This study is now closed.

Be A Part of the Yoga MAT Study 

The Yoga MAT Study is testing a yoga intervention that involves 12 weeks of online yoga classes for people with chronic pain who are prescribed methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone). 

For all participants, the study includes: 

• Free weekly gentle online yoga classes designed for people with chronic pain who are new to yoga
• Short weekly check-ins and monthly follow-up interviews over the phone with staff.
• Payment of up to $240 for participating

Participants receive a cell phone with a 3-month prepaid data plan and a yoga mat. They may keep the phone and mat after the study ends.  

Some participants may have the chance to receive other things that may support yoga practice, such as two individual meetings with a yoga teacher or daily text messages about yoga. 

To sign up, fill out this online form and one of our staff will follow up with you right away.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is yoga and how can it help me?

• Yoga is an ancient practice designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Yoga includes postures, breathing exercises, and brief meditation to help you listen to your body and experience a sense of calm and self-compassion.
• Yoga can offer new ways of coping with pain and discomfort.
• The more you practice yoga in classes and on your own, the more it can help you live a full life.

Is yoga a religious/spiritual practice?

• Not necessarily! Study yoga classes are not oriented toward any religion. 

What are Yoga MAT classes like?

• Our yoga classes are live and online, meaning that you would be taking the classes with a real teacher over video.
• Our yoga classes are free of cost to those who are eligible and enroll in the study.
• Classes are designed to be gentle, for people who experience chronic pain. All of the poses and breathing exercises can be done standing or sitting in a chair. Teachers customize the classes to your ability and needs.
• Each class is 60 minutes long, with no more than 8 students. Students can see and hear the teacher during class, but cannot see other students during the main part of class.

How much experience do the Yoga MAT teachers have?

• All of our teachers are Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs) at the Yoga Alliance, a professional organization which sets standards for yoga teacher training.

I have physical limitations. Can I still do yoga?

• Yes! Depending on the nature of your limitations, yoga may still be safe and beneficial to you.
• Before you enroll, one of our staff will go through a list of questions to make sure yoga is safe for you.

What information will be collected? How is my information protected? 

• This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. It is overseen by regulatory agencies that are set up to protect research participants.
• All personal information and survey responses are stored in a password-protected, secure database that only our staff has access to.
• We keep your name and contact information safe– the way we keep other medical information confidential.