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. 2020 Jun;19(2):101-110.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2019.10.005. Epub 2020 Aug 29.

Yoga vs Stretching in Veterans With Chronic Lower Back Pain and the Role of Mindfulness: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Lindsay Rae  1 , Paul Dougherty  1 , Nicholas Evertz  2
Affiliations

Yoga vs Stretching in Veterans With Chronic Lower Back Pain and the Role of Mindfulness: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Lindsay Rae et al. J Chiropr Med. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of recruiting, randomizing, enrolling, and collecting outcome data on veteran patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) who undergo an 8-week, active exercise class with mindfulness (yoga class) and without (stretching class).

Methods: United States veterans with CLBP based on inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized to 1 of 2 groups. The study design was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Twenty CLBP patients attended a yoga class or stretching class once per week for 8 weeks at the Veterans Affairs Rochester Outpatient Center, Rochester, New York. The following measurements were obtained: recruitment or enrollment data, compliance data to include class attendance and home exercise, and compliance data regarding ability to collect outcome measures at baseline and at completion. Outcome measures included pain (PEG), quality of life (PROMIS Global Health Survey), self-efficacy (2-item questionnaire), fear avoidance belief, catastrophizing, and social engagement in addition to qualitative clinician open-ended questions postintervention.

Results: Forty-five veterans were queried regarding interest in participation. Of these, 34 (76%) met the study's criteria. Twenty (44%) agreed to participate and were consented, randomized, and enrolled in the study. Initial and final outcome measures were obtained for each participant (100%). Forty percent attended more than 80% of the sessions for both yoga and stretching groups.

Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated feasibility of recruiting, enrolling, and collecting outcome data on CLBP veteran patients participating in yoga and stretching class. The data from this pilot will inform the development of a randomized, comparative effectiveness study of yoga with and without mindfulness in the management of CLBP.

Keywords: Chronic Pain; Exercise; Low Back Pain; Mindfulness; Pain Management; Veterans; Yoga.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Details regarding a screening patient's reason for not participating in pilot study (n = 25).
Fig 2
Fig 2
Yoga pilot study flow chart.
Fig 3
Fig 3
A comparison of home practice average minutes per practice and average days per week of both groups (yoga n = 10) (stretching n = 10).
Fig 4
Fig 4
A comparison of postintervention outcome measure % mean change from baseline with 100% completion rate by all participants (n = 20).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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