IYENGAR YOGA THERAPY FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN RESEARCH SUMMARY Low back pain is a considerable health issue in the United States. Results of a recent study showed the efectiveness of Iyengar Yoga compared to standard medical care to reduce chronic low back pain. Compared to standard medical care, Iyengar Yoga participants reported: · greater reduction in disability and pain intensity at 24 weeks · signifcantly reduced depression at 12 and 24 weeks · greater reduction in pain medication usage Shavâsana II Pavanmuktasana Adho-Mukha- Ardha- Supta- Utthita- Bharadvâjâsana Svanâsana Uttânâsana Pâdângushthâsana I Pârshvakonâsana METHOD YOGA POSTURES Ninety (90) participants were Savasana II Supine Utthita Hasta Padasana* randomly assigned to Iyengar Savasana Prone Parsva Hasta Padasana* Yoga or a control group. The Supta Pandangusthasana II Prone Utthita Parsvakonasana* Utthita Trikonasana* control group received Supta Urdhva Hastasana Virabhadrasana II* standard medical care. The Supta Padangusthasana I & II Supta Pavanmuktasana Ardha Chandrasana* Iyengar Yoga group Urdhva Prasarita Padasana Prasarita Padottanasana participated in 24 weeks of Pavanmuktasana Parsvottanasana yoga following a specifc Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana I & II Parivrtta Trikonasana* sequence of poses. Twice Ardha Uttanasana Bharadvajasana weekly, 90-minute classes Uttanasana Utthita Marichyasana were led by a Certifed Adho Mukha Svanasana Dandasana Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) Tadasana Marichyasana III and two assistants. Urdhva Hastasana Adho Mukha Virasana Utthita Padmasana *With support of upper wall rope FOR MORE INFORMATION This information is a summary of "Evaluation of the Efectiveness and Efcacy of Iyengar Yoga Therapy on Chronic Low Back Pain” as published in Spine Journal. Additional information is available in the article "Therapeutic Application of Iyengar Yoga for Healing Chronic Low Back Pain” by Kimberly Williams, Ph.D., CIYT and Lois Steinberg, Ph.D., CIYT from the International Journal of Yoga Therapy available on IYNAUS.ORG. To fnd a Certifed Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) in your area, click on “Find a Teacher” at IYNAUS.ORG.