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Yoga Training for Returning Veterans With Headache

Not Applicable
Terminated
Conditions
Post Traumatic Headache
Chronic Daily Headache
Interventions
Behavioral: Iyengar-based Yoga Training
Registration Number
NCT01993069
Lead Sponsor
University of California, Los Angeles
Brief Summary

The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a yoga treatment for veterans with mild post-traumatic and chronic tension-type headaches.

Study Aims:

* Does this yoga treatment, targeted toward specific symptoms veterans with mild post-traumatic and chronic tension-type headaches experience, assist in decreasing headaches and associated symptoms?

* Does this yoga treatment, targeted toward specific symptoms veterans with mild post-traumatic and chronic tensions-type headaches experience, assist in improving quality of life?

* Does this yoga treatment, targeted toward specific symptoms veterans with mild post-traumatic and chronic tension-type headaches experience, improve mood?

* Do the effects of yoga on symptoms, mood, and quality of life maintain 2 months post completion of treatment?

Detailed Description

The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a yoga treatment for veterans with mild post-traumatic and chronic tension-type headaches. The yoga will be provided in the form of 6 weekly yoga sessions aimed at providing direct instruction and immediate feedback on postures, breathing, and relaxation techniques in a small group format. The sessions will be led by an experienced yoga instructor who is a part of the study team and have worked with medical patients. A post-yoga 2-month follow-up assessment of self-reported symptoms, mood, and quality of life will also be assessed.

This is a feasibility study to determine if a yoga treatment is received favorably and can be successfully delivered to veterans seeking treatments for post-traumatic and chronic tension-type headaches. This study does not include a comparison group; therefore, we can only make conclusions based on pre to post differences in subjects who participate in the yoga. Our aim for this study is to collect data on the potential benefits of a targeted yoga treatment for symptoms experienced by these subjects, and to then utilize these data to implement a larger study with a comparison group.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria

Eligibility determined at screening will be based on the following inclusion criteria: Mild post traumatic headaches or chronic tension-type headaches, diagnosed by a physician. Inclusion criteria also includes the following: 1). Ability to participate in yoga classes (i.e., no physical limitations, mobility issues, or severe chronic medical issues/symptoms such as severe chronic back pain or injury, amputees, being wheelchair bound), 2). Not current involved in regular yoga of more than an hour of yoga per week in a formal setting, 3). If a woman, not currently pregnant or breast feeding, 4). Ages 18 and up (no maximal age limit), 5). Veterans only (no non-veteran populations), and 6). Not currently suffering from severe psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), a history of psychiatric hospitalization, or current substance abuse or dependence.

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Exclusion Criteria

Exclusion based on the following: 1). Age less than 18 years old (not an adult); 2). Not a veteran; 3). Physical limitations, mobility issues, or severe chronic medical issues that may impede one's ability to participate in yoga classes (e.g., wheelchair bound veterans, amputees, those with severe musculoskeletal or nerve pain or injury such as chronic back pain with significantly limited range of motion); 4). Current severe psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or history of psychiatric hospitalizations; 5). Current substance abuse or dependence; 6). Current regular yoga practice involving more than an hour of yoga per week in a formal setting; and 7). If a woman, currently pregnant or breast feeding.

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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Iyengar-based Yoga TrainingIyengar-based Yoga Training6 weekly Iyengar-based yoga classes
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Symptom relief, headachePost-Treatment, up to 2 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

🇺🇸

Los Angeles, California, United States

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