Multidimensional Improvements in Health Following Hatha Yoga for Individuals with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of ten individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) who completed an 8-week Hatha Yoga trial. The International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) provided the framework for this study. Two focus groups were conducted following a twice-weekly, 60-minute yoga intervention that was designed for people with DPN. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to analyze the data. Themes in the data emerged related to improvements in body functions, specifically neuromuscular and movement-based function and sensory functions, as well as stress management and sleep improvement via breathwork, and social support was an essential environmental factor. These data support the bidirectionality of the ICF and demonstrate that in individuals with DPN, yoga may affect health holistically by improving body functions, activities, participation, and environmental factors. Yoga may be a tool to improve general well-being in individuals with DPN. A larger, randomized trial should be conducted to extend the findings from the present trial.