Evaluating Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain

This study will compare the effectiveness of yoga classes, exercise classes, and a self-care book in the management of pain and function for people with low back pain.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Low Back Pain Back Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Group Health Cooperative

Seattle, Washington, United States

About this study

Back problems are among the most prevalent conditions affecting adults and are a leading reason for using complementary or alternative medical (CAM) therapies. Despite the common use of CAM therapies for back pain, little is known about how they compare with conventional treatments. This study will lay the groundwork for a full-scale trial that compares yoga with conventional exercise and usual care for chronic low back pain.

This study will randomize 30 people with chronic low back pain to each of the following groups: yoga, a conventional therapeutic exercise program, and usual care. There will be 12 weeks of weekly treatment and follow-up assessments via phone at 6, 12, and 26 weeks to measure each treatment's impact on symptoms, function, quality of life, and utilization and costs of back pain related care.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Group Health Cooperative enrollee
Uncomplicated low back pain
At least moderate pain levels

Exclusion criteria

Sciatica persisting 3 or more months after physician visit
History of cancer (other than nonmelanoma skin cancer)
Severe disk problems
Unstable medical conditions
Back surgery within past 3 years
Physically unable to do the yoga or exercise classes and homework
Unable to attend classes
Currently doing yoga
Taken exercise class for back pain within past year
Currently in litigation for back pain
Seeking other treatment for back pain

Treatment and study plan

Yoga

Behavioral

Exercise

Behavioral

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Nih

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2002
Study completion: 2004
First posted: Mar 10, 2003
Registry last updated: Aug 18, 2006

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.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed