Steffany Haaz Moonaz | Maryland University of Integrative Health (original) (raw)

Papers by Steffany Haaz Moonaz

Research paper thumbnail of A Randomised Controlled Trial of YOGa and Strengthening Exercise for Knee OsteoArthritis: Protocol for a Comparative Effectiveness Trial (YOGA Trial)

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder for which there is no cure. Current treatments are... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder for which there is no cure. Current treatments are suboptimal. Exercise is a core treatment for knee OA, with muscle strengthening exercise commonly recommended. Yoga is a mind-body exercise intervention that can improve flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and fitness and potentially reduce symptoms of OA. However, there is a scarcity of robust, high-quality conclusive evidence on the efficacy of yoga in knee OA. We are currently conducting the first randomised comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial of a yoga program compared with a strengthening exercise program in patients with symptomatic knee OA. This study protocol describes the design and conduct of this trial. The YOGA study is a phase III, single-centre, parallel, superiority, randomised, active-controlled trial which will be conducted in Hobart, Australia. One hundred and twenty-six participants (63 in each arm) aged over 40 years with symptomatic knee OA wil...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of the Wii Balance Board for the mCTSIB protocol

<p>A) Subject standing on foam, B) Wii Balance Board. Four sensors are located in each corn... more <p>A) Subject standing on foam, B) Wii Balance Board. Four sensors are located in each corner. Center of Pressure is derived as an <i>x</i> and <i>y</i> coordinate measured over time.</p

Research paper thumbnail of Stability Index Formula and Description

<p>Note: Under ideal conditions, all sensory systems work in concert therefore some redunda... more <p>Note: Under ideal conditions, all sensory systems work in concert therefore some redundancy exists. COP in conditions of increasing difficulty are measured. To determine the Stability Index, the visual and/or somatosensory systems are experimentally disrupted to derive the relative contribution of each system, however, the vestibular system is never experimentally disrupted. This protocol has been validated and has been used consistently for clinical assessment.</p><p>Stability Index Formula and Description.</p

Research paper thumbnail of Participant Flow Chart

<p>Participant Flow Chart.</p

Research paper thumbnail of Development of the CLARIFY (CheckList stAndardising the Reporting of Interventions For Yoga) guidelines: a Delphi study

BMJ Open, 2022

BackgroundThe use of yoga as a therapeutic modality is increasing; however, a lack of transparent... more BackgroundThe use of yoga as a therapeutic modality is increasing; however, a lack of transparent intervention reporting is restricting the dissemination and implementation of yoga research into clinical and community practice. The aim of this study was to develop a yoga-specific reporting guideline as an extension to existing reporting guidelines for randomised controlled trials, observational studies and case reports.MethodsRecognised international stakeholders in the design and conduct of yoga research were invited to contribute to the electronic Delphi survey. A four-round Delphi was conducted, whereby panellists rated selected items for their importance in the inclusion of yoga reporting guidelines, according to a 5-step Likert scale. A priori consensus for item inclusion was agreement of items as ‘Very important’ or ‘Extremely important’ by ≥80% of panellists. Non-consensus items were forwarded to subsequent rounds for re-rating.Results53 experts in yoga research from 11 count...

Research paper thumbnail of Design

☯ These authors contributed equally to this work. ‡ These authors also contributed equally to thi... more ☯ These authors contributed equally to this work. ‡ These authors also contributed equally to this work.

Research paper thumbnail of “The Pain Left, I Was Off and Running”: A Qualitative Analysis of Group Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain in a Low-Income and Ethnically Diverse Population

Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2022

Introduction: Chronic pain and the current opioid epidemic are pressing public health concerns, e... more Introduction: Chronic pain and the current opioid epidemic are pressing public health concerns, especially in low-income and ethnically diverse communities. Nonpharmacologic therapies that are safe, effective, and acceptable for the treatment of chronic pain conditions may provide a solution for addressing this issue. This qualitative analysis explores the experience of study participants who received combined acupuncture and yoga therapy (YT) to treat chronic pain delivered in a primary care setting. Methods: The group acupuncture with yoga therapy for chronic neck, low back, and osteoarthritic pain trial (GAPYOGA) assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of group acupuncture (GA) combined with YT in a low-income, racial, and ethnically diverse population. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of patients in the trial. Nineteen participants were interviewed for qualitative analysis of their experience. Using the immersion and crystallization method, transcribed interviews were analyzed for themes meaningfully representing participant experience. Results: The combined GA and YT resulted in significant pain relief and transformative healing experiences. Three themes emerged from participant narratives: (1) transformative engagement with self in the healing process through pain relief, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy; (2) therapeutic relationship with acupuncture and yoga providers; and (3) fostering relationships with fellow participants in the group. Discussion: In this study of a low-income and ethnically diverse population, the combination of acupuncture and YT was found to alleviate pain, improve function, promote psychological well-being, and engage participants in self-care practices in a transformative healing process-resulting in physical and psychological benefits.

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Meditation for Active Duty Military Members with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Results and Discussion of a Landmark Initial Study

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Bundled Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain in Community Healthcare Settings: A Feasibility Pilot

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2021

Objective: To identify factors associated with implementing bundled group acupuncture and yoga th... more Objective: To identify factors associated with implementing bundled group acupuncture and yoga therapy (YT) to treat underserved patients with chronic pain in community health center (CHC) settings. This is not an implementation science study, but rather an organized approach for identification of barriers and facilitators to implementing these therapies as a precursor to a future implementation science study. Design: This study was part of a single-arm feasibility trial, which aimed to test the feasibility of bundling GA and YT for chronic pain in CHCs. Treatment outcomes were measured before and after the 10-week intervention period. Implementation feasibility was assessed through weekly research team meetings, weekly yoga provider meetings, monthly acupuncture provider meetings, and weekly provider surveys. Settings: The study was conducted in New York City at two Montefiore Medical Group (MMG) sites in the Bronx, and one Institute for Family Health (IFH) site in Harlem. Subjects: Participants in the feasibility trial were recruited from IFH and MMG sites, and needed to have had lower back, neck, or osteoarthritis pain for >3 months. Implementation stakeholders included the research team, providers of acupuncture and YT, referring providers, and CHC staff. Results: Implementation of these therapies was assessed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. We identified issues associated with scheduling, treatment fidelity, communication, the three-way disciplinary interaction of acupuncture, yoga, and biomedicine, space adaptation, site-specific logistical and operational requirements, and patient-provider language barriers. Issues varied as to their frequency and resolution difficulty.

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Reduces Fall Risk Factors in Persons with Visual Impairment

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga increases the sensory contribution to balance in visually impaired persons at risk for falls

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of On the Alignment of Yoga Therapy with Palliative Care

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020

T he International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as a ''process of empoweri... more T he International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as a ''process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and wellbeing through the application of yoga [delivered via] a therapeutic plan appropriate to the client's needs.'' 1 Yoga therapy emphasizes a biopsychosocial perspective incorporating a broad spectrum of practices that includes physical poses, breath work, mindfulness, guided meditations, and the study of philosophy. A single yoga therapy session may incorporate any of these practices depending upon the client's needs. Palliative care is defined by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization as ''patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering. Palliative care [.] involves addressing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs'' and is provided through an interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, social workers, and occasionally, physical and occupational therapists. 2 Palliative care encompasses hospice, occurring throughout the trajectory of an illness, not explicitly at the end of life. Both yoga therapy and palliative care rely on an interdisciplinary and patient-centered approach to address suffering, empowerment, and quality of life. Although the body of literature evaluating the effects of yoga on palliative care is limited, some small studies yield promising results. 3-5 Although large rigorous studies are lacking on this specific question, there is more extensive literature on the use of yoga for common symptoms experienced by palliative care patients that may yield insight into the potential benefits of yoga therapy for palliative care populations. Related systematic reviews indicate yoga therapy can ease common symptoms palliative care patients experience, including chronic pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. 6 There is established evidence for the effectiveness of yoga in pain management-a key function of palliative care. 7,8 Yoga therapy encompasses meditation and relaxation techniques, which have shown promise for anxiety, depression, and fatigue. 9,10 Patients specifically at the end of life report additional mental health symptoms related to dignity, coping, and the need to maintain control. 11 Yoga may provide benefits

