SUMMARY:
Virtual yoga classes significantly alleviated chronic low back pain intensity and improved back-related function in health system employees, with benefits sustained for up to 24 weeks. Participants also reported reduced pain medication usage and improved sleep quality.
STUDY DESIGN:
A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted over 24 weeks from May 3, 2022, to May 23, 2023, comparing live-streamed yoga classes with a waitlist control in adults with chronic low back pain.
A total of 140 participants, aged 18-64, were recruited from the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan.
Inclusion criteria included a minimum low back pain intensity score of 4 on an 11-point scale and daily pain interference.
The intervention consisted of 12 consecutive weekly, 60-minute, virtual hatha yoga classes.
PRIMARY OUTCOMES:
The study assessed mean pain intensity and back-related function using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.
RESULTS:
- Participants in the virtual yoga group showed significant reductions in pain intensity at both 12 and 24 weeks, with a change of -1.5 points (P < .001) at 12 weeks and -2.3 points (P < .001) at 24 weeks.
- Significant improvements in back-related function were observed in the virtual yoga group, with a change of -2.8 points (P < .001) at 12 weeks and -4.6 points (P < .001) at 24 weeks.
- The virtual yoga group reported a 21.2% decrease in analgesic medication use at 24 weeks compared to the control group.
- Sleep quality improved in the yoga group at both 12 weeks (mean change, 0.4 points; P = .008) and 24 weeks (mean change, 0.4 points; P = .005).
CONCLUSION:
The study supports the use of virtual yoga as a viable option for managing chronic low back pain, with comparable benefits to physical therapy. These findings align with the National Academy of Medicine’s call for more evidence-based, technology-based pain treatments.
