Virtual yoga classes could offer a feasible and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP), according to recent findings published in JAMA Network Open. The study, led by Dr. Hallie Tankha of the Cleveland Clinic, investigated the impact of a 12-week virtual yoga program on pain intensity, functionality, sleep quality, and pain medication usage among adults with CLBP.

The trial involved 140 participants aged 18 to 64, with half enrolled in weekly, hour-long virtual yoga sessions and the other half assigned to a wait-list control group. At the 12-week mark, the group engaged in yoga experienced significantly greater reductions in pain levels, with an average decrease of 1.5 points, and showed a marked improvement in functional capacity as measured by the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), with an average reduction of 2.8 points. These benefits were sustained at 24 weeks, with participants continuing to report lower pain (−2.3 points) and better functional outcomes (−4.6 points).

Participants in the virtual yoga group also reported a notable decrease in analgesic medication use, with a 21.4 percentage point reduction compared to the control group at both 12 and 24 weeks. Sleep quality improved as well, with small but consistent gains (mean change of 0.4 points) observed at both time points.

The study’s authors highlight the accessibility of virtual yoga as a significant benefit for those with CLBP. "By reducing barriers to in-person participation, virtual yoga classes may be a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for CLBP," they conclude, underscoring its potential as a sustainable approach for managing chronic pain remotely.