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Experiences of Home-Based Participation in a Digitally Distributed Yoga Intervention in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: Qualitative Content Analysis

Maria Nilsson,Mialinn Arvidsson Lindvall,P. Fessé,Susanne Hellerstedt-Börjesson,E. Ohlsson-Nevo,A. Duberg

Published 2025 in Journal of Medical Internet Research

ABSTRACT

Background Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women, with survivors often experiencing long-term symptoms such as cancer-related fatigue, which significantly impacts quality of life. Yoga has demonstrated potential in alleviating cancer-related fatigue and enhancing overall health and quality of life. Digital interventions are increasingly recognized as a feasible approach to cancer rehabilitation. However, digitally distributed home-based yoga interventions in breast cancer rehabilitation remain underexplored. More research in this area is essential to achieve a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences. Objective This study aims to explore women’s experiences of participating in a digitally distributed, home-based yoga intervention in breast cancer rehabilitation. Methods This qualitative study used an inductive content analysis approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery and participated in a 12-week digitally distributed, home-based yoga intervention as part of the randomized controlled multicenter trial Digital Yoga Intervention in Cancer Rehabilitation (DigiYoga CaRe). The intervention consisted of 2 home-based yoga sessions each week: 1 live-streamed group class led by an experienced yoga instructor and 1 prerecorded self-paced practice video. Interviews were conducted within 1 month of completing the intervention, using a semistructured guide with 12 open-ended questions covering physical and mental experiences, daily life impacts, and reflections on the digital format (live-streamed and prerecorded video). The interview transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis to identify subcategories and categories, providing insights into participants’ experiences. Results The interviewees reported that the home-based yoga intervention helped them to actively manage their illness and treatment-related side effects, promoting mental recovery and relaxation, physical function and activity, and self-care practice and routines. They commented that it fostered resilience and empowerment through increased body awareness and by regaining trust in their bodies, self-confidence, and hope for recovery. It was described as a shift in focus toward progress and well-being, equipping them with new coping strategies for their daily lives. They perceived the telerehabilitation format as a safe and user-friendly rehabilitation option, providing support through manageable digital tools, and with minor technical issues that were subsequently resolved. They described feeling safe and supported in the digital environment, fostering a sense of community and individual focus. The accessibility of home-based participation facilitated adherence, making the intervention a valuable and inclusive rehabilitation option for breast cancer survivors, particularly for those experiencing fatigue, time constraints, or challenges related to traveling. Conclusions The digitally distributed home-based yoga intervention was experienced as an effective and accessible tool for breast cancer rehabilitation, promoting overall well-being. For these participants, it fostered resilience, empowerment, and a sense of community; this highlights its potential as a user-friendly rehabilitation option that could be integrated into cancer care to support recovery and address various patient needs. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04812652; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04812652 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065939

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