Merging Yoga and self-management Skills (MY-Skills) to influence self-efficacy among individuals with persistent pain: A pilot study.

Context: Individuals with persistent pain-related disability have lower self-efficacy, which impacts daily function and health.

Aim: To explore self-efficacy among individuals with persistent pain who were part of a dyad (caregiver and care-recipient) who completed the Merging Yoga and self-management Skills intervention (MY-Skills).

Methods: Participants completed MY-Skills, an 8-week group, dyadic-based self-management and yoga program. Self-efficacy outcomes were collected using the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale; PROMIS® Self-Efficacy for Managing Daily Activities; and PROMIS® Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms.

Results: Eight participants completed the study (50.23 ± 14.77 years old, 77% female, (69%) with pain >10 years). Self-efficacy improved across all measures and domains, with significant improvement for physical function self-efficacy (38.97 ± 19.45 vs. 59.10 ± 18.60, p = .004).

Conclusions: MY-Skills improved self-efficacy to varying degrees, which may contribute to participants' confidence in performing activities. Further research is needed to examine dyadic outcomes among caregivers and care-recipients.