Evaluation of a Specialized Yoga Program for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Evaluation of a Specialized Yoga Program for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate psychological variables, mindfulness, and pain in the context of a specialized yoga program for individuals with SCI. Participants will be randomized to either a wait-list control condition or to a specialized yoga program condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. have an SCI or a spinal related condition,
2. be 18 years of age or older,
3. be able to speak and read English,
4. commit to two weekly, one hour yoga classes for six weeks,
5. be referred from a clinician on the inter-disciplinary team,
6. have a sitting tolerance of one hour,
7. be able to participate in gentle physical activity in that time,
8. be aware of and understand his/her health contraindications (is able to practice safely),
9. provide a note from their physician indicating that it is safe for them to participate in a physical activity intervention, such as yoga.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. are not medically stable,
2. have pre-existing medical contraindications,
3. have cognitive limitations or language comprehension issues that would impact participation (determined by care team),
4. have had a regular yoga practice in the last six months.