Effects of yoga program on quality of life and affect in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial. A pilot study of yoga for breast cancer survivors: physical and psychological benefits. Effects of a Yoga Program on Cortisol Rhythm and Mood States in Early Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Quality of life in patients with breast cancer before and after diagnosis: an eighteen months follow-up study Randomized controlled pilot trial of yoga in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors: effects on quality of life and anthropometric measures Impact of Relaxation Training According to Yoga in Daily Life® System on Perceived Stress After Breast Cancer Surgery Restorative yoga for women with breast cancer: findings from a randomized pilot study. Effect of Iyengar yoga practice on fatigue and diurnal salivary cortisol concentration in breast cancer survivors Yoga of Awareness program for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: results from a randomized trial Influence of yoga on mood states, distress, quality of life and immune outcomes in early stage breast cancer patients undergoing surgery Anxiolytic effects of a yoga program in early breast cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment: a randomized controlled trial. Yoga improves quality of life and benefit finding in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Influence of yoga on postoperative outcomes and wound healing in early operable breast cancer patients undergoing surgery Effects of yoga on symptom management in breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial Randomized controlled trial of yoga among a multiethnic sample of breast cancer patients: effects on quality of life. Supportive care: large studies ease yoga, exercise into mainstream oncology.
OBJECTIVES This study compares the effects of an integrated yoga program with brief supportive therapy in breast cancer out patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy at a cancer centre . METHODS Eighty-eight stage II and III breast cancer out patients were r and omly assigned to receive yoga ( n = 44 ) or brief supportive therapy ( n = 44 ) prior to their radiotherapy treatment . Intervention consisted of yoga sessions lasting 60 min daily while the control group was imparted supportive therapy once in 10 days . Assessment s included European Organization for Research in the Treatment of Cancer- Quality of Life ( EORTCQoL C30 ) functional scales and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule ( PANAS ) . Assessment s were done at baseline and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy treatment . RESULTS An intention to treat GLM repeated measures ANOVA showed significant difference across groups over time for positive affect , negative affect and emotional function and social function . There was significant improvement in positive affect ( ES = 0.59 , p = 0.007 , 95%CI 1.25 to 7.8 ) , emotional function ( ES = 0.71 , p = 0.001 , 95%CI 6.45 to 25.33 ) and cognitive function ( ES = 0.48 , p = 0.03 , 95%CI 1.2 to 18.5 ) , and decrease in negative affect ( ES = 0.84 , p<0.001 , 95%CI -13.4 to -4.4 ) in the yoga group as compared to controls . There was a significant positive correlation between positive affect with role function , social function and global quality of life . There was a significant negative correlation between negative affect with physical function , role function , emotional function and social function . CONCLUSION The results suggest a possible role for yoga to improve quality of life and affect in breast cancer out patients BACKGROUND Physical activity provides a number of physical and psychological benefits to cancer survivors , including lessening the impact of detrimental cancer-related symptoms and treatment side-effects ( e.g. fatigue , nausea ) , and improving overall well-being and quality of life . The purpose of the present pilot study was to examine the physical and psychological benefits afforded by a 7-week yoga program for cancer survivors . METHOD Eligible participants ( per-screened with PAR-Q/PAR-MED-X ) were r and omly assigned to either the  intervention ( n=20 ) or control group ( n=18 ) . All participants completed pre- and post-testing assessment s immediately before and after the yoga program , respectively . RESULTS The yoga program participants ( M age=51.18 ( 10.33 ) ; 92 % female ) included primarily breast cancer survivors , on average 55.95 ( 54.39 ) months post-diagnosis . Significant differences between the intervention and the control group at post-intervention were seen only in psychosocial ( i.e. global quality of life , emotional function , and diarrhea ) variables ( all p 's < 0.05 ) . There were also trends for group differences , in the hypothesized directions , for the psychosocial variables of emotional irritability , gastrointestinal symptoms , cognitive disorganization , mood disturbance , tension , depression , and confusion ( all p 's < 0.10 ) . Finally , there were also significant improvements in both the program participants and the controls from pre- to post-intervention on a number of physical fitness variables . CONCLUSIONS These initial findings suggest that yoga has significant potential and should be further explored as a beneficial physical activity option for cancer survivors . Future research might attempt to include a broader range of participants ( e.g. other types of cancer diagnoses , male subjects ) , a larger sample size , and a longer program duration in an RCT Objectives . This study compares the effects of an integrated yoga program with brief supportive therapy in breast cancer out patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy at a cancer center . Methods . Eighty-eight stage II and III breast cancer out patients are r and omly assigned to receive yoga ( n = 44 ) or brief supportive therapy ( n = 44 ) prior to radiotherapy treatment . Assessment s include diurnal salivary cortisol levels 3 days before and after  radiotherapy  and self-ratings of anxiety , depression , and stress collected before