December/January 2011/2012 (vol. 08/4)
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Yoga v stretching for back pain
Physical activity involving stretching, regardless of whether it is achieved using yoga or more conventional exercises, has moderate benefits in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). Patients (n = 228) were randomised into: yoga (12 weekly sessions); stretching (12 weekly sessions, including aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises); and self-help (using a back pain guide). Back-related dysfunction declined significantly in all groups. Both the yoga and stretching groups reported superior function at 12 and 26 weeks compared with the self-help group, but there were no differences in outcomes between the yoga and stretching groups.
Archives of Internal Medicine 2011; online first: doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2011.524
Occupational Health at Work December/January 2011/2012 (vol. 08/4) pp41