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Cleveland, OH – Virtual yoga classes can significantly alleviate chronic low back pain, improve back-related functionality, and reduce reliance on pain medication among health system employees, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals. Led by Dr. Hallie Tankha and a team at the Cleveland Clinic, this 24-week study suggests that virtual yoga may serve as an effective non-pharmacologic intervention for individuals with chronic low back pain.
Study Design and Participants
The randomized clinical trial, conducted from May 3, 2022, to May 23, 2023, included 140 participants aged 18 to 64 who were enrolled in the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan and suffered from chronic low back pain. To qualify, participants had to report a mean back pain intensity score of 4 or higher on an 11-point scale and experience pain that interfered with daily activities on at least half of the days.
Participants were divided into two groups: a virtual yoga intervention group and a wait-list control group. The intervention group attended 12 weekly, live-streamed, 60-minute hatha yoga sessions. Researchers assessed pain intensity and back-related function at 12 and 24 weeks, with pain intensity measured on an 11-point scale and back function evaluated through the 23-point modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Notable Findings
The study’s primary findings demonstrate substantial pain relief and functional improvement among participants in the virtual yoga group:
- Pain Intensity Reduction: At 12 weeks, the yoga group reported a mean pain intensity reduction of -1.5 points (p < .001), which further improved to -2.3 points by week 24 (p < .001).
- Improvement in Back Function: Yoga participants showed marked improvement in back-related functionality, with a reduction of -2.8 points at 12 weeks and -4.6 points at 24 weeks (p < .001 for both time points).
- Reduced Pain Medication Use: At 24 weeks, participants in the virtual yoga group reported using analgesic medication 21.2 percentage points less frequently than those in the control group.
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: Sleep quality also improved in the yoga group, with an increase of 0.4 points at both 12 and 24 weeks (p = .008 and p = .005, respectively).
Implications for Chronic Pain Management
“Given the demonstrated noninferiority of yoga to physical therapy, structured virtual yoga programs and physical therapy are reasonable choices for patients with chronic low back pain depending on accessibility, cost, and patient preference,” wrote the authors. They highlighted that technology-based solutions for pain management align with the National Academy of Medicine’s recommendations for accessible, evidence-based pain treatments.
Study Limitations
Despite promising results, the study faced limitations, including low adherence; only 36.6% of participants attended at least half of the yoga sessions, and missing data rates were higher in the yoga group compared to the control. Additionally, the study did not extend follow-up beyond 24 weeks, limiting long-term insights.
Funding and Disclosures
The study was funded by grants from the Cleveland Clinic Healthcare Delivery and Implementation Science Center. Some researchers disclosed associations with various health organizations, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential of virtual yoga classes as a low-cost, accessible intervention for chronic low back pain, especially for those seeking non-pharmacologic treatment options. By offering flexibility and convenience, virtual programs may serve as a valuable adjunct or alternative to physical therapy for chronic pain management, potentially transforming care for those with chronic pain and improving quality of life in work settings.
