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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01999283

Effect of Group Pilates and Yoga Exercise Classes for Chronic Cervical Pain

Exercise has been found to be effective in alleviating back and neck pain. Two exercise methods which are available in the community in a group format are Yoga and Pilates. While there is some research on the efficacy of these exercise methods for low back pain, there is no definitive research on the use of Yoga or Pilates group exercise for individuals with chronic cervical pain.This study investigated the effect of group Yoga and Pilates exercise compared to a wait-listed control group on impairments and function related to neck pain for individuals with chronic cervical pain.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervical Pain Behavior Motor Activity Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Equilibrium Studio, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States

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About this study

Individuals reporting chronic mild to moderate neck pain for more than 3 months were assigned to a pilates, yoga or wait-listed control group. The exercise group consisted of 12 one hour small group sessions instructed by experienced Physical Therapists with additional yoga or pilates training. Participants were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Exercise participants also completed a follow up 6 weeks after completion.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Able to attend at 12 exercise class sessions (once a week for an hour)
  • Stable moderate to severe neck pain (3/10- 8/10) present for > 3 months
  • Able to get up and down off the floor
  • Able to ambulate in the community without an assistive device
  • Medically stable and cleared to participate in exercise

Exclusion criteria

  • Neck Pain that is easily aggravated with exercise
  • Neurological symptoms in the arms or legs (numbness, tingling, weakness)
  • History of recent whiplash, spine surgery, diagnosed osteoporosis, cervical stenosis with leg symptoms
  • Any medical conditions which does not allow active exercise
  • Unable to make medical decisions independently or have memory problems
  • Regularly attending Pilates or Yoga classes or individual sessions

Treatment and study plan

Yoga Group Exercise

Other

Yoga poses and postures modified to diminish stress on the cervical region and improve flexibility. Breathing and mind-body focus to address stress-related discomfort. A general Hatha yoga style will be used with components from Ashtanga Yoga. Intensity and range of motion will be progressively increased as tolerated.

Pilates Group Mat Exercise

Other

The Pilates mat exercises focus on both spinal muscle activation and stability, progressive endurance of the stabilizing muscles with arm and leg challenges and dynamic mobility. The exercises are progressed from more supported to anti-gravity position, slow increases in arm weights and flexibility.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline Neck Disability Index

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks

    Self reported Neck Disability Index questionnaire

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Number of days of pain medication use in the past week

    Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12

    Self report

  2. Change from baseline in Neck Pain Ratings (NPR) experienced on average over the past week

    Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

    Average pain experienced over the past week (general, worst pain and experienced with functional activities - sustained positions, upper extremity movement, work, recreation)

  3. Change from baseline Cervical range of motion measurements

    Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

    Measured with the Cervical Range of Motion instrument (CROM)

  4. Change from baseline differences between habitual and self corrected postural position

    Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

    Sagittal plane position measured for Upper Cervical angle, forward head position, and thoracic width using the Cervical range of motion device.

  5. Change from baseline in time for the Timed up and go test

    Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

    Time to stand from a chair and walk to a standardized distance, return and sit down

  6. Change from baseline Dynamic Gait Index score

    Time frame: Baselin, week 6, week 12, week 18

    Series of functional gait activities including walking, walking at different speeds, stepping over and around an obstacle, turning the head and tilting the head while walking scored by an observer.

  7. Change from baseline in Activities Balance Confidence Scale score

    Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

    Self reported confidence in maintaining balance for functional activities.

Other outcomes

  1. Number of participants with identified potential for adverse drug responses

    Time frame: Baseline

    Descriptive analysis of number of participants with potential for adverse drug responses based on review of medication by Pharmacist

  2. Identification of frequency of types of medication use in individuals with chronic neck pain

    Time frame: Baseline

    Descriptive analysis of medication used both for pain relief and co-morbidities

  3. Frequency of types of potential adverse drug responses in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain

    Time frame: Baseline

    Identification of potential adverse drug responses by Pharmacist from medication review

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Wayne State University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Group Pilates and Yoga Exercise Classes on Function, Range of Motion, Endurance, Postural Position, Medication Use and Balance in Adults With Chronic Cervical Pain

Acronym: Pilates/Yoga

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Dec 3, 2013
Registry last updated
Dec 3, 2013

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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