TeleYoga for Lower Back Pain

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Taylor Rees

Disqualifiers: Spine surgery, Neurological conditions, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether online yoga classes can alleviate chronic low back pain. Participants will practice yoga with and without mindfulness exercises, such as meditation and breathing, to determine which approach best reduces pain and improves mental health. The trial aims to make yoga accessible online and explore its effectiveness in pain management. Suitable candidates have experienced low back pain for at least three months, feel pain at least twice a week, and can participate in online sessions. As an unphased trial, participants contribute to innovative research that could enhance the accessibility of yoga for pain relief.

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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that tele-yoga is safe for managing chronic low back pain?

Research has shown that online yoga is safe and beneficial for individuals with long-term lower back pain. One study found that a 12-week online yoga program was easy for participants to follow and helped reduce their pain. Participants also reported needing less pain medication. Another study found that online yoga is practical and effective for many people. These findings suggest that online yoga, which includes physical poses and mindfulness activities like meditation and breathing exercises, is generally safe for managing chronic lower back pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about TeleYoga for lower back pain because it offers a unique, accessible approach that combines yoga with the convenience of online classes. Unlike standard treatments such as physical therapy or medication, TeleYoga can be done from home, making it a flexible option for people with busy schedules. Additionally, one arm of the trial includes mindfulness practices, which not only target physical symptoms but also address mental well-being through meditation and breathing exercises. This holistic approach could offer a comprehensive solution to managing pain and stress simultaneously.

What evidence suggests that this trial's tele-yoga treatments could be effective for chronic low back pain?

Research has shown that yoga can help manage chronic low back pain (CLBP). Many studies have found that yoga not only eases pain but also alleviates the emotional stress often linked to chronic pain. Virtual yoga, in particular, has proven safe and effective in reducing back pain and improving mobility. One study found that participants in a virtual yoga program reported less pain and better back function. This trial will compare two approaches: one group will participate in a "Yoga + Mindfulness" program, which includes physical yoga postures along with mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing exercises. Another group will engage in a "Yoga - Mindfulness" program, focusing solely on physical yoga postures. While most research has focused on in-person sessions, recent findings suggest that online yoga can also benefit those with CLBP. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 30-80 with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: tele-yoga with mindfulness (Y+M) or tele-yoga without mindfulness (Y-M). They must have access to video conferencing tools for the live sessions and be willing to participate in interviews about their experience.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to speak, read and write English as needed for study

Have internet access and device available for logging into virtual yoga classes

I am between 30 and 80 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy

Currently performing yoga or has performed yoga on a regular basis within the last 6 months

I have had spine issues or surgery in the past year.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline assessments including health history and various questionnaires

1 week

Treatment

Participants engage in tele-yoga sessions 2x a week for 4 weeks, with or without mindfulness components

4 weeks

8 virtual sessions

Mid-term Assessment

Midpoint assessment of questionnaires to evaluate progress

1 week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• TeleYoga

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of a virtual yoga program, comparing a version that includes mindfulness techniques against one that does not. The goal is to see if adding mindfulness improves pain management, function, and psychological health more than yoga alone over four weeks of twice-weekly sessions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Yoga + Mindfulness Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

These participants will synchronously on zoom watch 2 recorded classes with a coach to guide them. Classes are 2x a week for 4 weeks. Their classes will be a mix of physical yoga postures and mindfulness ie meditation and breathing exercises.

Group II: Yoga - Mindfulness Active Control 1 Intervention

These participants will synchronously on zoom watch 2 recorded classes with a coach to guide them. Classes are 2x a week for 4 weeks. Their classes will only be physical yoga postures

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Taylor Rees

Lead Sponsor

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530940/

Effectiveness of Virtual Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain Findings of this study indicate that a 12-week therapeutic virtual yoga program for chronic low back pain is feasible, safe, and effective.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07216417

TeleYoga for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Quantitative and ... Only one recent RCT conducted tele-yoga intervention for people with CLBP and resulted in decreased pain 14, but is limited to quantitative ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825746

Effectiveness of Virtual Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain Findings of this study indicate that a 12-week therapeutic virtual yoga program for chronic low back pain is feasible, safe, and effective.

4. technologynetworks.com technologynetworks.com/diagnostics/news/virtual-yoga-as-a-viable-therapy-for-chronic-low-back-pain-392805

Virtual Yoga as a Viable Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain A 12-week virtual yoga program significantly reduces chronic low back pain and improves physical function in adults. · Chronic low back pain: an ...

5. newsroom.clevelandclinic.org newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/11/01/research-shows-cleveland-clinics-therapeutic-virtual-yoga-program-can-be-effective-for-chronic-low-back-pain

Cleveland Clinic: Virtual Yoga Effective for Low Back Pain The findings show that participants who practiced virtual yoga classes reported reduced back pain intensity and improved back-related function.

6. neurologyadvisor.com neurologyadvisor.com/news/virtual-yoga-classes-aid-chronic-low-back-pain/

Virtual Yoga Classes Aid Chronic Low Back Pain Yoga now participants reported 21.4 absolute percentage points less use of any analgesic medication during the past week than yoga later ...

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

Tele-yoga for Chronic Pain: Current Status and Future ... Qualitative data from the pilot study revealed that the tele-yoga intervention was acceptable and appropriate, with participants experiencing ...