A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY ON EFFICACY OF HOME–BASED YOGA THERAPY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL CONSERVATIVE THERAPY IN CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Chronic low back pain implies to the low back, lumbosacral as well as sacroiliac pain longer than 3 months. Many studies have described about the beneficial effect of both Yoga therapy and Muscle Strengthening exercise in reducing the outcomes of Chronic Low back pain. Objective To estimate pain using the Visual Analog Scale and disability using the Modified Oswestry Disability Scale and to compare the efficacy of homebased yoga therapy and conventional conservative therapy among the patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods A Randomized controlled Trial was among 140 patients presented with Chronic low back pain to RLJ hospital attached to Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research Tamaka, Kolar from November 2018 to October 2020. The participants were randomized into two groups by online random generator software. Group A received Yoga therapy both in morning and evening for at least 30 minutes for 3 months with Hot fomentation - morning and night (twice daily) and Tablet Paracetamol 650 mg if patient complained of pain. Group B received back strengthening exercises 15 minutes 4 times a day for 3 months with Hot fomentation - morning and night (twice daily) and Tablet Paracetamol 650mg if patient complained of pain. Patient in both the groups were followed up at 2nd and 6th and 12th week following intervention. xv Results The mean age of the participants was 40.66 ± 8.33 in the study. About 57% of the samples were female and 43% were male. The Chronic Low Back pain in both the yoga therapy group and Back Strengthening exercise group was not associated with the age, gender and return to work but association was seen with occupation. The pain relief was improved with Yoga therapy at 2nd week (22.6%), 6th week (47%), and 12th week (72.9%) when compared to baseline. The pain relief was improved with back strengthening exercises at 2nd week (15%), 6th week (25%) and 12th week (37.9%) when compared to baseline. The functional disability was improved with Yoga therapy at 2nd week (26%), 6th week (51.75%), and 12th week (69.50%) when compared to baseline. The functional disability was improved with back strengthening exercises at 2nd week (20%), 6th week (33.7%), and 12th week (54.5%) when compared to baseline. The superiority of Yoga therapy was observed at all levels of assessment and also before and after comparison was made to evaluate the advantage of both interventions concerning the duration of therapies. Conclusion Yoga therapy was better than back strengthening exercises when supplemented with hot fomentation and paracetamol tablets in the control of Chronic Low Back Pain.