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
Source : Medscape