Yoga for well-being in incarcerated adults across multiple sites
Official title: Multi-Site Feasibility of Yoga to Enhance Well-Being in Incarcerated Adults
Funded at Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) · NIH-11445342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site program tests a yoga-based approach to improve mental well-being for adults in prison.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,097,135 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT014027-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who are incarcerated and willing to participate in a mind-body wellness program.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience noticeable improvements in well-being during the study period.
What this research studies
This project explores whether a yoga-based intervention can meaningfully improve psychological well-being and reduce symptoms like anxiety and aggression among adults in the carceral system. Building on a pilot study, the team will run a larger feasibility trial across several sites to see if the program is acceptable, implementable, and potentially helpful in prison settings. Participants will engage in a structured yoga program and compare outcomes to a health education control to understand real-world practicality and impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a practical, non-pharmacological option to support mental well-being and reduce challenging behaviors in prisons.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilots suggest feasibility and acceptability, but larger, rigorous trials are needed to confirm benefits.
Where this research is happening
-
Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uebelacker, Lisa a — Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
- Study coordinator: Uebelacker, Lisa a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthy work design and worker well-being
A multi-site program aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by studying how work design affects safety, stress, and quality of life.
-
Anga Center for Community Health and Well-being
A community-focused program from Columbia University aims to strengthen mental health and resilience in East Africa and other at-risk communities by partnering with local centers and using evidence-based approaches.
-
Anga Center for Community Health and Well-being: building resilience to extreme weather in Africa and beyond
A program to help communities cope with the mental health effects of extreme weather by partnering with African regions and local centers to develop practical, evidence-based support.
-
Air Pollution and Well-Being in Uganda: Understanding Risks and How to Protect Children and Adults
A short study will explore how biomass smoke affects health and daily life in Uganda and test practical tips to reduce exposure.
-
Air Pollution and Well-Being in Uganda: Reducing Biomass Smoke Risks and Improving Education
A short project in Uganda will look at how biomass smoke affects health and whether simple education can help families reduce exposure and protect children and adults.
-
Fostering Community Connections to Strengthen Youth Resilience and Well-Being
A Hawaii-based effort helps teens and young adults get mental health and preventive care more easily by building local networks and smart referral pathways.
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.