Pilot feasibility of a yoga and Ayurveda-based virtual group health coaching program to increase flourishing in Cooperative Extension employees of one state system

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agents build local relationships with participants and stakeholders to translate evidence-based information to improve "economic, environmental, and social well-being" of Virginians. However, Extension agents have reported high rates of employee burnout and stress. To mitigate the impacts of agent stress and burn-out, application of mindfulness and yoga through health coaching is emergent, but the impact is yet to be empirically tested. To holistically evaluate the individual-level impacts (i.e., behavior) as well as the system impacts (i.e., costs and sustainability), this project tested the initial feasibility, cost, reach, and efficacy of a virtual health coaching program for VCE agents. The CHAT (Coaching for Health and Togetherness) program consisted of nine weekly, one-hour modules including goal setting, self-reflection, behavior change strategies, group yoga and grounding exercises as well as resources on Ayurveda (an ancient Indian system of medicine and sister science to yoga). The program facilitated group dynamics through relationship building, group goal setting, group distinctiveness, and support. The impacts of the coaching module were measured longitudinally (pre, post, and 3-month follow up) through previously validated scales in flourishing (i.e., complete human well-being), group cohesion, physical activity behaviors, and yoga self-efficacy. Additionally, qualitative data were collected at the 6-month follow up point through semi-structured interviews. Participants in CHAT reported increased flourishing scores from baseline to post-program, t(7)=4.42, p=0.003 with a medium effect size (d=0.53) as well as at the three-month follow-up, t(7)=3.06, p=0.018 with a small effect size (d=0.14). Participants significantly increased aerobic physical activity behaviors from pre-program to post program, X2(1, N=11) =7.21, p=0.007, as well as at the three-month follow up, X2(1, N=11) = 4.95, p=0.026. Participants did not show significant changes in yoga self-efficacy or group cohesion. Future implications of this project include sustainability and scalability of virtual group health coaching programs for behavior change.