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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2010 Nov;151(2):530-539.
doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.08.020.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia

James W Carson  1 , Kimberly M Carson, Kim D Jones, Robert M Bennett, Cheryl L Wright, Scott D Mist
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia

James W Carson et al. Pain. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

A mounting body of literature recommends that treatment for fibromyalgia (FM) encompass medications, exercise and improvement of coping skills. However, there is a significant gap in determining an effective counterpart to pharmacotherapy that incorporates both exercise and coping. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive yoga intervention on FM symptoms and coping. A sample of 53 female FM patients were randomized to the 8-week Yoga of Awareness program (gentle poses, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga-based coping instructions, group discussions) or to wait-listed standard care. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. At post-treatment, women assigned to the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements on standardized measures of FM symptoms and functioning, including pain, fatigue, and mood, and in pain catastrophizing, acceptance, and other coping strategies. This pilot study provides promising support for the potential benefits of a yoga program for women with FM.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

The present manuscript is submitted exclusively to Pain and is not under consideration in any other journal. There are no financial relationships that might lead to a conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Study participant flow.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Daily fibromyalgia symptoms and coping strategies scores (0–10 scales) at baseline and post-treatment in the yoga and control conditions (all p < .001). Values are multilevel random effects for adjusted means, with error bars showing standard errors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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