Yoga to Reduce Trauma-Related Distress and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Children Living in Orphanages in Haiti: A Pilot Study.
Kathryn A Culver, Kathryn Whetten, David L Boyd, Karen O'Donnell
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine September 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case comparison with random assignment Randomized Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 76 |
| Population | Children aged 7 to 17 years living in orphanages in Haiti |
| Interventions | Yoga intervention Aerobic dance control |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Key findings | Participation in an 8-week yoga program was associated with improvements in trauma-related symptoms compared to controls, though the effect on emotional and behavioral difficulties was not statistically significant. |
Abstract
To measure trauma-related distress and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week yoga intervention (YI) in reducing trauma-related symptoms and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) among children living in orphanages in Haiti. Case comparison with random assignment to YI or aerobic dance control (DC) plus a nonrandomized wait-list control (WLC) group. Two orphanages for children in Haiti. 76 children age 7 to 17 years. The YI included yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. The DC group learned a series of dance routines. The WLC group received services as usual in the institutional setting. After completion of data collection, the WLC group received both yoga and dance classes for 8 weeks. The UCLA PTSD Reaction Index and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used to indicate trauma-related symptoms and EBD, respectively. A within-subject analysis was conducted to compare pre- and post-treatment scores. A post-treatment yoga experience questionnaire evaluated acceptability of the YI. Analyses of variance revealed a significant effect (F[2,28]=3.30; p=0.05) of the YI on the trauma-related symptom scores. Regression analyses showed that participation in either 8 weeks of yoga or dance classes suggested a reduction in trauma-related symptoms and EBD, although this finding was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Respondents reported satisfaction with the yoga program and improved well-being. Children with trauma-related distress showed improvements in symptoms after participation in an 8-week yoga program compared to controls. Yoga is a feasible and acceptable activity with self-reported benefits to child mental and physical health. Additional research is needed to further evaluate the effect of yoga to relieve trauma-related distress and promote well-being among children.