Cross-sectional comparative study of yoga delivery: Remote and in-person in demographics of India (East) & North America (West)

Abstract

BACKGROUND As an increasingly recognized complementary healthcare approach, yoga demonstrates efficacy in managing a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. With the global popularity of Hatha yoga and lifestyle shifts, yoga has transitioned into mainstream health care and wellness practices. Despite its benefits, integrating yoga into conventional healthcare remains challenging owing to the diversity in practice styles, demographic variability, and limited standardization of research methods and outcomes. The shift to digital platforms accelerated by the pandemic has transformed yoga’s accessibility and adaptability, allowing practitioners to engage remotely. However, remote yoga delivery raises concerns regarding consistency, reliability, and authenticity compared with traditional in-person sessions. Given these complexities, this study investigated the comparability and efficacy of remote versus in-person yoga across three key dimensions: authenticity, deliverability, effectiveness of delivery structure, and content inclusiveness. By examining these aspects across culturally distinct populations in North America (West) and India (East), this study provides insights into the potential of remote yoga for healthcare integration, emphasizing the need for structured, culturally adaptive approaches to enhance reliability and usability in various healthcare settings. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of remote yoga delivery compared to in-person practices in supporting health and wellness across diverse global populations. Specifically, it seeks to identify critical factors in authenticity, delivery, usability structure, and content inclusiveness that influence the quality and effectiveness of remote yoga as a reliable and effective healthcare practice. By addressing demographic and cultural differences, this study also explored delivery variability and the reliability of yoga interventions in aligning with healthcare needs. METHODS Participants: The study involved a culturally diverse sample of participants from North America (Western population) and India (Eastern population), representing a cross section of yoga practitioners engaging in both remote and in-person settings. Design: A cross-sectional mixed-method design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative component compared remote and in-person yoga practices, whereas the qualitative analysis explored expert insights into remote yoga authenticity and the delivery gaps between these methodologies. Assessments: Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) and a Qualitative Interview of yoga experts Intervention: No Intervention was provided RESULTS Qualitative analysis revealed that 90% of experts regarded traditional in-person yoga as the gold standard for authentic practice, deeply rooted in traditions, discipline, and the Guru-Shishya Parampara, which remote delivery models cannot fully replicate. However, there is strong consensus on the positive impact and growing significance of remote yoga, particularly its ability to enhance global accessibility through advancements in technology and refined delivery methodologies. Experts have also highlighted the potential to effectively address global health challenges. Although remote yoga may not entirely match the depth of in-person practice, it serves as a powerful and accessible alternative for practitioners worldwide.