Feasibility of a yoga intervention to decrease pain in older women: a randomized controlled pilot study

Rebecca Seguin-Fowler,Urshila Sriram,Diane Fine,Meredith Graham,Galen Eldridge,Judy Ward

doi:10.1186/s12877-020-01818-y

Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Urshila Sriram + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01818-y

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Journal: BMC Geriatrics	Publication Date: Oct 12, 2020
Citations: 10	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Texas A&M University System, Cornell University

Abstract

BackgroundA significant proportion of older women suffer from chronic pain, which can decrease quality of life. The objective of this pilot randomized study was to evaluate the feasibility of a flow-restorative yoga intervention designed to decrease pain and related outcomes among women aged 60 or older.MethodsFlow-restorative yoga classes were held twice weekly for 1 hour and led by a certified yoga instructor. Participants randomized to the intervention group attended the yoga classes for 12 weeks and received supplemental materials for at-home practice. Those randomized to the control group were asked to maintain their normal daily routine. Feasibility was evaluated using recruitment and retention rates, class and home practice adherence rates, and participant satisfaction surveys. Outcome measures (self-reported pain, inflammatory markers, functional fitness, quality of life, resilience, and self-reported physical activity) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine changes in outcome measures within treatment groups.ResultsThirty-eight participants were recruited and randomized. Participants were primarily white, college-educated, and higher functioning, despite experiencing various forms of chronic pain. Attendance and retention rates were high (91 and 97%, respectively) and the majority of participants were satisfied with the yoga program (89%) and would recommend it to others (87%). Intervention participants also experienced reductions in pain interference and improvements in energy and social functioning.ConclusionsThis pilot study provides essential data to inform a full scale randomized trial of flow-restorative yoga for older women with chronic pain. Future studies should emphasize strategies to recruit a more diverse study population, particularly older women at higher risk of disability and functional decline.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03790098. Registered 31 December 2018 – Retrospectively registered

Highlights

A significant proportion of older women suffer from chronic pain, which can decrease quality of life
Evidence suggests that older women are more likely to experience chronic pain than older men [3,4,5]
Participants who enrolled in the study reported a variety of pain conditions, including back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and joint pain

Summary

Introduction

A significant proportion of older women suffer from chronic pain, which can decrease quality of life. The objective of this pilot randomized study was to evaluate the feasibility of a flow-restorative yoga intervention designed to decrease pain and related outcomes among women aged 60 or older. Chronic pain is a complex, multifactorial condition that negatively impacts older adults’ physical and mental functioning, and quality of life [1]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30% of older adults in the United States experience some form of chronic pain [2]. Evidence suggests that older women are more likely to experience chronic pain than older men [3,4,5]. The estimated annual cost of chronic pain in the United States, including direct medical costs and lost productivity, is between $560 and $635 billion, further emphasizing the need for therapeutic intervention approaches [1]

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