Abstract Title:

Randomized-controlled Trial Comparing Yoga and Home-based Exercise for Chronic Neck Pain.

Abstract Source:

Clin J Pain. 2012 Oct 4. Epub 2012 Oct 4. PMID: 23249655

Abstract Author(s):

Holger Cramer, Romy Lauche, Claudia Hohmann, Rainer Lüdtke, Heidemarie Haller, Andreas Michalsen, Jost Langhorst, Gustav Dobos

Article Affiliation:

*Chair of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen†Karl and Veronica Carstens Foundation, Essen ‡Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Complementary Medicine §Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES:: Chronic neck pain is a significant public health problem with only very few evidence-based treatment options. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of yoga for relieving musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Iyengar yoga compared with exercise on chronic nonspecific neck pain. METHODS:: Patients were randomly assigned to either yoga or exercise. The yoga group attended a 9-week yoga course and the exercise group received a self-care manual on home-based exercises for neck pain relief. The main outcome measure was the present neck pain intensity (100 mm visual analog scale). Secondary outcome measures included functional disability (Neck Disability Index), pain at motion (visual analog scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 questionnaire), cervical range of motion, proprioceptive acuity, and pressure pain threshold. RESULTS:: Fifty-one patients (mean age 47.8 y ; 82.4% female) were randomized to yoga (n=25) and exercise (n=26) intervention. After the study period, patients in the yoga group reported significantly less neck pain intensity compared with the exercise group [mean difference: -13.9 mm (95% CI, -26.4 to -1.4), P=0.03]. The yoga group reported less disability and better mental quality of life. Range of motion and proprioceptive acuity were improved and the pressure pain threshold was elevated in the yoga group. DISCUSSION:: Yoga was more effective in relieving chronic nonspecific neck pain than a home-based exercise program. Yoga reduced neck pain intensity and disability and improved health-related quality of life. Moreover, yoga seems to influence the functional status of neck muscles, as indicated by improvement of physiological measures of neck pain.

Study Type : Human Study
Additional Links
Therapeutic Actions : Yoga : CK(3023) : AC(409)

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.