Yoga for weight management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A focus group study among yoga therapists

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

European Journal of Integrative Medicine Pub Date : 2025-10-08 DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102569

Vibhuti Samarth Rao , Birinder S Cheema , Mike Armour , Caroline A Smith , Kashinath G Metri , Carolyn Ee

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age and is associated with excess weight. Yoga is a holistic mind-body practice that has shown some promise in targeting clinical outcomes in women with PCOS. This study aimed to understand the yoga therapists’ experiences and explore the characteristics of a yoga therapy (YT) program for weight management in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to assist in a future trial.

Methods

Experienced yoga therapists with a degree in yoga, or equivalent, and >5 years of experience in delivering yoga to women with PCOS were invited to an online focus group. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive content analysis.

Results

Eight yoga therapists participated. Four categories with several sub-categories were derived from the analysis: (i) yogic approach to PCOS management, (ii) benefits are beyond weight reduction, (iii) characteristics of yoga therapists, and (iv) characteristics of the YT program for managing weight in PCOS. Most participants believe that YT for PCOS should not be constructed as an exclusive form of exercise but as a mind-body intervention that focuses on lifestyle reforms, helps manage day-to-day stress, and promotes sleep and quality of life in women with PCOS. Overall, the participants indicated that a meticulously planned group-based, multicomponent, PCOS-specific, YT class can be a sustainable mode of healthy living for women with PCOS.

Conclusion

This is the first qualitative exploration from yoga therapists’ perspectives on weight management in women with PCOS. The results of this study provide a valuable preliminary basis for the design of future research in order to enhance lifestyle care for women with PCOS and excess weight.

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瑜伽对多囊卵巢综合征女性体重管理的影响：瑜伽治疗师的焦点小组研究

多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）是育龄妇女中一种常见的内分泌疾病，与体重过重有关。瑜伽是一种全面的身心练习，在针对多囊卵巢综合征女性的临床结果方面显示出一些希望。本研究旨在了解瑜伽治疗师的经验，并探讨瑜伽治疗（YT）项目对多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）女性体重管理的特点，以协助未来的试验。方法邀请具有瑜伽学位或同等学历的经验丰富的瑜伽治疗师，并在为多囊卵巢综合征女性提供瑜伽方面有5年的经验。讨论录音，逐字抄录，并使用描述性内容分析进行分析。结果共有8名瑜伽治疗师参与。从分析中得出了四个类别和几个子类别：(i)瑜伽治疗多囊卵巢综合征的方法，（ii）减肥之外的益处，（iii）瑜伽治疗师的特点，以及（iv）管理多囊卵巢综合征体重的YT计划的特点。大多数与会者认为，多囊卵巢综合征的YT不应被构建为一种独特的锻炼形式，而应作为一种身心干预，重点是生活方式的改革，帮助管理日常压力，并促进多囊卵巢综合征女性的睡眠和生活质量。总的来说，参与者指出，精心策划的以小组为基础的、多成分的、针对多囊卵巢综合征的YT课程可以成为多囊卵巢综合征女性的一种可持续的健康生活模式。结论首次从瑜伽治疗师的角度对多囊卵巢综合征女性体重管理进行定性探讨。本研究结果为今后的研究设计提供了有价值的初步依据，以加强对多囊卵巢综合征和超重女性的生活方式护理。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Integrative Medicine INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

4.00%

发文量

102

审稿时长

33 days

期刊介绍： The European Journal of Integrative Medicine (EuJIM) considers manuscripts from a wide range of complementary and integrative health care disciplines, with a particular focus on whole systems approaches, public health, self management and traditional medical systems. The journal strives to connect conventional medicine and evidence based complementary medicine. We encourage submissions reporting research with relevance for integrative clinical practice and interprofessional education. EuJIM aims to be of interest to both conventional and integrative audiences, including healthcare practitioners, researchers, health care organisations, educationalists, and all those who seek objective and critical information on integrative medicine. To achieve this aim EuJIM provides an innovative international and interdisciplinary platform linking researchers and clinicians. The journal focuses primarily on original research articles including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, other clinical studies, qualitative, observational and epidemiological studies. In addition we welcome short reviews, opinion articles and contributions relating to health services and policy, health economics and psychology.