Online Yoga vs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Treating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

This study will test if online yoga is not inferior than ACT for treating chronic pain in veterans. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either online yoga instruction or ACT, once a week for 12 weeks in an online group class. They will complete self-report questionnaires about their experience of chronic pain. There will be a 6-month follow up period, during which the research team will check in with the participant to record any adverse events and maintain study contact.

Inclusion criteria

• Veteran of the United States Armed Forces ≥ 18 years old
• Chronic pain > 6 months related to at least one musculoskeletal pain-related diagnosis indicated by an ICD-9 or -10 code
• Minimum pain intensity at screening ≥4 on a 0-10 using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
• Not begun new pain treatments or medications in the past month
• Stable medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to entry to the study
• English literacy
• Internet connection at home

Exclusion criteria

• Participation in another clinical trial, unless given prior authorization from both our research team and that of the other study
• Back surgery within the last 12 months
• Back pain potentially attributed to a specific known condition
• Baseline pain <4 or ≥9 on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale
• Unstable, serious coexisting medical illness, mental illness or psychiatric conditions
• Attended or practiced yoga ≥ 1 x in the past 12 months
• Current suicidal intent or plan
• Has received ACT in the past