Online yoga versus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain in veterans

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized trial will assign veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain to either weekly online yoga classes or weekly online group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) sessions for 12 weeks. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires about pain and function at baseline, during treatment, and over a six-month follow-up. The primary analysis is a non-inferiority comparison to see if online yoga produces pain outcomes comparable to ACT. The team will monitor adverse events and keep regular contact to capture safety and the durability of any benefits.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran of the United States Armed Forces ≥ 18 years old
* Chronic pain \> 6 months related to at least one musculoskeletal pain-related diagnosis indicated by an ICD-9 or -10 code
* Minimum pain intensity at screening ≥4 on a 0-10 using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
* Not begun new pain treatments or medications in the past month
* Stable medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to entry to the study
* English literacy
* Internet connection at home

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participation in another clinical trial, unless given prior authorization from both our research team and that of the other study
* Back surgery within the last 12 months
* Back pain potentially attributed to a specific known condition
* Baseline pain \<4 or ≥9 on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale
* Unstable, serious coexisting medical illness, mental illness or psychiatric conditions
* Attended or practiced yoga ≥ 1 x in the past 12 months
* Current suicidal intent or plan
* Has received ACT in the past

Where it's running

• Palo Alto VA Medical Center
  Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Peter Bayley, PhD — Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research
• Study coordinator: Peter Bayley, PhD
• Email: peter.bayley@va.gov
• Phone: 650-493-5000

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.