Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the lower part of their belly (below the belly button) that lasts for a long time. It’s a pain that keeps coming back and doesn’t go away easily. Sometimes people with pelvic pain have a diagnosed condition like endometriosis or interstitial cystitis, but often it’s not clear why people have pelvic pain. This kind of pain can make it hard for people to do their normal activities. ​​

If you are accepted into the main part of this study, you would be in this study for up to 7 months, attend up to 6 video study visits, and have 2 phone calls with the research team. For 2 of the early months, you would take part in Zoom video-based yoga or physical conditioning classes twice a week. For 2 months after that, you would have the option of continued Zoom-based yoga or physical conditioning classes up to once a week. In addition, you would be asked to practice yoga or physical conditioning exercises on your own each week.

Zoom is a computer program or app that lets people have online meetings, classes, or chats. With Zoom, you can see and talk to other people on your screen, even if they are far away. It’s like a video call where many people can join in at the same time. People use Zoom for work, school, or just to catch up with friends and family. In the POPPY study, participants will meet with the study team by Zoom and take part in group classes by Zoom.

Your other options may include: ​ Getting care for your pelvic pain without being in this study​ Taking part in another study if you are interested and one is available​

The usual care for pelvic pain depends on what healthcare providers believe to be causing the pelvic pain. Usual care may include medications (including pain medications), surgery for conditions contributing to pelvic pain, physical therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Sometimes people report no benefit from usual care for their pelvic pain. In the POPPY study, people will be able to continue their normal medications for pelvic pain.​

About 220 people will take part in the main part of this study. ​

This study is being paid for by the National Institutes of Health. There is no commercial sponsorship for this study.​

In this study, you will be put into a group by chance. How your group is chosen is like flipping a coin or rolling dice. You have a 50% chance of being randomized to each group. ​ If you are assigned to the Yoga Practice Program, you will receive the schedule and instructions on preparing for that program. ​ If you are assigned to the Physical Conditioning Program, you will receive the schedule and instructions on preparing for that program. ​ ​

Yoga is a kind of exercise that originally came from India. It involves doing different poses and stretches with your body, while also focusing on your breathing. People do yoga to become stronger, more flexible, and to feel more relaxed and calm. It’s like a workout for both your body and your mind.

Physical conditioning involves low-impact exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles throughout the body. In the POPPY study, physical conditioning exercises will focus on the muscles in the arms, legs, and some parts of the trunk of the body. Exercises will avoid the pelvic area, to avoid making people’s pelvic pain worse.

Don’t worry if you don’t think you can do all the poses or exercises in the study. It is perfectly normal. Everyone is different, and the instructor will modify poses or exercises to suit your abilities and needs. It is important to listen to your body when learning to practice yoga or conditioning exercises.

About 6-8 people will be assigned to each group class, sometimes up to 10 people. ​

Each class is about 75 minutes (60 minutes for the main class, and 15 minutes for wind down)​