The Effect of Practicing “Endometriosis Yoga” on Stress and Quality of Life for Women with Endometriosis: AB Design Pilot Study

Background • Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has a significant negative impact on the lives of women, causing them pain, anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life (QoL). Studies have shown that the practice of yoga with provide relief from lower back pain, menopausal symptoms, stress, and depression. Further, they indicate that it may ameliorate the effects of endometriosis. Objective • The study aimed to examine the effect of practicing endometriosis yoga on the stress and QoL of women diagnosed with endometriosis. Design • This was an AB design study which included 52 women diagnosed with endometriosis. Setting • The research was conducted twice a week online. Participants • Forty-two (42) women participated in the study and were included in the analysis. Interventions • The program included eight weeks of conventional therapy, followed by eight weeks of 90-minute endometriosis yoga classes held twice a week. The women served as their own control group. Their symptoms were assessed at three time points: prior to two months of conservative treatment, after two months of conservative treatment, and following two months of the conservative treatment and yoga intervention. The outcome measures were the Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30), a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and intensity of bleeding during the last menstrual period. Results • All outcome measures improved after the women completed the endometriosis yoga intervention. The EHP-30 and NPRS questionnaire scores were lower after the intervention program (P =.001) as was the blood-flow intensity (P =.019). Conclusions • The practice of endometriosis yoga is recommended for women with endometriosis to reduce levels of pain and stress and to improve QoL.