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From the Journals

Study: Yoga Eases Pain, Reduces Meds

Conexiant

A virtual 12-week yoga program led to approximately a 21% reduction in pain medication use and improved back function in adults with chronic low back pain, according to a recent trial.

The randomized clinical trial assessed the effectiveness of a 12-week virtual hatha yoga program in managing chronic low back pain (CLBP) among employees within the Cleveland Clinic health system. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, enrolled 140 participants, predominantly middle-aged females, who were randomized to either a virtual yoga intervention (n=71) or a wait-list control group (n=69).

Primary outcomes included changes in pain intensity, assessed on an 11-point numerical scale, and back-related function, measured by the modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). At 12 weeks, participants in the yoga group showed reductions in pain intensity (mean change -1.5 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.2 to -0.7; P < .001) and back-related function (mean change -2.8 points; 95% CI, -4.3 to -1.3; P < .001) compared to controls. These reductions persisted at 24 weeks, with further decreases in pain scores (mean change -2.3 points; 95% CI, -3.1 to -1.6) and RMDQ scores (mean change -4.6 points; 95% CI, -6.1 to -3.1).

In secondary outcomes, analgesic use decreased by 21.4 percentage points in the yoga group at 12 weeks, with sustained reduction at 24 weeks (21.2 percentage points). Additionally, sleep quality, assessed via the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance Short Form, improved at 12 weeks (mean change 0.4 points; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.7; P = .008) and 24 weeks (mean change 0.4 points; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.7; P = .005) among yoga participants.

Despite only 36.6% adherence to live class attendance, participants practiced yoga at home on average four days per week, suggesting that virtual delivery allowed for regular home practice among those with CLBP. The findings indicate virtual yoga may serve as a feasible nonpharmacologic option.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.