Yoga and Occupational Therapy to Improve Pain

Yoga and Occupational Therapy to Improve Pain

This was a randomized control trial of a yoga and self-management intervention for individuals with chronic pain. Participants were assigned to either a wait-list control group (self-management only), or a yoga intervention (self-management and yoga). Self-management education session occurred monthly within the community. Group yoga intervention was delivered two times a week with a specifically designed program that was progressively more difficult. Assessments were then administered pre and post intervention, and a semi-structured interview was completed following the intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data were then compared between groups.

This was a randomized control trial completed with two specific aims.

Aim 1: To assess the feasibility of completing a group yoga intervention in conjunction with an ongoing self-management education for people with chronic pain.

Aim 2: To explore the preliminary efficacy of a group yoga intervention in people with chronic pain. The key variables of interest were pain interference, functional performance, balance, strength, mobility, and quality of life (QoL)

Inclusion Criteria:

• greater than 18 years of age
• Individual with self-reported pain for over six months
• attending outpatient pain clinic
• ability to attend yoga classes
• ability to complete assessments
• ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• consistent yoga practice over the past year
• self-reported exercise restrictions
• serious and recent medical procedures or conditions without doctor's note
• high risk pregnancy