We designed the EPYQ to measure, describe, and quantify the objectively observable amount of essential elements of yoga present in yoga interventions. The EPYQ was designed for use by researchers to objectively characterize the yoga session, not the internal experiences of individual practitioners. The development of the EPYQ was funded by the National Institute of Health. (NIH; NCCIH grant #1R01AT006466-01)
Purpose of the EPYQ
Yoga is a vast and heterogeneous set of practices. This heterogeneity, while reflecting the richness and diversity of yogic approaches, also makes comparison of findings across studies difficult and limits our ability to understand the mechanisms through which yoga therapy affects the mind, body, and overall well-being. To advance understanding of the efficacy of yoga therapy, the EPYQ was developed to quantify and describe the essential dimensions present in yoga interventions. The EPYQ can be used with any style of yoga and across patient or participant populations. This measure will allow yoga interventions research to examine the effects of various dimensions of yoga on well-being and to design more effective interventions for various health problems.
What is the EPYQ?
- Acceptance / Compassion
- Breathwork
- Physicality
- Postures (Asanas) – Active
- Postures (Asanas) – Restorative
- Body Locks (Bandhas)
- Body Awareness
- Mental & Emotional Awareness / Release
- Health Benefits
- Individual Attention
- Social Aspects
- Spirituality
- Meditation & Mindfulness
- Yoga Philosophy
Publications
Park CL, Elwy AR, Maiya M, Sarkin AJ, Riley K, Eisen SV, Gutierrez I, Finkelstein-Fox L, Lee SY, Casteel DL, Braun T, Groessl EJ. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties. Int J Yoga Therap. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.17761/2018-00016R2. [Epub ahead of print]
Groessl EJ, Maiya M, Elwy AR, Riley K, Sarkin AJ, Eisen SV, Braun T, Gutierrez I, Kidane L, Park CL. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire: Development and Methods. Int J Yoga Therap. 2015;25(1):51-9.
Elwy AR, Groessl EJ, Eisen SV, Riley K, Maiya M, Lee JP, Sarkin A, Park CL. A Systematic Scoping Review of Yoga Intervention Components and Study Quality. Am J Prev Med. 2014 Aug;47(2):220-32.