Effect of Group Pilates and Yoga Exercise Classes for Chronic Cervical Pain

N/ACompletedNCT01999283

Wayne State University88 enrolled

Overview

Exercise has been found to be effective in alleviating back and neck pain. Two exercise methods which are available in the community in a group format are Yoga and Pilates. While there is some research on the efficacy of these exercise methods for low back pain, there is no definitive research on the use of Yoga or Pilates group exercise for individuals with chronic cervical pain.This study investigated the effect of group Yoga and Pilates exercise compared to a wait-listed control group on impairments and function related to neck pain for individuals with chronic cervical pain.

Individuals reporting chronic mild to moderate neck pain for more than 3 months were assigned to a pilates, yoga or wait-listed control group. The exercise group consisted of 12 one hour small group sessions instructed by experienced Physical Therapists with additional yoga or pilates training. Participants were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Exercise participants also completed a follow up 6 weeks after completion.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Cervical Pain

Interventions

Yoga Group ExerciseOTHER

Yoga poses and postures modified to diminish stress on the cervical region and improve flexibility. Breathing and mind-body focus to address stress-related discomfort. A general Hatha yoga style will be used with components from Ashtanga Yoga. Intensity and range of motion will be progressively increased as tolerated.

Pilates Group Mat ExerciseOTHER

The Pilates mat exercises focus on both spinal muscle activation and stability, progressive endurance of the stabilizing muscles with arm and leg challenges and dynamic mobility. The exercises are progressed from more supported to anti-gravity position, slow increases in arm weights and flexibility.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Able to attend at 12 exercise class sessions (once a week for an hour) * Stable moderate to severe neck pain (3/10- 8/10) present for \> 3 months * Able to get up and down off the floor * Able to ambulate in the community without an assistive device * Medically stable and cleared to participate in exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Neck Pain that is easily aggravated with exercise * Neurological symptoms in the arms or legs (numbness, tingling, weakness) * History of recent whiplash, spine surgery, diagnosed osteoporosis, cervical stenosis with leg symptoms * Any medical conditions which does not allow active exercise * Unable to make medical decisions independently or have memory problems * Regularly attending Pilates or Yoga classes or individual sessions

Locations (4)

Equilibrium Studio

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan, United States

Oakland Physical Therapy

Novi, Michigan, United States

Older Persons Commission

Rochester, Michigan, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from baseline Neck Disability Index

Self reported Neck Disability Index questionnaire

Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Number of days of pain medication use in the past week

Self report

Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12

Change from baseline in Neck Pain Ratings (NPR) experienced on average over the past week

Average pain experienced over the past week (general, worst pain and experienced with functional activities - sustained positions, upper extremity movement, work, recreation)

Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

Change from baseline Cervical range of motion measurements

Measured with the Cervical Range of Motion instrument (CROM)

Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

Change from baseline differences between habitual and self corrected postural position

Sagittal plane position measured for Upper Cervical angle, forward head position, and thoracic width using the Cervical range of motion device.

Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

Change from baseline in time for the Timed up and go test

Time to stand from a chair and walk to a standardized distance, return and sit down

Time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18

Change from baseline Dynamic Gait Index score

Series of functional gait activities including walking, walking at different speeds, stepping over and around an obstacle, turning the head and tilting the head while walking scored by an observer.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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