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Table 4 Twelve-week standardized hatha yoga protocol

From: Yoga vs. physical therapy vs. education for chronic low back pain in predominantly minority populations: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Yoga posture (Asana)

Classes incorporating posture by segment

Total classes incorporating posture

 

Segment 1 weeks 1–3

Segment 2 weeks 4–6

Segment 3 weeks 7–9

Segment 4 weeks 10–12

 
 

Opening to something greater

Listening to the wisdom of the body

Engaging your power

Bringing it home

 

Svasana relaxation and breathing exercises

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Knee to chest*

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Knee together twist*

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Pelvic tilt*

✓

✓

✓

 

9

Cat and cow pose (and modifications)*

✓

✓

✓

 

9

Chair pose (and modifications)*

✓

✓

✓

 

9

Shoulder opener*

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Crescent moon (and modifications)*

✓

✓

✓

 

9

Mountain pose (and modifications)*

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Chair twists, standing and seated

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Child’s pose*

✓

 

✓

✓

9

Cobra (and modifications)*

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Bridge pose* (with and without support)

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Reclining cobbler*

✓

✓

✓

 

9

Downward facing dog (and at wall)*

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

Triangle pose (with and without the wall)

 

✓

✓

✓

9

Locust pose*

✓

✓

  

6

Sphinx*

 

✓

✓

✓

9

Standing forward bend at wall*

 

✓

✓

✓

9

Warrior pose*

  

✓

✓

6

Extended leg pose*

 

✓

✓

✓

9

Sun salutations

   

✓

3

Baby dancer pose*

   

✓

3

Spinal rolls

   

✓

3

Svasana integrative relaxation

✓

✓

✓

✓

12

  1. The hatha yoga protocol developed for chronic low back pain patients consists of 12 weekly 75-min yoga classes divided into four 3-week segments. Each segment has a theme. The exercises for each segment are indicated in the table. Each class begins and ends with a relaxation exercise. The protocol provides for modifications of poses to accommodate different abilities.
  2. *Exercises included in the DVD provided to participants for home practice.