Yoga for Chronic Pain

(STRETCH Trial)

Overseen By Belle Zaccari, PsyD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Portland VA Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorders, Suicidal ideation, Substance abuse, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether pre-recorded yoga videos can manage chronic pain as effectively as live online yoga classes. The goal is to determine if these videos are a practical option and if they improve pain, mental health, and quality of life equally well. Participants will either use pre-recorded videos or join live online classes for 12 weeks, with their progress tracked. The trial seeks U.S. Veterans with long-term musculoskeletal pain who can use video conferencing and have been cleared for yoga by their healthcare team. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management options and contribute to valuable research.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on yoga as a treatment, so you may not need to change your medication routine, but it's best to check with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that these yoga methods are safe for managing chronic pain?

Research has shown that yoga can safely help manage chronic pain. One study found that people practicing yoga through online videos, known as teleyoga, experienced similar pain relief and satisfaction as those attending in-person classes. This suggests that both live and recorded yoga sessions are generally well-received.

Another study found that online yoga can significantly improve pain and energy levels. No major safety issues were reported, indicating that participants typically did not experience negative side effects from the sessions.

Overall, yoga videos appear to be a safe option for managing chronic pain without medication. However, consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program is always advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Yoga for Chronic Pain trial because it explores the potential benefits of teleyoga, offering a unique, accessible approach to pain management. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or physical therapy, this trial investigates both synchronous and asynchronous online yoga classes. Synchronous teleyoga allows participants to engage in real-time virtual classes, fostering a sense of community and accountability. Meanwhile, asynchronous teleyoga provides flexibility, letting participants practice at their own pace with a library of yoga videos. This trial could reveal new insights into how virtual yoga can be a convenient and effective option for managing chronic pain, potentially expanding treatment choices for patients.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for chronic pain?

Research shows that yoga can help reduce long-lasting pain. This trial will compare different methods of delivering yoga to participants. Participants in the Synchronous Teleyoga arm will attend live online classes, while those in the Asynchronous Teleyoga arm will access pre-recorded videos. Studies have found that doing yoga through live online classes or pre-recorded videos can greatly improve pain management, mental health, and quality of life. For instance, one study found that pre-recorded yoga sessions helped reduce shoulder pain in 39% of participants. Another study showed that online yoga classes led to significant improvements in back pain, as seen in lower pain scores. Overall, these findings suggest that both live and pre-recorded yoga sessions can be helpful for managing chronic pain. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for veterans experiencing chronic pain. Participants should be willing to engage in yoga practices and complete online assessments. Specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not detailed, but typically these would involve factors like age, health status, and availability.

Inclusion Criteria

U.S. Veteran enrolled at VAPORHCS and has established care with a VA medical or mental health provider

I am cleared by my doctor or physical therapist to do yoga.

I can walk around in public places without help.

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to read and write in English

Practicing yoga regularly defined as weekly or biweekly practice of 60 or more minutes for 6 months or more

Concurrently enrolled in another research protocol involving a pain focused intervention

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Primer Yoga Course

Participants attend a 5-session virtual yoga course as an introduction to teleyoga practice

5 weeks

5 virtual sessions

Teleyoga Practice

Participants continue virtual yoga practice for 12 weeks, either asynchronously or synchronously

12 weeks

1 virtual session per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in chronic pain, mental health, and quality of life outcomes

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Asynchronous Teleyoga
• Pain-Sensitive Teleyoga Primer
• Synchronous Teleyoga

Trial Overview The study is testing if asynchronous (pre-recorded) yoga videos can manage chronic pain as effectively as synchronous (real-time) online yoga sessions. It will measure the impact on participants' pain levels, mental health, and quality of life over a 4-month period with follow-up assessments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Asynchronous Teleyoga Active Control 2 Interventions

Participants randomized to receive asynchronous teleyoga will be provided information so that they can access to the digital library of yoga videos on Ompractice, an existing partner with VA Medical Centers. Ompractice contains a suite of yoga video content, and participants will be encouraged to complete one class per week during the 12 weeks between randomization and follow-up assessment.

Group II: Synchronous Teleyoga Placebo Group 2 Interventions

Participants randomized to receive synchronous teleyoga will be provided information so that they can attend VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) virtual yoga offerings. They will be encouraged to attend one class per week during the 12 weeks between randomization and follow-up assessment. Attendance will be tracked via a signed note in the medical record. Each session will last approximately 30-60 minutes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Portland VA Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

44

Recruited

7,800+

VHA Office of Rural Health

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06973876

Examining the Effectiveness of Asynchronous Versus ... The goal of this clinical trial is to see if pre-recorded yoga videos are as helpful for chronic pain as online yoga sessions taught in real time.

2. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/315611/examining-the-effectiveness-of-asynchronous-versus-synchronous-yoga-for-veterans-with-chronic-pain/

Clinical Research Trial Listing ( Chronic Pain | Yoga ... The research will also test the preliminary effectiveness of teleyoga practice on outcomes related to chronic pain, mental health, and quality ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11796233/

Clinical outcomes of asynchronous telerehabilitation ... These results suggest that both interventions were effective in reducing shoulder pain. By 4 weeks, 39.39% in the asynchronous group and 48.48% ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07216417

TeleYoga for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Quantitative and ... Clinically significant improvement is defined as ODI scores ≥15% and reductions in VAS pain scores ≥2 points as compared to the sham yoga group.

5. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20552076231176696

Effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted asynchronous ... The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence and assess the effectiveness of exercise-based asynchronous telerehabilitation incorporating ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06973876

Examining the Effectiveness of Asynchronous Versus ... The goal of this clinical trial is to see if pre-recorded yoga videos are as helpful for chronic pain as online yoga sessions taught in real time.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5888810/

Tele-yoga for Chronic Pain: Current Status and Future ... Recent preliminary data suggest equivalence to face-to-face yoga in participant satisfaction and improvement in self-reported pain, energy level ...

8. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT06973876/examining-the-effectiveness-of-asynchronous-versus-synchronous-yoga-for-veterans-with-chronic-pain

Examining the Effectiveness of Asynchronous Versus ... The research will also test the preliminary effectiveness of teleyoga practice on outcomes related to chronic pain, mental health, and quality ...