Research Category: Yoga & Mindfulness for Concussion, TBI, Stroke and Neurological Conditions
Research Letter: Safety, Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Findings From Veterans’ Intervention Blending NeuRomodulation and Yoga for Chronic PaiN Treatment: VIBRANT–MTBI and Chronic Pain Pilot
First study to evaluate the safety and preliminary effectiveness of combining brain stimulation with LoveYourBrain Yoga for veterans living with chronic pain after mild traumatic brain injury
Journal: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
Year: 2025
Authors: Kelly et al.
Chronic pain affects up to 75% of veterans living with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), yet effective non-drug treatments remain limited. Researchers developed a novel intervention that paired intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)—a brief form of non-invasive brain stimulation—with the evidence-based LoveYourBrain Yoga program.
In this pilot study, veterans received six weekly sessions of iTBS immediately followed by LoveYourBrain Yoga. The LoveYourBrain Yoga psychoeducation material was adapted to focus on education about managing chronic pain through a mindfulness lens. The primary goal of the study was to determine whether the combined intervention was safe, feasible, and acceptable before testing it in a larger clinical trial. Researchers also examined whether participants experienced improvements in chronic pain following treatment.
Summary
Key Findings
✔ More than 70% of participants completed all six sessions, demonstrating the program was feasible for veterans living with chronic pain and brain injury
✔ Participants rated the program very highly, with most describing it as excellent and saying they would recommend it to others
✔ Veterans experienced a significant reduction in pain severity after completing the program
✔ Researchers found promising improvements in how much pain interfered with daily life, supporting the need for larger clinical trials
✔ The combined neuromodulation and LoveYourBrain Yoga program was safe, with no serious adverse events reported
Study Details
Pilot clinical trial
Open-label, single-group design
Six-week intervention
Weekly intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) immediately followed by LoveYourBrain Yoga
19 veterans enrolled; 14 began treatment; 10 completed all six sessions
Adults with mild traumatic brain injury and chronic musculoskeletal pain
Primary outcomes: safety, feasibility, and acceptability
Secondary outcomes: pain severity and pain interference using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)
Impact and Conclusions
This study demonstrated that combining intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) with LoveYourBrain Yoga is a safe, feasible, and well accepted intervention for veterans living with chronic mild traumatic brain injury and chronic pain. Participants completed the program at high rates, reported excellent satisfaction, and experienced meaningful reductions in pain severity.
While larger randomized controlled trials are needed, these early findings suggest that pairing neuromodulation with an evidence-based, TBI-specific yoga program may offer a promising non-pharmacological treatment option for managing chronic pain after brain injury.
What this means for you
Treating chronic pain after brain injury may benefit from approaches that address both the brain and the body. This study suggests that combining brain stimulation with LoveYourBrain Yoga is not only safe and well tolerated, but may also help reduce pain while providing veterans with an accessible, holistic treatment option that complements traditional rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked
Questions
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Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) temporarily increases activity in areas of the brain involved in pain processing and movement. Practicing LoveYourBrain Yoga immediately afterward may help reinforce healthy movement, relaxation, and coping strategies during this period of increased neuroplasticity.
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In this pilot study, participants experienced a significant reduction in pain severity after completing the six-week program. Researchers also observed improvements in how much pain interfered with everyday activities, although larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Yes. Researchers found no serious adverse events during the study. Most participants tolerated both the brain stimulation and yoga well, with headaches being the most common temporary side effect. Participants also rated the program highly and reported that the yoga was adaptable to their individual needs.
LoveYourBrain programs based on this study
Related Studies
LoveYourBrain Yoga in Outpatient Clinical Settings for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury
Neuromodulation & Yoga for Veterans with Chronic Pain & TBI