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Releasing CLARIFY: A New Guideline for Improving Yoga Research Transparency and Usefulness

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga therapy DYADS: A novel approach to chronic pain management in underserved populations

EXPLORE, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Setting for an Underserved Population: Design and Rationale for a Feasibility Pilot

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2020

Chronic pain is prevalent in the United States, with impact on physical and psychological functio... more Chronic pain is prevalent in the United States, with impact on physical and psychological functioning as well as lost work productivity. Minority and lower socioeconomic populations have increased prevalence of chronic pain with less access to pain care, poorer outcomes, and higher risk of fatal opioid overdose. Acupuncture therapy is effective in treating chronic pain conditions including chronic low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain from osteoarthritis. Acupuncture therapy, including group acupuncture, is feasible and effective, and specifically so for underserved and diverse populations at risk for health outcome disparities. Acupuncture therapy also encourages patient engagement and activation. As chronic pain improves, there is a natural progression to want and need to increase activity and movement recovery. Diverse movement approaches are important for improving range of motion, maintaining gains, strengthening, and promoting patient engagement and activation...

Research paper thumbnail of Development of international yoga reporting guidelines - A Delphi survey

Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2019

Background: Due to a lack of reporting guidelines for yoga research, the content and delivery of ... more Background: Due to a lack of reporting guidelines for yoga research, the content and delivery of yoga interventions is often unclear, limiting their dissemination and implementation. We address this issue by developing reporting guidelines based on the expertise and consensus of international yoga researchers. Method: We invited individuals involved in the conception, design, delivery, or reporting of yoga research to join this Delphi survey. In Round 1 of the survey, developed by an international steering committee, panellists rated 58 items for importance of inclusion in reporting guidelines for yoga research. Pre-defined consensus levels determined item inclusion or exclusion, and content of the subsequent survey rounds. Results: Fifty-two panellists, representing 11 countries, consented. Panellists were primarily researchers (61%); had at least 5 years research experience (85%); and identified yoga as their primary research field (61%). Forty-eight panellists completed Round 1 (92%). Quantitative analysis resulted in 15 items reaching consensus for inclusion in the final Delphi guidelines, 6 items reaching consensus for exclusion, and 37 non-consensus items for re-rating. Qualitative analysis of Round 1 comments generated an additional 15 new items; resulting in a total of 52 items forming the Round 2 survey. Round 2 is currently in progress. Delphi completion is expected in April 2019. Conclusion: The expert generation of this yoga-specific reporting guideline will enhance yoga research reporting across study designs, including clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports. Quality reporting will in turn improve clinical application, policy recommendations, public understanding, literature reviews, and comparative effectiveness.

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory: The Convergence of Traditional Wisdom and Contemporary Neuroscience for Self-Regulation and Resilience

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2018

Sullivan et al. Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory of PVT and the gunas of yoga is instrumental in... more Sullivan et al. Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory of PVT and the gunas of yoga is instrumental in creating a translational framework for yoga therapy to align with its philosophical foundations. Consequently, yoga therapy can operate as a distinct practice rather than fitting into an outside model for its utilization in research and clinical contexts.

Research paper thumbnail of Toward an Explanatory Framework for Yoga Therapy Informed by Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives

Alternative therapies in health and medicine, Jan 14, 2017

Context • Yoga Therapy is an emerging complementary and integrative health practice for which the... more Context • Yoga Therapy is an emerging complementary and integrative health practice for which there is increasing interest from both clinical and research perspectives. Currently missing, however, is an explanatory framework for the profession that provides practitioners, clients, and the public with an understanding of how various yogic traditions and principles can be understood in modern health care contexts. Objective • This study proposes an explanatory framework for yoga therapy, informed by phenomenology, eudaimonia, virtue ethics, and first-person ethical inquiry. Conclusions • These 4 philosophical perspectives-phenomenology, eudaimonia, virtue ethics, and first-person ethical inquiry-provide a lens through which to understand how yogic practices support the individual's transformation in the experience of illness, pain, or disability. We propose that this transformation occurs through facilitating a reharmonization of body, mind, and environment toward the experience o...

