Yoga for chronic low back pain: a randomized trial. Tilbrook HE, Cox H, Hewitt CE, Kang'ombe AR, Chuang LH, Jayakody S, Aplin JD, Semlyen A, Trewhela A, Watt I, Torgerson DJ. Ann Intern Med. 2011 Nov 1;155(9):569-78.
In this tudy, the authors compare the effectiveness of yoga and usual care for chronic or recurrent low back pain. 313 adults with chronic or recurrent low back pain are studied. The study is randomized, controlled trial using computer-generated randomization conducted from April 2007 to March 2010.Yoga (n = 156) or usual care (n = 157). All participants received a back pain education booklet. The intervention group was offered a 12-class, gradually progressing yoga program delivered by 12 teachers over 3 months.
Measurements: Scores on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at 3 (primary outcome), 6, and 12 (secondary outcomes) months; pain, pain self-efficacy, and general health measures at 3, 6, and 12 months (secondary outcomes).
Results: 93 (60%) patients
offered yoga attended at least 3
of the first 6 sessions and at least 3 other sessions. The yoga group
had better back function at 3, 6, and 12 months than the usual care
group. The adjusted mean RMDQ
score was 2.17 points
(95% CI, 1.03 to 3.31 points) lower in the yoga group at 3 months, 1.48
points (CI, 0.33 to 2.62 points) lower at 6 months, and 1.57 points
(CI, 0.42 to 2.71 points) lower at 12 months. The yoga and usual care
groups had similar back pain and
general health scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, and the yoga group had
higher pain self-efficacy scores at 3 and 6 months but not at 12
months.
The authors conclude that offering a 12-week yoga program to adults
with chronic or
recurrent low
back pain led to greater improvements in back function than did usual
care.
Full text. http://www.annals.org/content/155/9/569.long
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