20]), but lower CAM use among postpartum women compared with non-pregnant women (AOR 0.67; [0.52-0.88]), while adjusting for sociodemographics. CONCLUSION: CAM use among pregnancy similar to women who are not pregnant, while postpartum CAM use decreases. Further evaluation of CAM therapies among pregnant and postpartum women is necessary to determine the costs and benefits of integrative CAM therapies in conventional care.

Use of complementary and alternative medical therapies among youth with mental health concerns.

BACKGROUND: Use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies is common among adults with mental health concerns, but little is known about CAM use among adolescents with mental health concerns. METHODS: Data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed for youth from 7 to 17 years old. The study focused on 3 common mental health conditions: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression. CAM therapy use was identified by criteria from the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. RESULTS: In a sample of 5651 individuals, representing 7 million youth, with 1 or more mental health concerns in the past 12 months, 28.9% used 1 or more types of CAM therapy, excluding vitamins/minerals. In contrast, only 11.6% of those without mental health concerns reported CAM therapy use (P < .05). Among youth with 1 or more mental health conditions, the most commonly used CAM therapies were mind-body therapies (16.3%) and biologically based therapies (11%); use was higher for therapies that could be directly accessed (18.6%) than for therapies delivered in groups (11.8%) or through a health professional (10.2%). In the multivariable regression model, demographic factors significantly associated with CAM therapy use were higher household income, higher parental education, having other chronic health conditions, use of prescription medications, and difficulty affording mental health counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Readily accessible CAM therapies are commonly used by youth with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, particularly those who have comorbid chronic health conditions, receive prescription medications, and have difficulty affording counseling. Clinicians can use these data to guide inquiries and counseling. Researchers should explore the longitudinal relationship between access to coordinated care within a medical home and use of CAM therapies among youth with mental health concerns.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), few studies have examined the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and patients' interest in learning mind-body interventions to address health issues. We surveyed 89 adult patients (response rate 84%) at an outpatient hemodialysis center in Brookline, MA, USA regarding the utilization of CAM, including mind-body practices, and willingness to learn mind-body practices. Of respondents, 47% were female, 63% were black, and mean age was 62 years. 61% reported using CAM for health in their lifetime, and 36% reported using CAM within a month of the survey. The most frequent CAM modalities reported in ones' lifetime and in the last month were mind-body practices (42% and 27%, resp.). Overall lifetime CAM use did not differ significantly by sex, race, dialysis vintage, diagnosis of ESRD, employment status, or education level. Subjects reported that mind-body interactions were very important to health with a median score of 9 on a 10-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 for not important to 10 for extremely important). Most patients (74%) reported interest in learning mind-body practices during maintenance hemodialysis. In summary, CAM use, particularly mind-body practice, is frequent among patients with ESRD providing opportunities for future clinical research.

Relationship between physical inactivity and health characteristics among participants in an employee-wellness program.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize factors associated with physical inactivity among employees with access to workplace wellness program. METHODS: We examined data on physical inactivity, defined as exercise less than once a week, from the 2010 health risk assessment completed by employees at a major academic institution (N = 16,976). RESULTS: Among employees, 18% of individuals reported physical activity less than once a week. Individuals who were physically inactive as compared with physically active reported higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.36 [1.23 to 1.51]), fair or poor health status (AOR, 3.52 [2.97 to 4.17]), and absenteeism from work (AOR, 1.59 [1.41 to 1.79]). Overall, physically inactive employees as compared with physically active employees reported more interest in health education programs. CONCLUSION: Future research is needed to address barriers to physical inactivity to improve employee wellness and potentially lower health utility costs.

T'ai chi as exercise among middle-aged and elderly Chinese in urban China.

OBJECTIVES: T'ai chi is a form of mind-body practice used as exercise in China, though limited data are available on characteristics of t'ai chi users and factors associated with practice. METHODS: Characteristics of and factors associated with t'ai chi practice among middle-aged and elder Chinese in Shanghai China were analyzed utilizing baseline data from the Shanghai Women's Health Study and Shanghai Men's Health Study. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify independent factors associated with the practice of t'ai chi among men and women. RESULTS: T'ai chi is the most common form of regular exercise in Shanghai China among middle-aged and elderly persons (22%), including among women (28%) and men (15%). Other popular forms of exercise were walking (7%), dancing (4%), and jogging (3%). A majority of adults who practiced t'ai chi used it as their exclusive type of exercise (69%). Overall, t'ai chi practitioners as compared to nonpractitioners were more likely women, older, more educated, retired versus still working, and more likely to report chronic medical conditions including pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular conditions. T'ai chi activity was associated with other health behaviors including nonsmoking, consuming ginseng, and participating in other forms of physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: T'ai chi is the predominant form of exercise among middle-aged and elderly Chinese in urban China, particularly among those with older age and chronic medical diseases. Future research is needed to see whether t'ai chi has similar or different benefits than conventional forms of exercise such as walking and jogging.

