Yoga and Mindfulness Interventions
Interventions that we study include yoga-based interventions and mindfulness interventions. Specifically, we study yoga-based intervention for depression in various populations, including adults, teens, and pregnant women. We also study yoga-based interventions for chronic pain. Mindfulness-based interventions focus on depression and trauma.
Teenthrive 2: Treatments for Improving Mood in Teens
Principal Investigators
Lisa Uebelacker and Shirley Yen
Status
Ongoing
Link to webpage:
[not available yet]
In this initial qualitative study, the research team is seeking feedback from teens about using yoga and group therapy to help teens manage stress or sad mood. We will use this feedback to develop programs that are attractive and available to all teens. Later, we will invite teens to be part of research that tests these programs.
Reclaim Your Day
Principal Investigators
Lisa Uebelacker and Brandon Gaudiano
Status
Ongoing
Link to webpage:
In this research study, we will produce educational videos where older adults who are living well with chronic pain share the wisdom of their experience. We will then use these videos to create an online class to help others navigate their own chronic pain experiences and feel a sense of community. Our aim is to create a class that will inspire others, spark hope, and provide concrete advice on living well with pain.
Finding Peace for Cancer Caregivers
Principal Investigator
Morganne Kraines
Status
Ongoing
Link to webpage:
https://www.butler.org/studies/the-mood-and-thought-process-stud
This qualitative study will enroll 20 individuals and involves a one-time interview with research staff to gather information to inform how to adapt an existing, evidenced-based treatment for caregivers of cancer patients.
The COMPARE Study
Principal Investigators
Louisa Sylvia & Lisa Uebelacker
Status
Ongoing
Website
In this PCORI-funded comparative effectiveness study, we will enroll people with depression across four sites. Participants will be randomly assigned to either virtual behavioral-activation (BA) psychotherapy, or virtual (live, synchronous) yoga classes. We hypothesize that on the group level, the yoga-based intervention will be non-inferior to BA in reducing depression symptom severity. We also plan to look at variables that may explain heterogeneity of treatment effects.

The MAT Process Study
Principal Investigators
Morganne Kraines
Status
Ongoing
Link to webpage:
https://www.butler.org/studies/the-mood-and-thought-process-study
This NCCIH funded study will recruit 76 individuals with depression symptoms who will be randomized to either mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) orhealth education (HE). We will examine whether affective executive functioning (i.e., emotionally-laden inhibition, shifting, and updating) is a mechanism of treatments for depression. We will also examine the time course in which affective executive functioning and depression change over time during treatment.
Peace of Mind and Body Project
Principal Investigators
Lisa Uebelacker & Lauren Weinstock
Status
Completed
In this intervention development project, we are developing and pilot-testing a yoga-based intervention for anger management and emotion regulation for people in prison. This project is funded by NCCIH.
Yoga MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment)
Principal Investigators
Michael Stein & Lisa Uebelacker
Status
Ongoing
Website
We are looking at ways to optimize a yoga intervention for people who are taking methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, and who have chronic pain. Participants are invited to attend a weekly remote yoga class, and are randomly assigned, using a factorial design, to some combination of additional components, including daily text messages, 1:1 meetings with a yoga teachers, study-specific yoga videos, and payment for class attendance. The purpose of this study is to determine which components increase engagement in yoga practice and in weekly personal yoga practice.