Research paper thumbnail of A Randomised Controlled Trial of YOGa and Strengthening Exercise for Knee OsteoArthritis: Protocol for a Comparative Effectiveness Trial (YOGA Trial)

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder for which there is no cure. Current treatments are... more Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder for which there is no cure. Current treatments are suboptimal. Exercise is a core treatment for knee OA, with muscle strengthening exercise commonly recommended. Yoga is a mind-body exercise intervention that can improve flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and fitness and potentially reduce symptoms of OA. However, there is a scarcity of robust, high-quality conclusive evidence on the efficacy of yoga in knee OA. We are currently conducting the first randomised comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial of a yoga program compared with a strengthening exercise program in patients with symptomatic knee OA. This study protocol describes the design and conduct of this trial. The YOGA study is a phase III, single-centre, parallel, superiority, randomised, active-controlled trial which will be conducted in Hobart, Australia. One hundred and twenty-six participants (63 in each arm) aged over 40 years with symptomatic knee OA wil...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of the Wii Balance Board for the mCTSIB protocol

<p>A) Subject standing on foam, B) Wii Balance Board. Four sensors are located in each corn... more <p>A) Subject standing on foam, B) Wii Balance Board. Four sensors are located in each corner. Center of Pressure is derived as an <i>x</i> and <i>y</i> coordinate measured over time.</p

Research paper thumbnail of Stability Index Formula and Description

<p>Note: Under ideal conditions, all sensory systems work in concert therefore some redunda... more <p>Note: Under ideal conditions, all sensory systems work in concert therefore some redundancy exists. COP in conditions of increasing difficulty are measured. To determine the Stability Index, the visual and/or somatosensory systems are experimentally disrupted to derive the relative contribution of each system, however, the vestibular system is never experimentally disrupted. This protocol has been validated and has been used consistently for clinical assessment.</p><p>Stability Index Formula and Description.</p

Research paper thumbnail of Participant Flow Chart

<p>Participant Flow Chart.</p

Research paper thumbnail of Development of the CLARIFY (CheckList stAndardising the Reporting of Interventions For Yoga) guidelines: a Delphi study

BMJ Open, 2022

BackgroundThe use of yoga as a therapeutic modality is increasing; however, a lack of transparent... more BackgroundThe use of yoga as a therapeutic modality is increasing; however, a lack of transparent intervention reporting is restricting the dissemination and implementation of yoga research into clinical and community practice. The aim of this study was to develop a yoga-specific reporting guideline as an extension to existing reporting guidelines for randomised controlled trials, observational studies and case reports.MethodsRecognised international stakeholders in the design and conduct of yoga research were invited to contribute to the electronic Delphi survey. A four-round Delphi was conducted, whereby panellists rated selected items for their importance in the inclusion of yoga reporting guidelines, according to a 5-step Likert scale. A priori consensus for item inclusion was agreement of items as ‘Very important’ or ‘Extremely important’ by ≥80% of panellists. Non-consensus items were forwarded to subsequent rounds for re-rating.Results53 experts in yoga research from 11 count...

Research paper thumbnail of Design

☯ These authors contributed equally to this work. ‡ These authors also contributed equally to thi... more ☯ These authors contributed equally to this work. ‡ These authors also contributed equally to this work.

Research paper thumbnail of “The Pain Left, I Was Off and Running”: A Qualitative Analysis of Group Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain in a Low-Income and Ethnically Diverse Population

Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2022

Introduction: Chronic pain and the current opioid epidemic are pressing public health concerns, e... more Introduction: Chronic pain and the current opioid epidemic are pressing public health concerns, especially in low-income and ethnically diverse communities. Nonpharmacologic therapies that are safe, effective, and acceptable for the treatment of chronic pain conditions may provide a solution for addressing this issue. This qualitative analysis explores the experience of study participants who received combined acupuncture and yoga therapy (YT) to treat chronic pain delivered in a primary care setting. Methods: The group acupuncture with yoga therapy for chronic neck, low back, and osteoarthritic pain trial (GAPYOGA) assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of group acupuncture (GA) combined with YT in a low-income, racial, and ethnically diverse population. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of patients in the trial. Nineteen participants were interviewed for qualitative analysis of their experience. Using the immersion and crystallization method, transcribed interviews were analyzed for themes meaningfully representing participant experience. Results: The combined GA and YT resulted in significant pain relief and transformative healing experiences. Three themes emerged from participant narratives: (1) transformative engagement with self in the healing process through pain relief, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy; (2) therapeutic relationship with acupuncture and yoga providers; and (3) fostering relationships with fellow participants in the group. Discussion: In this study of a low-income and ethnically diverse population, the combination of acupuncture and YT was found to alleviate pain, improve function, promote psychological well-being, and engage participants in self-care practices in a transformative healing process-resulting in physical and psychological benefits.

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Meditation for Active Duty Military Members with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Results and Discussion of a Landmark Initial Study

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Bundled Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain in Community Healthcare Settings: A Feasibility Pilot

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2021

Objective: To identify factors associated with implementing bundled group acupuncture and yoga th... more Objective: To identify factors associated with implementing bundled group acupuncture and yoga therapy (YT) to treat underserved patients with chronic pain in community health center (CHC) settings. This is not an implementation science study, but rather an organized approach for identification of barriers and facilitators to implementing these therapies as a precursor to a future implementation science study. Design: This study was part of a single-arm feasibility trial, which aimed to test the feasibility of bundling GA and YT for chronic pain in CHCs. Treatment outcomes were measured before and after the 10-week intervention period. Implementation feasibility was assessed through weekly research team meetings, weekly yoga provider meetings, monthly acupuncture provider meetings, and weekly provider surveys. Settings: The study was conducted in New York City at two Montefiore Medical Group (MMG) sites in the Bronx, and one Institute for Family Health (IFH) site in Harlem. Subjects: Participants in the feasibility trial were recruited from IFH and MMG sites, and needed to have had lower back, neck, or osteoarthritis pain for >3 months. Implementation stakeholders included the research team, providers of acupuncture and YT, referring providers, and CHC staff. Results: Implementation of these therapies was assessed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. We identified issues associated with scheduling, treatment fidelity, communication, the three-way disciplinary interaction of acupuncture, yoga, and biomedicine, space adaptation, site-specific logistical and operational requirements, and patient-provider language barriers. Issues varied as to their frequency and resolution difficulty.

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Reduces Fall Risk Factors in Persons with Visual Impairment

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga increases the sensory contribution to balance in visually impaired persons at risk for falls

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of On the Alignment of Yoga Therapy with Palliative Care

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020

T he International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as a ''process of empoweri... more T he International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as a ''process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and wellbeing through the application of yoga [delivered via] a therapeutic plan appropriate to the client's needs.'' 1 Yoga therapy emphasizes a biopsychosocial perspective incorporating a broad spectrum of practices that includes physical poses, breath work, mindfulness, guided meditations, and the study of philosophy. A single yoga therapy session may incorporate any of these practices depending upon the client's needs. Palliative care is defined by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization as ''patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering. Palliative care [.] involves addressing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs'' and is provided through an interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, social workers, and occasionally, physical and occupational therapists. 2 Palliative care encompasses hospice, occurring throughout the trajectory of an illness, not explicitly at the end of life. Both yoga therapy and palliative care rely on an interdisciplinary and patient-centered approach to address suffering, empowerment, and quality of life. Although the body of literature evaluating the effects of yoga on palliative care is limited, some small studies yield promising results. 3-5 Although large rigorous studies are lacking on this specific question, there is more extensive literature on the use of yoga for common symptoms experienced by palliative care patients that may yield insight into the potential benefits of yoga therapy for palliative care populations. Related systematic reviews indicate yoga therapy can ease common symptoms palliative care patients experience, including chronic pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. 6 There is established evidence for the effectiveness of yoga in pain management-a key function of palliative care. 7,8 Yoga therapy encompasses meditation and relaxation techniques, which have shown promise for anxiety, depression, and fatigue. 9,10 Patients specifically at the end of life report additional mental health symptoms related to dignity, coping, and the need to maintain control. 11 Yoga may provide benefits

