Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee YP
Affiliation :
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Department, Tai Po Hospital
Introduction :
Hospitals are considered as one of the most stressful working environments where it is the case of human life or death (Alenezi, Aboshaiqah & Baker, 2018). Clinical staffs are under clinical environment stress, in addition to the stress related to heavy workload including manual handling during patient care. Yoga has significant a number of mental, social, physical and psychological benefits. Orthropeadic Rehabilitation Department in Tai Po Hospital has introduced a tailor-made yoga stretching exercise as to promote individuals’ health.
Objectives :
(1) To make yoga as part of their personal work and daily life;
(2) To increase awareness of occupational health; and
(3) To show concern and care to staff.
Methodology :
Design of classes focused on all clinical staffs performing manual handling, who were interested to attend a yoga session, in DOR, TPH. Target person and enrollment was 15 participants in each class. The yoga groups participated in 2 identical 45-minute tailor-made yoga sessions, combination of stretching and yoga breathing exercise, led by a certified yoga instructor from October 2019.
Initially, breathing exercise starts to stimulate diaphragm and to invite them to peace and relaxation. Then poses were introduced that lengthened muscles attaching to the spine and pelvis in positions with the spine fully supported. Next seated poses were introduced to open the hips and. Twists were taught to help realign the vertebra. The class focused on correcting imbalances in muscles affecting spinal alignment and posture as they were revealed in the poses. At the end, restorative poses were done to relieve pain and muscle tension.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 30 staff participated in this programme, the response rate was 100%. All the participants were very satisfied on the yoga class. 81 percent of the participants expressed that they want to practice regularly, including 25 percent said that weekly, 4 percent said that biweekly yoga classes were suggested. They also recommended the duration of the class should be longer. The time and location should be more flexible. Furthermore, they said the practice enhanced muscle flexibility. They also felt relax and happy when practicing with colleagues. Conclusions Based on the findings, all participants had a positive response. The findings also showed that throughout the yoga sessions, participants learned breathing practices and yoga technique, yoga had a positive effect on their general health, improved body alignment and reduced anxiety.
