Table 4. Twelve week standardized hatha yoga protocol

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 / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Knee to Chest* / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Knee Together Twist* / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Pelvic Tilt* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Cat and Cow Pose (and modifications)* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Chair Pose (and modifications )* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Shoulder Opener* / ü / ü / ü / ü  / 12
Crescent Moon (and modifications )* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Mountain Pose (and modifications)* / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Chair twists, standing and seated / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Child's Pose* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Cobra (and modified)* / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Bridge Pose* (with and without support) / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Reclining Cobbler* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Downward Facing Dog (and at wall)* / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12
Triangle Pose (with and without the wall) / ü / ü / ü / 9
Locust Pose* / ü / ü / 6
Sphinx* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Standing forward bend at wall* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Warrior Pose* / ü / ü / 6
Extended Leg Pose* / ü / ü / ü / 9
Sun Salutations / ü / 3
Baby Dancer Pose* / ü / 3
Spinal Rolls / ü / 3
Svasana Integrative Relaxation / ü / ü / ü / ü / 12

The hatha yoga protocol developed for chronic low back pain patients consisted of twelve weekly 75 minute yoga classes divided into four 3-week segments. Each segment was given a theme. The exercises for each segment are indicated in the table. Each class began and ended with a relaxation exercise. The protocol provided for variations of poses to accommodate different abilities.

* Exercises included in the DVD provided to participants for home practice.