Combining ancient and modern: The power of Intention in increasing engagement in Pranayama practice

Background: A feasibility study using trial methodology comparing the impact of two behavioural motivational interventions on intention to practice and engagement with pranayama and perceived wellbeing a week after the intervention. Materials and methods: Healthcare professionals, from mainstream and complementary disciplines were randomised into one of two motivational conditions, Pranayama with an Implementation Intention statement and Pranayama with a Benefits Analysis statement. Interventions were delivered via Qualtrics which embedded an unlisted YouTube demonstration for different conditions. A qualitative analysis of the self -generated statements was conducted alongside a quantitative analysis for general wellbeing based on outcome from the WHO -5, and measures of affect, motivation, capability, and opportunity. Results: 155 participants showed an interest in the study, with an intention to treat (n =84) analysis performed. Both motivational messages were associated with increased practice and intention to practice pranayama over time, an increased sense of capability and opportunity for practise, limited impact on emotional regulation and no change in general wellbeing. Qualitative findings showed implementation intention effectiveness is not necessarily based on verbatim remembering, subjective benefits experienced were mainly emotional, or a combination of somatic and emotional; that challenges of working in healthcare environments possibly block implementation intentions from being used effectively. Conclusion: This one -week intervention was adequate to increase practise and intention to practise pranayama. An adequate number of people participated in this study; study retention was high. Participants were highly motivated and the main barriers to engagement linked to capability and opportunity. Further exploration about the mechanism that encourages people to practise pranayama in different settings is required.