Yoga to reduce persistent pain after torso surgery

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 pilot randomized controlled trial randomizes adults with persistent post-surgical torso pain to a yoga program adapted for postoperative limitations or to a chronic pain health education comparator. The study measures pain severity, feasibility and adherence, and collects biological, psychophysical, and psychosocial data to explore mechanisms such as inflammation and central sensitization. Participants must have at least three months of persistent post-surgical pain with moderate intensity (≥4/10) and be able to attend study visits and classes. Results are intended to inform a future fully powered translational trial.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* History of torso surgeries. Examples are thoracotomy, sternotomy, mastectomy and breast implant, open abdominal surgeries, and cesarean section
* Completion of surgery alone or surgery and complementary pharmacological treatment
* Being 18 years of age or older
* 3 months with PPSP and 4/10 in BPI severity (clinically considered a moderate range)
* Access to reliable modes of transportation for study visits and yoga classes
* Confirmed access to and proficiency with use of a smartphone, computer, and/or tablet
* Fluent in English.

Exclusion criteria:

* History of joint replacement, amputation, orthopedic (except thoracotomy and sternotomy), and other non-torso surgeries
* Participants with health conditions that lead to difficulty complying with study protocol (i.e., completion of outcome assessments and participation in yoga or CPHE programs), including: Renal dialysis, cognitive impairment, serious neurological or psychiatric disorders; Unstable cardiovascular disease, metastatic cancer, or serious chronic medical condition; Planned surgery during the intervention period; Chronic inflammatory systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis); Active acute or chronic infections requiring antibiotics; Unmanaged hearing or visual impairment affecting participation in virtual classes; Substance use disorder
* Pregnancy or having the intention to become pregnant within the next six months
* Recent (last 3 months) or concurrent participation in weekly MBMT (e.g., yoga, tai chi, qigong) programs, physical therapy, including massage and chiropractic care, or other non-pharmacological treatment as chronic pain management, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or meditation
* Recent interventional pain management, defined as procedures such as corticosteroid injection, trigger point injection, and radiofrequency ablation to the cervical or lumbar region within the past 4 weeks and/or scheduled for interventional pain management procedures within the study timeframe.

Where it's running

• Mass General Brigham
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Dennis Munoz-Vergara, DVM, MS, MPH
• Email: dmunozvergara@bwh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-278-0917

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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.