A pilot randomised controlled trial of yoga for chronic low back pain

INTERVENTION: As well as receiving their usual care patients receiving this treatment will be offered 12 weekly sessions of yoga plus the Back Book (a small information booklet aimed at patients with back pain and is based on current evidence). Each session will last 75 minutes with a Hatha and Iyenga yoga programme of relaxing, toning, stretching and breathing. The yoga package of care has been developed by several yoga specialists with the aid of GPs and physiotherapists to provide an optimal regime. CONDITION: Chronic low back pain ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Back pain PRIMARY OUTCOME: Back pain, measured using the Roland and Morris Back pain Questionnaire (RDQ) and the Aberdeen Back Pain Scale.; ; Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Quality of life, measured using the 36‐item Short Form health survey (SF‐36); 2. Pain self‐efficacy, measured using the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ); 3. Practicality and feasibility; ; Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged 18 to 65 years 2. Attended General Practice (GP) for a consultation of back pain in previous 18 months 3. Scoring four or more on the Roland and Morris back pain scale