Effects of Yoga on Pain and Functional Disabilities in Nurses Experiencing Low Back Pain.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of yoga on pain levels and functional disabilities in nurses.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The sample of the study consisted of 91 nurses (Intervention group: 44, control group: 47). Ethics committee and institutional approvals were obtained for the study to be conducted. Data of the study were collected using a questionnaire form, Mcgill Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MASF), Oswestry Functional Disability Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test in independent groups, Paired t-test and chi-square tests were used in the evaluation of the data.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease was found in all sub-dimensions of the MASF scale after the application of the nurses in the intervention group compared to before the application (p < .001). A significant decrease was found in the post-application mean scores of the Oswestry Functional Disability Scale of the nurses in the intervention group (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Four weeks of regular yoga practice reduced pain and functional disability in nurses CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Yoga-based interventions may help nurses maintain physical health and achieve successful pain management.