Social cognitive theory driven yoga intervention as a complementary therapy for osteoarthritis of the knees

Arthritis affects nearly 70 million Americans making it the most prevalent disease in the United States. The emphasis in treatment of arthritis relies heavily on self management. Yoga has been recommended as a supportive self management therapy in arthritis. The purpose of this study is to test an innovative social cognitive theory driven yoga-based behavioral intervention as a complementary therapy for osteoarthritis of the knees and to compare it with a control group receiving usual and customary therapy. In a preliminary study with healthy volunteers, the social cognitive theory based yoga intervention of 75 minute sessions that taught low physical impact postures (asana), relaxation (shava asana), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) over a period of six weeks has been developed and pilot-tested. In another preliminary study using a pre-test post test design yoga intervention has been tested with arthritis patients but the period of six weeks was found to be insufficient. The present study utilizes an experimental design extended over a period of six months. The primary dependent variables for comparisons between experimental and control groups are (1) health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) disability index score, (2) health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) pain score, (3) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score for pain, (4) WOMAC score for stiffness, and (5) WOMAC score for physical function. Each of the dependent variable is tested using the one between-groups and one within-subjects statistical design. Recommendations for developing and testing future interventions are presented.