Effects of Yoga on Pain, Function, and Depression in Individuals with Nonspecific-Low Back Pain

Abstract

IntroductionNSLBP is a chronic symptom that occurs in many age groups worldwide [1], and the prevalence was reported to be 39% across all age groups [2]. It is considered to have various biological and behavioral etiology [3], and it is a multidimensional disease that combines psychosocial factors as well as physical problems [4].In the treatment guidelines for NSLBP, pharmacological interventions, usual care, Tai Chi, Pilates, Yoga, psychological therapy, and complex physical and psychological programs are recommended [5,6]. In the meta-analysis of low back pain, it was reported that stabilization exercise was more effective than general exercise for pain and disability [7]. It has also been associated with high cortisol levels in NSLBP [8], and it is used as a biochemical marker to indicate low back pain when cortisol levels are high [9,10]. The positive effects of yoga reported by Field et al. were mediated by increased vagal activity and decreased cortisol [11].Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of Yoga and stabilization exercise on pain, function, and depression in NSLBP patients.