Results: By the per-protocol analysis, RMDQ (p < 0.05) and back flexibility (p < 0.001) significantly improved in the yoga group (n = 14), whereasthere were no significant differences in the control group (n = 11). Serum cortisol level and total SOSI score significantly decreased in the yoga group (both p < 0.05).
TNF- maintained in the yoga group whereas TNF- significantly increased in the control group (p < 0.01). CRP did notchanged significantly in both groups. The findings from the intention-to-treat analysis were consistent with those of the per-protocol analysis.
Conclusions: The present results suggest that yoga may be an effective treatment for CLBP and stress although the results should be confirmedwith a large-scale randomized controlled trial.© 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.