Yoga for patients with chronic back pain and poor prognosis

Effectiveness of YOga in Patients with Chronic Low BACK Pain and Poor PROgnosis (YOBACK-PRO Trial): a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Federal University of Minas Gerais · NCT05953155

This study is testing if a 3-month yoga program, along with education, can help people with chronic back pain who are at risk of worsening feel better and move more easily compared to just education alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorFederal University of Minas Gerais Academic / other
Locations1 site (Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais)
Trial IDNCT05953155 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of yoga combined with education for patients suffering from chronic low back pain who are at high risk of poor prognosis. A total of 110 participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving a 3-month yoga program with educational classes, and the other receiving only educational classes. The study aims to assess the impact of yoga on reducing pain and disability compared to the control group. Outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline, after the intervention, and at follow-up.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting at least 3 months and a high risk of poor prognosis as indicated by a score of 50 or higher on the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire.

Not a fit: Patients with serious spine pathology, previous spinal surgery, or other significant medical conditions that limit physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective non-pharmacological treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for yoga as an intervention for chronic pain, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* report chronic nonspecific LBP, defined as pain and discomfort localized below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds, with or without leg pain and of at least 3 months' duration.
* score ≥ 50 points (out of 100) in the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire.
* have an average back pain intensity of 3 points or more on a 0-10 numerical pain rating scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

* serious spine pathology (e.g. tumors, fractures, and inflammatory diseases).
* nerve root compromise (i.e. at least 2 of the following signs: weakness, reflex change, or sensation loss associated with the same spinal nerve).
* previos spinal surgery.
* pregnancy or having given birth within the previous 3 months.
* any medical condition that prevented being physically active (e.g., serious cardiovascular, kidney or neurological diseases).
* any other musculoskeletal condition that may affect activity and movement participation in a Yoga program during the last year.
* not currently receiving other physical activity-based intervention (e.g., Pilates, physical therapy, aquatic exercise).
* inadequate Portuguese literacy for the study's questionnaires and instructions.

Where this trial is running

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back PainChronic Low-back PainBack PainBack Pain Lower Back Chroniclow back painchronic low back painyogapoor prognosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.