Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that once-weekly yoga classes are effective for chronic low back pain (cLBP) in\nwhite adults with high socioeconomic status. The comparative effectiveness of twice-weekly classes and generalizability to racially\ndiverse low income populations are unknown. Methods. We conducted a 12-week randomized, parallel-group, dosing trial for 95\nadults recruited from an urban safety-net hospital and five community health centers comparing once-weekly (???? = 49) versus\ntwice-weekly (???? = 46) standardized yoga classes supplemented by home practice. Primary outcomes were change from baseline to\n12 weeks in pain (11-point scale) and back-related function (23-point modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire). Results.\n82% of participants were nonwhite; 77% had annual household incomes <$40,000.The sample�s baseline mean pain intensity [6.9\n(SD 1.6)] and function [13.7 (SD 5.0)] reflected moderate to severe back pain and impairment. Pain and back-related function\nimproved within both groups (???? < 0.001). However, there were no differences between once-weekly and twice-weekly groups\nfor pain reduction [?2.1 (95% CI ?2.9, ?1.3) versus ?2.4 (95% CI ?3.1, ?1.8), ???? = 0.62] or back-related function [?5.1 (95% CI\n?7.0, ?3.2) versus ?4.9 (95% CI ?6.5, ?3.3), ???? = 0.83]. Conclusions. Twelve weeks of once-weekly or twice-weekly yoga classes\nwere similarly effective for predominantly low income minority adults with moderate to severe chronic low back pain. This trial is\nregistered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01761617.
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