Effects of Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) Yoga on chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic Low back pain (LBP) is among the most prevalent conditions distressing the adult population worldwide. The use of complementary and alternative medicinal (CAM) therapies for the management of LBP have rapidly gained popularity, where Yoga is being widely used as mind-body CAM therapy for relieving back pain. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of Sphinx Yoga Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana), in managing CLBP and to measure the variations in the disability index, quality of life, and stress scores.

Methodology: A randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted including the Nurses and midwives. Numerical Pain Rating (NPR) Scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) will be used for initial screening. Subjects meeting inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either of the study group i.e. Group A (Experimental) and Group B (Control). The Group A subjects will be assigned with Sphinx Yoga therapy for 12 weeks while group B subjects will be assigned to usual care. Pre and post samples will be collected for Substance P (SP), Beta Endorphins (β-Endorphin), and Cortisol. Moreover, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability index, World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) and Sadaf Stress Scale (SSS), will be used at baseline and after 12 weeks follow-up (post-intervention).

Discussion: Offering a 12-week Yoga therapy to the subjects with CLBP might give an insight into its application and efficacy. To be precise, the findings of this research will support the wider implementation of Sphinx Yoga as a lifestyle intervention.

Trial registration: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04721639).