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To explore patients’ experiences of taking part in a yoga intervention while undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancer.

Sixteen women (age range 31–79 years; mean age 60) participated in focus groups based on a semi-structured question schedule. Resulting discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Royal Derby Hospital, UK.

Patients took part in a 10-week course of Hatha yoga, where they participated in a one hour long class per week.

Three themes emerged from the data: applying breathing techniques, engaging in the physicality of yoga and finding a community. The first theme was particularly important to the patients as they noted the breadth and applicability of the techniques in their day-to-day lives. The latter two themes reflect physical and social perspectives, which are …