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Releasing CLARIFY: A New Guideline for Improving Yoga Research Transparency and Usefulness

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga therapy DYADS: A novel approach to chronic pain management in underserved populations

EXPLORE, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Setting for an Underserved Population: Design and Rationale for a Feasibility Pilot

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2020

Chronic pain is prevalent in the United States, with impact on physical and psychological functio... more Chronic pain is prevalent in the United States, with impact on physical and psychological functioning as well as lost work productivity. Minority and lower socioeconomic populations have increased prevalence of chronic pain with less access to pain care, poorer outcomes, and higher risk of fatal opioid overdose. Acupuncture therapy is effective in treating chronic pain conditions including chronic low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain from osteoarthritis. Acupuncture therapy, including group acupuncture, is feasible and effective, and specifically so for underserved and diverse populations at risk for health outcome disparities. Acupuncture therapy also encourages patient engagement and activation. As chronic pain improves, there is a natural progression to want and need to increase activity and movement recovery. Diverse movement approaches are important for improving range of motion, maintaining gains, strengthening, and promoting patient engagement and activation...

Research paper thumbnail of Development of international yoga reporting guidelines - A Delphi survey

Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2019

Background: Due to a lack of reporting guidelines for yoga research, the content and delivery of ... more Background: Due to a lack of reporting guidelines for yoga research, the content and delivery of yoga interventions is often unclear, limiting their dissemination and implementation. We address this issue by developing reporting guidelines based on the expertise and consensus of international yoga researchers. Method: We invited individuals involved in the conception, design, delivery, or reporting of yoga research to join this Delphi survey. In Round 1 of the survey, developed by an international steering committee, panellists rated 58 items for importance of inclusion in reporting guidelines for yoga research. Pre-defined consensus levels determined item inclusion or exclusion, and content of the subsequent survey rounds. Results: Fifty-two panellists, representing 11 countries, consented. Panellists were primarily researchers (61%); had at least 5 years research experience (85%); and identified yoga as their primary research field (61%). Forty-eight panellists completed Round 1 (92%). Quantitative analysis resulted in 15 items reaching consensus for inclusion in the final Delphi guidelines, 6 items reaching consensus for exclusion, and 37 non-consensus items for re-rating. Qualitative analysis of Round 1 comments generated an additional 15 new items; resulting in a total of 52 items forming the Round 2 survey. Round 2 is currently in progress. Delphi completion is expected in April 2019. Conclusion: The expert generation of this yoga-specific reporting guideline will enhance yoga research reporting across study designs, including clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports. Quality reporting will in turn improve clinical application, policy recommendations, public understanding, literature reviews, and comparative effectiveness.

Research paper thumbnail of Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory: The Convergence of Traditional Wisdom and Contemporary Neuroscience for Self-Regulation and Resilience

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2018

Sullivan et al. Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory of PVT and the gunas of yoga is instrumental in... more Sullivan et al. Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory of PVT and the gunas of yoga is instrumental in creating a translational framework for yoga therapy to align with its philosophical foundations. Consequently, yoga therapy can operate as a distinct practice rather than fitting into an outside model for its utilization in research and clinical contexts.

Research paper thumbnail of Toward an Explanatory Framework for Yoga Therapy Informed by Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives

Alternative therapies in health and medicine, Jan 14, 2017

Context • Yoga Therapy is an emerging complementary and integrative health practice for which the... more Context • Yoga Therapy is an emerging complementary and integrative health practice for which there is increasing interest from both clinical and research perspectives. Currently missing, however, is an explanatory framework for the profession that provides practitioners, clients, and the public with an understanding of how various yogic traditions and principles can be understood in modern health care contexts. Objective • This study proposes an explanatory framework for yoga therapy, informed by phenomenology, eudaimonia, virtue ethics, and first-person ethical inquiry. Conclusions • These 4 philosophical perspectives-phenomenology, eudaimonia, virtue ethics, and first-person ethical inquiry-provide a lens through which to understand how yogic practices support the individual's transformation in the experience of illness, pain, or disability. We propose that this transformation occurs through facilitating a reharmonization of body, mind, and environment toward the experience o...