Table 2 An overview of how the SAGE yoga program worked for participants who took part in the hybrid program
Program theories | Intervention activities What did we do? | Context Who did it work for? | Mechanisms How did it work? | Outcomes With what process effects? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | It’s worth the effort | Program of yoga-based exercise with progressively challenging poses designed to prevent falls in older people | ∙ The program attracted people who believed in the efficacy of yoga and who had interests in healthy ageing &/or tackling fall-related physical decline ∙ It best suited those with physical capabilities in the moderate range who had manageable levels of pain | ∙ Value expectancy ∙ Therapeutic alliance ∙ Achievement/Mastery | ∙ Engagement with SAGE: attendance (including across transition to online classes), expressed commitment and enjoyment ∙ Self-reported improvements in balance, flexibility, strength, mobility, stress reduction, sleep quality and/or wellbeing ∙ Habit formation: routine practise of yoga as part of everyday life ∙ Physical literacy: physical competence and confidence (self-efficacy), including the creation of transferable skills, and motivation to engage in physical activity ∙ Intention to continue yoga (or strength-based physical activity) |
2. | In expert hands | Experienced instructors deliver the program, individualising it for participants’ different capabilities | |||
3. | A communal experience | Group classes with a maximum of 18 people WhatsApp forum for each group when classes moved online | ∙ Group classes worked for those who valued social interaction &/or shared experiences ∙ Studio classes suited those who liked to benchmark their physical competence and/or peer-audit their poses | ∙ Shared experience ∙ Social connection ∙ Social comparison ∙ Peer checking | |
4. | Putting yoga within reach | Free classes in local yoga studios... ... then online via Zoom with tech support from the SAGE team | ∙ Studio classes suited those with easy access to a participating yoga studio ∙ Online classes worked for those with suitable home environments and tech confidence or with hesitancy but openness to trying online classes with support | ∙ Accessibility ∙ Convenience ∙ Gratitude | |
5. | Building yoga habits | Twice-weekly classes over 12 months with: ∙ flexible ‘make up’ classes ∙ program-specific homework tools and encouragement ∙ goal-setting for mobility | ∙ SAGE’s structure worked for people who prioritised and could commit to the schedule ∙ Homework suited those keenest on progression &/or their instructor’s approval ∙ Flexible classes were used by those with carer commitments, travel plans, injury or illness ∙ Goal-setting did not seem to work in SAGE | ∙ Purposeful structure ∙ Momentum ∙ Accountability ∙ Continuity | |
6. | Yoga's special properties | The SAGE program utilises core Iyengar yoga practices | ∙ This worked best for those who were open to yoga as an holistic practise | ∙ Embodiment ∙ Mindfulness | |