Yoga for Men Attempting Smoking Cessation

Complementary Treatments for Smoking Cessation

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a quit-smoking program that combines behavioral therapy with either yoga, or a health & wellness program that serves as a contact control.

Men enrolled in this pilot will be provided with 8 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy for smoking cessation and either 1) a twice-weekly program of yoga, or 2) a health & wellness program that serves as a control for number of contacts and subject burden between study conditions. Qualitative data from open ended surveys and interviews is used to supplement survey data to enhance the investigators understanding of study outcomes. Participant accrual and retention rates, acceptance of randomization, and compliance with study protocols will be examined along with perceptions and beliefs about yoga and its relationship to quitting smoking specifically, and health in general.

Inclusion Criteria:

• male
• age 18 -65
• daily smoker, 5 or more cigarettes/day
• generally healthy
• able to exercise safely

Exclusion Criteria:

• female
• hypertension
• current or recent history of medication use for major depression
• participation in yoga classes within the past year
• current or >1 year prior experience with mind/body therapies
• currently participating in regular exercise classes
• currently enrolled in quit smoking program
• currently using quit smoking medications