Comparing online yoga and therapy for chronic pain relief
Official title: Online Yoga vs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Treating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11040817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether online yoga can help reduce chronic pain just as well as a type of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), especially for veterans who might not have easy access to regular healthcare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $639,882 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT012734-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain who may benefit from non-pharmacological treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic musculoskeletal pain or those who are unable to participate in online sessions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of online yoga compared to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly in veterans. The study aims to provide a randomized clinical trial to evaluate how well teleyoga can alleviate pain, especially for those who may not have access to traditional healthcare options. By utilizing telehealth technology, the research seeks to reach individuals who face barriers to in-person treatment, offering a potentially effective alternative for pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with a new, accessible method for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain without the risks associated with medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise for telehealth interventions in pain management, indicating that this approach may be effective, though this specific comparison has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bayley, Peter J. — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Bayley, Peter J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biopsychosocial factors in pediatric chronic musculoskeletal pain
A study at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital will look at how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to chronic muscle and joint pain in young people to find better ways to help them.
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Neurobiological and psychosocial factors that may turn acute teen pain into chronic pain
A study following teenagers with acute musculoskeletal pain to understand why some develop chronic pain and how biology and psychology interact to shape their outcomes.
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Tech-guided walking plus Tai Chi to improve function for veterans with COPD and chronic pain
This program helps veterans with COPD and long-term muscle or joint pain use a web-based step program together with Tai Chi to move more and feel stronger.
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Resilience Coaching for Teens with Long-Lasting Muscle and Bone Pain
This project offers resilience coaching to help teenagers manage ongoing muscle and bone pain and improve their well-being.
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GET SMART: Tailored graded exposure for kids with chronic musculoskeletal pain
A multi-site trial tests a stepwise, personalized exposure-based therapy for children with long-standing musculoskeletal pain and their families.
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Online yoga vs. acceptance-based therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain in veterans
A large, well-designed study will compare online yoga to acceptance and commitment therapy to help veterans manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.