Factors associated with pediatric use of complementary and alternative medicine.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and factors associated with use among the pediatric population in the United States. METHODS: Using the 2007 National Health Interview Survey data among individuals <18 years of age (n = 9417), we compared CAM users (excluding those using vitamins and minerals) and non-CAM users. Using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models, we examined independent associations of CAM use with sociodemographic factors, prescription medication use, delays in health care caused by access difficulties, and common medical conditions/symptoms. RESULTS: In an adjusted multivariable logistic model, CAM users were more likely than non-CAM users to be adolescents rather than infants or toddlers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.61 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.34]); live in the West (aOR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.62-2.59]), Northeast (aOR: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.02-1.80]), or Midwest (aOR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.04-1.74]) compared with those in the South; more likely to have a parent with a college education (aOR: 4.33 [95% CI: 2.92-6.42]); and more likely to use prescription medication (aOR: 1.51 [95% CI: 1.19-1.92]). Pediatric CAM users were more likely to have anxiety or stress (aOR: 2.54 [95% CI: 1.89-3.42]), dermatologic conditions (aOR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.03-1.78]), musculoskeletal conditions (aOR: 1.94 [95% CI: 1.31-2.87]), and sinusitis (aOR: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.11-2.14]). Use of CAM by a parent was strongly associated with the child's use of CAM (aOR: 3.83 [95% CI: 3.04-4.84]). CONCLUSIONS: In 2007, pediatric CAM users were more likely to take prescription medications, have a parent who used CAM, and have chronic conditions such as anxiety or stress, musculoskeletal conditions, dermatologic conditions, or sinusitis. Research is required to guide pediatricians in making recommendations on CAM modalities for children including potential risks and/or benefits and interactions with conventional therapies.

T'ai chi and qigong for health: patterns of use in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Little is known in the United States about those who practice t'ai chi and qigong, two mind-body techniques that originated in Asia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to characterize use of t'ai chi and qigong for health with regard to sociodemographics, health status, medical conditions, perceptions of helpfulness, and disclosure of use to medical professionals. METHODS: We analyzed associations of t'ai chi and qigong use for health using cross-sectional data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Alternative Medicine Supplement (n = 31,044). The 2002 NHIS estimated the number of t'ai chi and qigong users for health to be 2.5 and 0.5 million persons, respectively. We collapsed t'ai chi and qigong use into a single category (TCQ) for analysis, representing 2.8 million individuals. RESULTS: We found that neither age nor sex was associated with TCQ use. TCQ users were more likely than nonusers to be Asian than white (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-3.15), college educated (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.97-3.03), and less likely to live in the Midwest (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96) or the southern United States (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.72) than the West. TCQ use was associated independently with higher reports of musculoskeletal conditions (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11-1.83), severe sprains (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.14-2.40), and asthma (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.08-2.10). Half of TCQ users also used yoga for health in the last 12 months. Most TCQ users reported their practice to be important to maintain health, but only a quarter of users disclosed their practice to a medical professional. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, TCQ is practiced for health by a diverse population, and users report benefits for maintaining health. Further research is needed to establish efficacy and safety for target populations, including those with musculoskeletal and pulmonary disease, as well as for preventive health.

Clinical applications of yoga for the pediatric population: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence for clinical applications of yoga among the pediatric population. METHODS: We conducted an electronic literature search including CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and manual search of retrieved articles from inception of each database until December 2008. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were selected that included yoga or yoga-based interventions for individuals aged 0 to 21 years. Data were extracted and articles critically reviewed using a modified Jadad score and descriptive methodological criteria, with summarization in tables. RESULTS: Thirty-four controlled studies published from 1979 to 2008 were identified, with 19 RCTS and 15 NRCTs. Many studies were of low methodological quality. Clinical areas for which yoga has been studied include physical fitness, cardiorespiratory effects, motor skills/strength, mental health and psychological disorders, behavior and development, irritable bowel syndrome, and birth outcomes following prenatal yoga. No adverse events were reported in trials reviewed. Although a large majority of studies were positive, methodological limitations such as randomization methods, withdrawal/dropouts, and details of yoga intervention preclude conclusive evidence. CONCLUSIONS: There are limited data on the clinical applications of yoga among the pediatric population. Most published controlled trials were suggestive of benefit, but results are preliminary based on low quantity and quality of trials. Further research of yoga for children by using a higher standard of methodology and reporting is warranted.

Characteristics of yoga users: results of a national survey.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the characteristics of yoga users in the U.S. OBJECTIVE: To characterize yoga users, medical reasons for use, perceptions of helpfulness, and disclosure of use to medical professionals. METHODS: Utilizing cross-sectional survey data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Alternative Medicine Supplement (n = 31044), we examined correlates of yoga use for health. The estimated prevalence from 2002 NHIS of yoga for health was 5.1% corresponding to over 10 million adults. RESULTS: In 2002, yoga users were predominately Caucasian (85%) and female (76%) with a mean age of 39.5 years. Compared to non-yoga users, yoga users were more likely female (OR 3.76, 95% CI 3.11-4.33); less likely black than white (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.80); tended to be younger; and more likely college educated (OR 2.70, 95% CI 2.37-3.08). Musculoskeletal conditions (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.42-1.83), mental health conditions (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.22-1.67), severe sprains in the last 12 months (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.22-1.81), and asthma (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.54) were independently associated with higher yoga use, while hypertension (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.95) and chronic obstructive lung disease (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48-1.00) were associated with lower use. Yoga was most commonly used to treat musculoskeletal or mental health conditions, and most users reported yoga to be helpful for these conditions. A majority of yoga users (61%) felt yoga was important in maintaining health, though only 25% disclosed yoga practice to their medical professional. CONCLUSIONS: We found that yoga users are more likely to be white, female, young and college educated. Yoga users report benefit for musculoskeletal conditions and mental health, indicating that further research on the efficacy of yoga for the treatment and/or prevention of these conditions is warranted.