Yoga for chronic low back pain in a predominantly minority population: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Several studies suggest yoga may be effective for chronic low back pain; however, trials targeting minorities have not been conducted. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVES: Assess the feasibility of studying yoga in a predominantly minority population with chronic low back pain. Collect preliminary data to plan a larger powered study.


METHODS
Pilot randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Two community health centers in a racially diverse neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.


METHODS
Thirty English-speaking adults (mean age 44 years, 83% female, 83% racial/ethnic minorities; 48% with incomes < or = $30,000) with moderate-to-severe chronic low back pain.


METHODS
Standardized series of weekly hatha yoga classes for 12 weeks compared to a waitlist usual care control.


METHODS
Feasibility measured by time to complete enrollment, proportion of racial/ethnic minorities enrolled, retention rates, and adverse events. Primary efficacy outcomes were changes from baseline to 12 weeks in pain score (0=no pain to 10=worst possible pain) and back-related function using the modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (0-23 point scale, higher scores reflect poorer function). Secondary efficacy outcomes were analgesic use, global improvement, and quality of life (SF-36).


RESULTS
Recruitment took 2 months. Retention rates were 97% at 12 weeks and 77% at 26 weeks. Mean pain scores for yoga decreased from baseline to 12 weeks (6.7 to 4.4) compared to usual care, which decreased from 7.5 to 7.1 (P=.02). Mean Roland scores for yoga decreased from 14.5 to 8.2 compared to usual care, which decreased from 16.1 to 12.5 (P=.28). At 12 weeks, yoga compared to usual care participants reported less analgesic use (13% vs 73%, P=.003), less opiate use (0% vs 33%, P=.04), and greater overall improvement (73% vs 27%, P=.03). There were no differences in SF-36 scores and no serious adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
A yoga study intervention in a predominantly minority population with chronic low back pain was moderately feasible and may be more effective than usual care for reducing pain and pain medication use.
Saper
Robert B
RB
Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, USA.
Sherman
Karen J
KJ
Cullum-Dugan
Diana
D
Davis
Roger B
RB
Phillips
Russell S
RS
Culpepper
Larry
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015013:Yoga