Table 2 Summary of categories, themes, and subthemes identified in the articles included in the meta-synthesis (n = 24) related to the changes in dimensions of quality of life
From: Women’s experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative meta-synthesis—part I
Themes | Sub-themes |
|---|---|
Category 1: Yoga can support improvements in multiple dimensions of QoL in women diagnosed with cancer | |
Regain the ability to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living | Improved physiological functions of body systems |
Improved physical fitness and body alignment | |
Improved execution of tasks or activities | |
Improvements in fatigue and energy | |
Reductions in pain, numbness, and cancer-related symptoms | |
Let go of negative emotions and thoughts while embracing inner tranquility | Increased emotional regulation |
Increased experiences of positive feelings, emotions, and mood | |
Connect the mind and body to gain a deeper self-appreciation and understanding of oneself | Increased mental strength and resilience |
Increased connection to and awareness of the body, behaviors, and capabilities | |
Improved coping | |
Increase in positive beliefs about the self | |
Increased feelings of acceptance, reduced inner critiques, and freeing oneself from negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs | |
Increased understanding of self and increased feelings of empowerment and self-advocation of needs | |
Improved outlook and mindset | |
Quiet the mental chatter to focus on the present | Increased focus |
Increased attention | |
Increased feelings of mindfulness | |
Find contact and connection for emotional support and companionship | Increased sociability |
Feeling connected to others | |
Category 2: Women diagnosed with cancer experience an interaction between QoL dimensions | |
Greater control over emotions coupled with more positive emotions supports the functioning of body systems, positive self-evaluations and coping methods, and connection with others | |
Improved fitness supports positive self-beliefs, sociability, and emotional regulation | |
Category 3: Elements of yoga that support improvements in QoL dimensions | |
Being in a group of others who share common experiences | |
Detailed and tailored instruction | |
Physical postures, turning inward, and breathwork | |
Category 4: Breathwork and meditation are integral elements of yoga | |
Separate strategies that can be used in daily life | |
Facilitation of inner tranquility, connection to internal states, awareness of body, and decreased rumination on the external | |
Category 5: Yoga practice may support lifestyle behavior change | |