Pain Outcomes Comparing Yoga Versus Structured Exercise (POYSE) Trial

A 12-week yoga intervention modified for Veterans with fibromyalgia. Each weekly session will last approximately 75 minutes. The standardized sequence of yoga poses will be introduced to participants and the instructor will tailor them to the participant's needs and abilities. Deep breathing exercises will be taught and emphasized throughout every session. Participants will be encouraged to exercise according to their limits, rather than rigid adherence to posture techniques. The yoga intervention will be tailored to the individual. It will include low intensity, low impact modified poses adapted with pathophysiologic changes of fibromyalgia in mind. Participants will also be given a Playaway(c) device with guided relaxation exercise recorded on it and asked to listen to it three times a week to reinforce the in person yoga session content.

A 12-week group exercise session consisting of a graded aerobic exercise program. The program will start at low intensity with gradual increases in exercise intensity and duration. Each weekly session will last 75 minutes. The fitness instructor will teach participants to use a table-top ergometer at a sub-maximal level, determine baseline fitness, and develop an individualized exercise prescription. The fitness instructor will provide educational tips on exercise and selection of physical activities. Participants will be given a pedometer and heart rate monitor to track their exercise at home. They will also be given an exercise DVD to use at home.