CHPS RESEARCH STUDIES

Yoga, Education, and Nidra (YEN) for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study on Pain Modulation, Well-Being, and Sleep

This study is exploring the effects of Yoga, Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE), and Yoga Nidra on pain modulation, well-being, and sleep in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). We aim to determine whether pairing Yoga and PNE with Yoga Nidra (Pain Acceptance Intention and Motor Imagery) or Relaxing Music improves pain and well-being.

Week 1 – Lab Visit 1 (2 Hours)
Eligibility screening (PAR-Q, blood pressure, sensory tests)
Baseline testing: Pain sensitivity assessments (pressure, heat, cold) + questionnaires
Introduction to the intervention: Private guided familiarization with your assigned Yoga + PNE video

Weeks 2-7 – At-Home Practice
Watch a 45-minute YouTube video (your assigned intervention) 2x per week at your convenience
Confirm completion via REDCap email check-ins

Week 8 – Lab Visit 2 (2 Hours)
Repeat baseline testing to measure changes in pain, well-being, and sleep
Semi-structured interview on your experience with the intervention

Inclusion Qualifications:

  • Ages: 18-75 
  • Chronic low back pain (lasting 3+ months) 
  • Pain intensity: 3/10 or higher in the past 24 hours 
  • Access to email and intern

Exclusion Qualifications:

You may not participate in this research opportunity if any of the following applies to you:
  • Non-English speaking
  • medical conditions that affect sensation, such as diabetes that is not controlled by medication
  • History of surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
  • Any blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia
  • Any condition that would prevent you from direct exposure to ice or icy water, such as:
    • Hypertension that is not controlled by medication (blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg)
    • Cold urticaria (develop hives when exposed to cold)
    • Cryoglobulinemia (condition in which you have abnormal protein in the blood causing the blood to become thick when exposed to cold)
    • Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (autoimmune condition causing the destruction of blood cells after cold exposure)
    • Circulatory compromise (impaired blood flow to your arms and legs)
  • Not be unable to exercise without a medical clearance (assessed on the PAR-Q+ on the first visit)
  • Exceed pressure and heat sensory screening safety thresholds
  • Currently pregnant
  • Unable to access the internet or email 

Participate in this Research

Submitting this form will put you in contact with the main point of contact for this project. They will provide more information and determine if you meet all of the qualifications needed.

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UCF IRB#: STUDY00007741
PI: Violette Gibbs
Recruitment End Date:
February 4, 2026
Location:
Multisite
Time Commitment:
Number of visits: 2
Expected time per visit: 1.5 hours
Point of Contact:
Violette J Gibbs
Faculty Advisors:
Abigail Anderson
Associated Units:
Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation Science
Short URL: https://chps.ucf.edu/study/23132/

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