A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia

Carson, James W.; Carson, Kimberly M.; Jones, Kim D.; Bennett, Robert M.; Wright, Cheryl L.; Mist, Scott D.

doi:10.1016/j.pain.2010.08.020

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Volume 151, Issue 2 , Pages 530-539, November 2010

A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia

James W. Carson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Peri-operative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Corresponding author. Address: Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., UHS2, Portland, OR 97239-3011, USA. Tel.: +1 503 494 3660; fax: +1 503 494 7635.
Kimberly M. Carson
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Kim D. Jones
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
Robert M. Bennett
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
Cheryl L. Wright
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Scott D. Mist
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

Received 27 April 2010; received in revised form 24 June 2010; accepted 16 August 2010.

Abstract

A mounting body of literature recommends that treatment for fibromyalgia (FM) encompass medications, exercise and improvement of coping skills. However, there is a significant gap in determining an effective counterpart to pharmacotherapy that incorporates both exercise and coping. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive yoga intervention on FM symptoms and coping. A sample of 53 female FM patients were randomized to the 8-week Yoga of Awareness program (gentle poses, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga-based coping instructions, group discussions) or to wait-listed standard care. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. At post-treatment, women assigned to the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements on standardized measures of FM symptoms and functioning, including pain, fatigue, and mood, and in pain catastrophizing, acceptance, and other coping strategies. This pilot study provides promising support for the potential benefits of a yoga program for women with FM.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia, Pain, Randomized controlled trial, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness