Abstract
BackgroundMind-body treatments have the potential to manage pain, yet their effectiveness when delivered online for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) is unknown. We sought to evaluate whether a virtually delivered mind-body program integrating tai chi, qigong, and meditation (VDTQM) is effective for treating LBP. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial compared VDTQM (n = 175) to waitlist control (n = 175). Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, had LBP for at least 6 weeks, were not pregnant, had not previously taken tai chi classes, and had not undergone spine surgery within 6 months. The treatment group received a 12-week VDTQM program in live online 60-minute twice-weekly group classes from September-December 2022. All participants continued their usual activities and care. Primary outcome was pain-related disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, sleep quality, and quality of life (QOL). Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted. ResultsOf the 350 participants 278 [79%] were female, mean age was 58.8 years [range: 21-92], 244 (69.7%) completed the 8-week survey, 248 (70.9%) the 12-week, and 238 (68%) the 16 -week. No participants withdrew due to adverse treatment effects. Compared with control group, treatment group experienced statistically and clinically significant improvement in ODI score by -4.7 (95% CI: -6.24 to -3.16, p < 0.01), -6.42 (95% CI: -7.96 to -4.88, p < 0.01), and -8.14 (95% CI: -9.68 to -6.59, p < 0.01) points at weeks 8, 12, and 16, respectively. Treatment group also experienced statistically significant improvement at all time points in the other outcomes. ConclusionsAmong adults with LBP, VDTQM treatment resulted in small to moderate improvements in pain-related disability, pain intensity, sleep quality, and QOL. Improvements persisted one month after treatment concluded. These findings suggest VDTQM may be a viable treatment option for patients with LBP.
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