Yoga-Based Breathing Techniques for Health Care Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic: Interests, Feasibility, and Acceptance

Objectives: The authors explored the feasibility of virtual yoga-based breathwork and meditation among health care workers (HCW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Consented employees of a large cancer center accessed a video of breathwork called "Simha Kriya" to be practiced for 4 weeks. Results: Of 217 participants who expressed interest within 2 weeks, 90 were recruited to the study in 1 month and 100 in 2 months. Of 69 participants who provided data between weeks 1 and 4, 77% perceived the intervention as useful. Conclusions: Yoga-based breathing practices were feasible and acceptable among HCW in the setting of a pandemic. Registered with clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04482647.