Yoga Training for Returning Veterans With Headache

The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a yoga treatment for veterans with
mild post-traumatic and chronic tension-type headaches. The yoga will be provided in the
form of 6 weekly yoga sessions aimed at providing direct instruction and immediate feedback
on postures, breathing, and relaxation techniques in a small group format. The sessions will
be led by an experienced yoga instructor who is a part of the study team and have worked
with medical patients. A post-yoga 2-month follow-up assessment of self-reported symptoms,
mood, and quality of life will also be assessed.

This is a feasibility study to determine if a yoga treatment is received favorably and can
be successfully delivered to veterans seeking treatments for post-traumatic and chronic
tension-type headaches. This study does not include a comparison group; therefore, we can
only make conclusions based on pre to post differences in subjects who participate in the
yoga. Our aim for this study is to collect data on the potential benefits of a targeted yoga
treatment for symptoms experienced by these subjects, and to then utilize these data to
implement a larger study with a comparison group.

Inclusion Criteria:

Eligibility determined at screening will be based on the following inclusion criteria:
Mild post traumatic headaches or chronic tension-type headaches, diagnosed by a physician.
Inclusion criteria also includes the following: 1). Ability to participate in yoga classes
(i.e., no physical limitations, mobility issues, or severe chronic medical issues/symptoms
such as severe chronic back pain or injury, amputees, being wheelchair bound), 2). Not
current involved in regular yoga of more than an hour of yoga per week in a formal
setting, 3). If a woman, not currently pregnant or breast feeding, 4). Ages 18 and up (no
maximal age limit), 5). Veterans only (no non-veteran populations), and 6). Not currently
suffering from severe psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), a
history of psychiatric hospitalization, or current substance abuse or dependence.

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion based on the following: 1). Age less than 18 years old (not an adult); 2). Not a
veteran; 3). Physical limitations, mobility issues, or severe chronic medical issues that
may impede one's ability to participate in yoga classes (e.g., wheelchair bound veterans,
amputees, those with severe musculoskeletal or nerve pain or injury such as chronic back
pain with significantly limited range of motion); 4). Current severe psychiatric diagnoses
(e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or history of psychiatric hospitalizations; 5).
Current substance abuse or dependence; 6). Current regular yoga practice involving more
than an hour of yoga per week in a formal setting; and 7). If a woman, currently pregnant
or breast feeding.