How yoga helps manage chronic low back pain through emotion regulation
Official title: Emotion regulation as a primary mechanism of action in yoga interventions for chronic low back pain: An RCT testing biological and psychological pathways
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10851696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how practicing yoga might help people with chronic low back pain feel better by improving their ability to manage emotions, and it’s designed for anyone dealing with this type of pain who wants to explore a new way to find relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $635,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT010555-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic low back pain who are interested in non-pharmacological treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back pain or those who do not have access to yoga practices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how yoga can help individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) by focusing on the role of emotion regulation. It aims to understand the biological and psychological pathways through which yoga may improve pain management and overall functioning. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the study will assess whether enhancing emotion regulation skills through yoga practice can lead to reductions in pain intensity and disability. Participants will engage in yoga interventions while researchers evaluate the effects on their emotional responses and pain-related outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new understanding of how yoga can effectively alleviate chronic low back pain by improving emotional well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that yoga can have positive effects on pain management, but this specific approach focusing on emotion regulation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Crystal L. — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Park, Crystal L.
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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.