Randomized-controlled trial comparing yoga and home-based exercise for chronic neck pain

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine
• Physical therapy
• Pain management

Background:

• Chronic neck pain is a widespread issue with limited evidence-based treatments.
• Yoga shows promise for alleviating musculoskeletal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of Iyengar yoga versus a standard exercise program for chronic nonspecific neck pain.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 51 participants assigned to either a 9-week Iyengar yoga course or a home-based exercise program.
• Primary outcome: neck pain intensity (visual analog scale). Secondary outcomes: disability, pain at motion, quality of life, range of motion, proprioception, and pressure pain threshold.

Main Results:

• The yoga group experienced significantly lower neck pain intensity compared to the exercise group (P=0.03).
• Improvements were observed in the yoga group for disability, mental quality of life, range of motion, proprioceptive acuity, and pressure pain threshold.

Conclusions:

• Iyengar yoga is more effective than home-based exercises for managing chronic nonspecific neck pain.
• Yoga offers benefits beyond pain reduction, including improved functional status and quality of life.