Yoga and Occupational Therapy to Improve Pain (YoPain)

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)

Yoga administered twice a week for 8 weeks. Self-management education sessions administered once a month through the University of Colorado Health Fort Collins Family Medicine Residency Program Pain Management Clinic (Pain Clinic). Yoga interventions were administered twice a week at the Pain Clinic.

Participants received only self-management intervention, which is provided once a month through the University of Colorado Health Fort Collins Family Medicine Residency Program Pain Management Clinic.

The yoga intervention group addressed pain as a primary variable and balance as a secondary variable and how to best manage these symptoms in the clinic and community. Yoga was delivered in sitting, standing, and floor postures

The self-management education group was provide once a month through University of Colorado Health Fort Collins Family Medicine Residency Program Pain Management Clinic. The program consisted of lifestyle variations, accountability, modifications, and strategies to management pain in daily life.

The Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form) is a 9 item self-report questionnaire designed to assess general pain.

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

Schmid AA, Atler KE, Malcolm MP, Grimm LA, Klinedinst TC, Marchant DR, Marchant TP, Portz JD. Yoga improves quality of life and fall risk-factors in a sample of people with chronic pain and Type 2 Diabetes. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:369-373. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Feb 15.