Virtual Yoga Effective in Chronic Low Back Pain Save

A randomized trial of 140 adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) demonstrated that virtual yoga instruction resulted in significant improvements in CLBP patients compared to the wait-list control group. 

A single-blinded, 24-week, 2-arm, randomized clinical trial of adults with chronic low back pain were recruited from the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan. Patients had to have a mean LBP intensity score of at least 4 (scores ranged from 0 to 10) and daily back pain interference about half or more of the days. The intervention was none (wait list patients) or 12 weeks of live streamed yoga classes. The primary goal was to assess CLBP intensity, back-related function, sleep quality, and pain medication use.

A total of 140 CLBP patients were randomized (mean age 48 years; 81% female; 73% college-educated). Patients had moderate back pain with a mean baseline pain intensity of 5.7. 

After week 12 and 24, the yoga treated CLBP patients had significantly greater reductions in: 

• mean pain intensity (−1.5 points; P < .001). At week 24, the mean change was −2.3   
• mean RMDQ (−2.8 points; P < .001) scores. P < .001). At week 24, the RMDQ mean change was −4.6 
• less use of any analgesic medication 
• Improvements in sleep quality 

This randomized trial demonstates that virtual yoga classes may be a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for chronic LBP.