Online yoga vs. acceptance-based therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain in veterans
Official title: Online Yoga vs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Treating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11309136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, well-designed study will compare online yoga to acceptance and commitment therapy to help veterans manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $631,179 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012734-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain who can participate in online assessments and telehealth sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to the internet or those unable to participate in online sessions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests two non-drug approaches that veterans can use at home to reduce pain and improve function. It builds on a prior feasibility study and will enroll participants in a fully powered randomized trial delivered via telehealth. Outcomes will focus on pain levels, mood, and daily functioning, aiming to provide clear guidance on practical, accessible care options. If successful, the results could help VA clinicians offer effective CIH options to veterans with chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, veterans could access effective, non-pharmacologic treatments for chronic pain from home, reducing pain and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous feasibility work suggested promise for teleyoga, but a fully powered RCT is needed to confirm efficacy.
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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-
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Tech-guided walking plus Tai Chi to improve function for veterans with COPD and chronic pain
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This project looks at brain changes and social-emotional factors in teens with recent muscle or joint pain to find who is likely to develop long-lasting 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.