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Cited by 296Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationSpine and Intervertebral Disc PathologyPregnancy-related medical research

Effect of Short-Term Intensive Yoga Program on Pain, Functional Disability and Spinal Flexibility in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Control Study

Tekur, Padmini, Singphow, Chametcha, Nagendra, Hongasandra Ramarao, Raghuram, Nagarathna·2008·The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
DOI 10.1089/acm.2007.0815
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a short-term intensive residential yoga program with physical exercise (control) on pain and spinal flexibility in subjects with chronic low-back pain (CLBP). DESIGN: This was a wait-list, randomized controlled study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a residential integrative health center in Bangalore, South India. SUBJECTS: Eighty (80) subjects (females, n = 37) with CLBP, who consented were randomly assigned to receive yoga or physical exercise if they satisfied the selection criteria. INTERVENTION: The intervention consisted of a 1-week intensive residential yoga program comprised of asanas (physical postures) designed for back pain, pranayamas (breathing practices), meditation, and didactic and interactive sessions on philosophical concepts of yoga. The control group practiced physical exercises under a trained physiatrist and also had didactic and interactive sessions on lifestyle change. Both of the groups were matched for time on intervention and attention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain-related outcomes were assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and by spinal flexibility, which was assessed using goniometer at pre and post intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA). RESULTS: Data conformed to a Gaussian distribution. There was a significant reduction in ODI scores in the yoga group compared to the control group (p = 0.01; effect size 1.264). Spinal flexibility measures improved significantly in both groups but the yoga group had greater improvement as compared to controls on spinal flexion (p = 0.008; effect size 0.146), spinal extension (p = 0.002; effect size 0.251), right lateral flexion (p = 0.059; effect size 0.006); and left lateral flexion (p = 0.006; effect size 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: Seven (7) days of a residential intensive yoga-based lifestyle program reduced pain-related disability and improved spinal flexibility in patients with CLBP better than a physical exercise regimen.

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Crossref · 10.1089/acm.2007.0815

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29 of 29 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Considering the 33 highest quality studies, 13 (39%) reported significantly better physical functioning among those who were more R/S (including one study at a trend level).

    “Considering the 33 highest quality studies, 13 (39%) reported significantly better physical functioning among those who were more R/S (including one study at a trend level) [483–495], six (18%) found worse functioning [496–501], and five studies (15%) reported mixed results [82, 124, 502–504] (significant positive and negative associations, depending on R/S characteristic).”

    From Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications (2012) · cites this paper as [486]

  • Of the 37 methodologically most rigorous studies, three (8%) found the opposite (worse SRH with R/S).

    “Of the 37 methodologically most rigorous studies, 21 (57%) reported significant positive relationships between R/S and SRH [503, 508–527], whereas three (8%) found the opposite [528–530].”

    From Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications (2012) · cites this paper as [530]

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Authors
Tekur, P., Singphow, C., Nagendra, H. R., & Raghuram, N.
Affiliations
  • Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (IN)
  • SYVASA, Bangalore, India.
  • Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (SVYASA), Bangalore, India.
ORCID
Venue
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2008-07
Volume
14
Issue
6
Pages
637-644
ISSN
  • 1075-5535 (ISSN-L)
  • 1557-7708
DOI
10.1089/acm.2007.0815
OpenAlex
W2014754082
Cited by
296
References
29
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 53 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 29
FWCI
13.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Pregnancy-related medical research
Keywords
chronic low back pain, yoga, spinal flexibility, functional disability, pain, physical activity, pranayama, meditation, asanas, lifestyle intervention, integrative health
MeSH terms
Chronic Disease, Disability Evaluation, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Spine, Time Factors, Yoga, Range of Motion, Articular, Treatment Outcome, Low Back Pain, Pain Management

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