CompletedInterventional

A study exploring the impact of a 6-week yoga programme on National Health Service (NHS) staff wellbeing

NHS staff face high stress, so this study is looking at whether an online yoga programme, Yoga4NHS, can help. The study will involve NHS workers taking part in a 6-week yoga course from home via Zoom. Another group of staff will continue their usual activities. Researchers will compare survey results from both groups to see if yoga reduces stress and improves wellbeing, including sleep and mood. They also want to hear what staff think about the programme, good and bad. This is to understand if yoga is a good way to support the mental and physical health of NHS workers.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Westminster

Enrolment target

150

Start

16 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

20 Feb 2025

Reduction of perceived stress in NHS healthcare professionals

What is this study about?

NHS staff work incredibly hard, and like many people in healthcare, they can experience high levels of stress and feel run-down. This can affect their mental health, how they feel physically, and their overall happiness at work. While yoga has been shown to help many people feel better and less stressed, we don't know as much about how it specifically helps healthcare workers here in the UK.

That's why researchers from the University of Westminster are running a study about a special yoga programme called Yoga4NHS. This programme was created specifically for NHS staff by a charity called the Yoga in Healthcare Alliance. It's designed to be done online, making it easy for staff to join from home or work. The main goals of this study are to see if this 6-week yoga programme actually helps reduce stress and improve feelings of wellbeing among NHS staff, and also to find out what participants really think about the programme itself – what they liked and what they didn't.

To do this, the study will involve asking a group of NHS staff to participate in the yoga programme. Their experiences will then be compared to another group of NHS staff who continue their normal routine. By doing this, the researchers can get a clearer picture of whether any changes in stress or wellbeing are truly because of the yoga programme, or just from other everyday factors. Ultimately, this research aims to find new ways to support the health and happiness of dedicated NHS workers.

Key takeaways

It's a study looking at how yoga helps NHS staff with stress.
The 6-week yoga programme is done online via Zoom.
Participation involves doing yoga (for one group) and filling out surveys over a few months.
You might gain benefits like reduced stress and will receive a £10 gift voucher.
You need to be an NHS staff member, aged 18 or over, and able to understand English.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for NHS staff who are 18 years old or older. You could be a doctor, nurse, or work in an administrative role – both clinical and non-clinical staff are welcome.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For your safety, if you have a serious mental health condition that you are currently getting treatment for, or a physical health issue that would make doing yoga unsafe, you shouldn't take part. Also, if you've done the Yoga4NHS course before, or if you're already in another research study, you won't be able to join this one. You also need to be able to understand written English because the study involves filling out surveys and communicating with the research team.

If you're unsure whether you can participate, it's always best to get in touch with the study team. They can help you understand all the requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you currently work for the NHS?
Do you understand written English?
Have you *never* taken the Yoga4NHS course before?
Are you NOT currently being treated for a severe mental health condition?
Do you NOT have a physical or mental condition that would make doing yoga unsafe for you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance – a bit like flipping a coin. One group will do the Yoga4NHS programme, which is a 6-week online course delivered using Zoom. The other group will continue with their daily activities as normal during this time. The main part of your involvement will be completing online surveys. You'll fill out these surveys four times: once before the programme starts, again halfway through, then one week after the programme finishes, and finally, three months later. These surveys will ask about things like your stress levels, mood, sleep, and how you're feeling overall.

If you're in the yoga group, after the 6 weeks of yoga, you'll also be asked some extra questions about your experience with the programme – what you liked, what was challenging, and how it felt to you. The entire study participation, from filling out the first survey to the last, will take about three months after the yoga programme finishes, but the active yoga course is only 6 weeks long. Because it's all online, you won't need to travel anywhere for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some great benefits. You might experience less stress, better mood, and improved sleep from doing yoga. Completing the Yoga4NHS classes in the study also counts as 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which can be good for your career. Plus, as a thank you for completing all the surveys, you'll receive a £10 gift voucher. However, like any physical activity, there's a small chance of minor injury with yoga, so it’s important to listen to your body. Also, some of the survey questions might touch on sensitive topics like stress and mental health, which could bring up uncomfortable feelings for some people. Remember, joining is completely your choice, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Study administered online
Unverified
United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the Yoga4NHS programme?

It's a 6-week online yoga course specifically designed for NHS staff to help with stress and wellbeing.

Do I need to be good at yoga to join?

No, the programme is designed for everyone, regardless of previous yoga experience.

What do I get for taking part?

You'll receive a £10 gift voucher for completing all surveys and 6 hours of CPD for the yoga classes.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The yoga programme is 6 weeks, and you'll complete surveys over approximately three months in total after that.

Can I still work my normal shifts if I join?

Yes, you will continue your normal work and daily activities. The yoga is done online, so you can fit it around your schedule.

How to find out more

Lucy Doyle

l.doyle1@westminster.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7911 5000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.