Research area: Innovations in Clinical Practice
Perspectives Among Veterans with Chronic Pain and Co-Occurring Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Mixed-Method Findings from a Neuromodulation and Yoga Intervention
First study to explore veterans' experiences of combining brain stimulation and LoveYourBrain Yoga for chronic pain after mild traumatic brain injury
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH)
Year: 2026
Authors: Krese et al.
Chronic pain is one of the most common long-term challenges following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), especially among veterans. While both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and yoga have independently been shown to reduce pain, little was known about how veterans experience combining these treatments. This mixed-methods pilot study evaluated a six-week intervention that paired intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, with the evidence-based LoveYourBrain Yoga program. The LoveYourBrain Yoga psychoeducation material was adapted to focus on education about managing chronic pain through a mindfulness lens. Researchers combined standardized outcome measures with in-depth interviews to better understand how participants experienced changes in pain, quality of life, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. The purpose was to inform a larger clinical trial to establish the effectiveness of combining neuromodulation with yoga as a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing chronic pain and building practical skills for long-term self-management.
Summary
Key Findings
✔ Veterans reported reduced pain and improved ability to manage chronic pain
✔ Significant improvements in fatigue and grief/loss related to brain injury
✔ Participants described increased confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being
✔ Veterans gained practical breathing and mindfulness tools they could use independently
✔ Participants reported stronger social connections and greater engagement in daily life
Mixed-methods pilot study (quantitative + qualitative)
Open-label, single-group design
6-week intervention
Weekly intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) immediately followed by LoveYourBrain Yoga
10 Veterans completed the full intervention
Adults with mild traumatic brain injury and chronic musculoskeletal pain
Outcomes included quality of life, functioning, and participant interviews
Study Details
Impact and Conclusions
Results demonstrated that veterans experienced benefits that extended beyond pain reduction. Quantitative findings showed significant improvements in fatigue and grief/loss, while interviews revealed meaningful improvements in pain self-management, confidence, emotional well-being, and social connection. Participants consistently described gaining practical breathing, mindfulness, and movement strategies they could use in everyday life to manage pain and improve functioning. Together, these findings suggest that combining neuromodulation with LoveYourBrain Yoga may offer a promising, non-pharmacological approach to supporting both symptom management and long-term quality of life after mild traumatic brain injury.
What this means for you
Healing from chronic pain after brain injury involves more than reducing pain—it also means helping people regain confidence, develop practical self-management skills, reconnect with others, and improve their quality of life. This study suggests that combining neuromodulation with LoveYourBrain Yoga may support recovery across these physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
Frequently Asked
Questions
LYB Programs Based on this Research
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Brain stimulation may temporarily increase the brain's ability to adapt and change (neuroplasticity). Practicing yoga immediately afterward may help reinforce healthy movement patterns, stress regulation, and coping skills during this window of enhanced brain plasticity.
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This study suggests they can. Veterans reported improvements in pain, fatigue, emotional well-being, and daily functioning, while also learning breathing, mindfulness, and movement techniques they could continue using outside of the program. Although larger studies are needed, these early findings are encouraging.
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No, researchers found the combined brain stimulation and LoveYourBrain Yoga to be safe and feasible, with no serious adverse events reported. Participants described the yoga practices as adaptable to their individual needs and appreciated learning techniques they could continue using in everyday life. Larger clinical trials are underway to further evaluate safety and effectiveness.
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