TOPLINE: Virtual yoga classes significantly reduced chronic low back pain intensity and improved back-related function in health system employees. Improvements were sustained at 24 weeks, with reduced pain medication use and better sleep quality.
METHODOLOGY:A single-blinded, 24-week, 2-arm, randomized clinical trial was conducted from May 3, 2022, through May 23, 2023, comparing live-streamed yoga classes with a wait-list control among adults with chronic low back pain.A total of 140 participants aged 18-64 years with chronic low back pain were recruited from the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan.Inclusion criteria included a mean low back pain intensity score of at least 4 on an 11-point numerical rating scale and daily back pain interference about half or more of the days.The intervention consisted of 12 consecutive weekly, 60-minute, virtual, live-streamed hatha yoga group classes.Coprimary outcomes were mean pain intensity in the previous week on the 11-point numerical rating scale and back-related function as assessed using the 23-point modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire at 12 weeks.TAKEAWAY:Participants in the virtual yoga group showed greater reductions in mean pain intensity at 12 weeks (mean change, -1.5 points; P <.001 and weeks change points p compared to the wait-list control group.back-related function improved significantly in virtual yoga group at group.virtual participants reported percentage less use of any analgesic medication during past week group.sleep quality more group.in practice: demonstrated noninferiority physical therapy structured programs are reasonable choices for patients with low back pain depending on accessibility cost patient preference. these findings support call by national academy medicine increased evidenced-based treatments that can be disseminated via technology-based platforms wrote authors study. source:the study was led hallie tankha phd cleveland clinic cleveland. it published online november jama network open. limitations: had a adherence rate only attending least classes. there also higher missing data group. did not include longer-term follow-up assessment beyond weeks. disclosures:this supported grants from healthcare delivery implementation science center. michael rothberg md mph disclosed receiving personal fees blue cross shield association. eric roseen dc institutes health center complementary integrative health. robert saper uptodate nccih related tai chi treatment pain. additional disclosures noted original article. this article created using several editorial tools including ai as part process. human editors reviewed content before publication.>
Source : Medscape