and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy . Results . Analysis of covariance reveals significant decreases in anxiety ( P < .001 ) , depression ( P = .002 ) , perceived stress ( P < .001 ) , 6 a.m. salivary cortisol ( P = .009 ) , and pooled mean cortisol ( P = .03 ) in the yoga group compared with controls . There is a significant positive correlation between morning salivary cortisol level and anxiety and depression . Conclusion . Yoga might have a role in managing self-reported psychological distress and modulating circadian patterns of stress hormones in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy Background Measuring quality of life in breast cancer patients is of importance in assessing treatment outcomes . This study examined the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment on quality of life of women with breast cancer . Methods This was a prospect i ve study of quality of life in breast cancer patients .  Quality of life was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer  Quality of Life Question naire ( EORTC QLQ-C30 ) and its breast cancer supplementary measure ( QLQ-BR23 ) at three points in time : baseline ( pre diagnosis ) , three months after initial treatment and one year after completion of treatment ( in all 18 months follow-up ) . At baseline the question naires were administered to all suspected identified patients while both patients and the interviewer were blind to the final diagnosis . Socio-demographic and clinical data included : age , education , marital status , disease stage and initial treatment . Repeated measure analysis was performed to compare quality of life differences over the time . Results In all , 167 patients diagnosed with breast cancer . The mean age of breast cancer patients was 47.2 ( SD = 13.5 ) years and the vast majority ( 82.6 % ) underwent mastectomy . At eighteen months follow-up data for 99 patients were available for analysis . The results showed there were significant differences in patients ' functioning and global quality of life at three points in time ( P < 0.001 ) . Although there were deteriorations in patients ' scores for body image and sexual functioning , there were significant improvements for breast symptoms , systematic therapy side effects and patients ' future perspective ( P < 0.05 ) . Conclusion The findings suggest that overall breast cancer patients perceived benefit from their cancer treatment in long-term . However , patients reported problems with global quality of life , pain , arm symptoms and body image even after 18 months following their treatments . In addition , most of the functional scores did not improve Purpose To obtain estimates of time to recruit the study sample , retention , facility-based class attendance and home practice for a study of yoga in breast cancer survivors , and its efficacy on fatigue , quality of life ( QOL ) , and weight change . Methods Sixty-three post-treatment stages 0–III borderline overweight and obese ( body mass index ≥24 kg/m2 ) breast cancer survivors were r and omly assigned to a 6-month , facility- and home-based viniyoga intervention ( n = 32 ) or a waitlist control group ( n = 31 ) . The yoga goal was five practice s per week . Primary outcome measures were changes in QOL , fatigue , and weight from baseline to 6 months . Secondary outcomes included changes in waist and hip circumference . Results It took 12 months to complete recruitment . Participants attended a mean of 19.6 classes and practice d at home a mean of 55.8 times during the 6-month period . At follow-up , 90 % of participants completed question naires and 87 % completed anthropometric measurements . QOL and fatigue improved to a greater extent among women in the yoga group relative to women in the control group , although no differences were statistically significant . Waist circumference decreased 3.1 cm ( 95 % CI , −5.7 and −0.4 ) more among women in the yoga compared with the control group , with no difference in weight change . Conclusions This study provides important information regarding recruitment , retention , and practice levels achieved during a 6-month , intensive yoga intervention in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors .  Yoga may help decrease waist circumference and improve quality of life ; future studies are needed to confirm these results The purpose of this pilot study was to gather information on the immediate and short-term effects of relaxation training according to Yoga In Daily Life ® ( YIDL ) system on the psychological distress of breast cancer patients . 32 patients at the Institute for Oncology of Ljubljana were r and omized to the experimental ( N = 16 ) and to the control group ( N = 16 ) . Both groups received the same st and ard physiotherapy for 1 week , while the experimental group additionally received a group relaxation training sessions according to YIDL ® system . At discharge the experimental group was issued with audiocassette recordings containing the similar instructions for relaxation training to be practice d individually at home ( for further 3 weeks ) . An experimental repeated measures design was used to investigate the differences over 1 month period in stress levels , changes in mental health and psychological parameters . Measures were obtained at three time points during the study period : baseline , at 1 week , and at 4 weeks , by blinded investigators using st and ardized question naires General Health Question naire-12 ( GHQ-12 ) , Rotterdam Symptom Checklist ( RSCL ) psychological subscale , Perceived Stress Scale ( PSS ) . Patients who received relaxation training reported feeling significantly less distressed during hospitalization and after discharge-period than did the controls that did not receive relaxation training . The results indicate that relaxation training according to Yoga in Daily Life ® system could be useful clinical physiotherapy intervention for breast cancer patients experiencing psychological distress . Although this kind of relaxation training can be applied to clinical oncology in Slovenia , more studies need to be done OBJECTIVES Restorative yoga ( RY ) is a gentle type of yoga that may be beneficial for cancer patients and post-treatment survivors . Study goals were : to determine the feasibility of implementing a RY intervention for women with breast cancer ; and to examine group differences in self-reported emotional , health-related quality of life , and symptom outcomes . METHODS Women with breast cancer ( n=44 ; mean age 55.8 years ) enrolled in this study ; 34 % were actively undergoing cancer treatment . Study participants were r and omized to the intervention ( 10 weekly 75-minute RY classes ) or a waitlist control group . Participants completed question naires at Week 0 ( baseline ) and Week 10 ( immediately post-intervention for the yoga group ) . RESULTS Group differences favoring the yoga group were seen for mental health , depression , positive affect , and spirituality ( peace/meaning ) . Significant baseline*group interactions were observed for negative affect and emotional well-being . Women with higher negative affect and lower emotional well-being at baseline derived greater benefit from the yoga intervention compared to those with similar values at baseline in the control group . The yoga group demonstrated a significant within-group improvement in fatigue ; no significant difference was noted for the control group . CONCLUSIONS Although limited by sample size , these pilot data suggest potential benefit of RY on emotional outcomes and fatigue in cancer patients . This study demonstrates that a RY intervention is feasible for women with breast cancer ; implication s for study design and implementation are noted with an emphasis on program adoption and participant adherence Purpose : To examine the effect of regular Iyengar yoga practice on measures of self‐perceived psychosocial function and diurnal salivary cortisol secretion in stage II – IV breast cancer survivors ( n = 18 ) . Data sources : Women were r and omly assigned to attend yoga practice for 90 min twice weekly for 8 weeks ( n = 9 ) or to a wait‐listed , noninterventional control group ( n = 9 ) . Traditional Iyengar yoga routines that progressively increased in difficulty as participants gained strength and flexibility were used . At baseline and after the 8‐week study period , women completed self‐report instruments to document various aspects of psychosocial and physical functioning , and collected salivary sample s for cortisol analysis four times during the day for two consecutive days . Conclusions : The yoga group had lower morning and 5 p.m. salivary cortisol and improved emotional well‐being and fatigue scores . Implication s for practice : Breast cancer survivors are at risk for chronic psychosocial distress that may alter activity of the hypothalamic – pituitary – adrenal axis , result ing in aberrant regulation of cortisol secretion and increased risk of immune dysfunction and cancer progression . Regular yoga practice may be a low‐risk , cost‐effective way to improve psychosocial functioning , fatigue , and regulation of cortisol secretion in breast cancer survivors . These findings require validation with a larger r and omized study Goal of workBreast cancer survivors have limited options for the treatment of hot flashes and related symptoms . Further , therapies widely used to prevent recurrence in survivors , such as tamoxifen , tend to induce or exacerbate menopausal symptoms . The aim of this preliminary , r and omized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a yoga intervention on menopausal symptoms in a sample of survivors of early-stage breast cancer ( stages IA – IIB ) . Material s and methods Thirty-seven disease-free women experiencing hot flashes were r and omized to the 8-week Yoga of Awareness program ( gentle yoga poses , meditation , and breathing exercises ) or to wait-list control . The primary outcome was daily reports of hot flashes collected at baseline , posttreatment , and 3 months after treatment via an interactive telephone system . Data were analyzed by intention to treat . Main results At posttreatment , women who received the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements relative to the control condition in hot-flash frequency , severity , and total scores and in levels of joint pain , fatigue , sleep disturbance , symptom-related bother , and vigor . At 3 months follow-up , patients maintained their treatment gains in hot flashes , joint pain , fatigue , symptom-related bother , and vigor and showed additional significant gains in negative mood , relaxation , and acceptance . Conclusions This pilot study provides promising support for the beneficial effects of a comprehensive yoga program for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in early-stage breast cancer survivors Context : Breast cancer patients awaiting surgery experience heightened distress that could affect postoperative outcomes . Aims : The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of yoga intervention on mood states , treatment-related symptoms , quality of life and immune outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery . Setting s and Design : Ninety-eight recently diagnosed stage II and III breast cancer patients were recruited for a r and omized controlled trial comparing the effects of a yoga program with supportive therapy plus exercise rehabilitation on postoperative outcomes following surgery . Material s and Methods : Subjects were assessed prior to surgery and four weeks thereafter . Psychometric instruments were used to assess self-reported anxiety , depression , treatment-related distress and quality of life . Blood sample s were collected for enumeration of T lymphocyte subsets ( CD4 % , CD8 % and natural killer ( NK ) cell % counts ) and serum immunoglobulins ( IgG , IgA and IgM ) . Statistical Analysis Used : We used analysis of covariance to compare interventions postoperatively . Results : Sixty-nine patients contributed data to the current analysis ( yoga n = 33 , control n = 36 ) . The results suggest a significant decrease in the state ( P = 0.04 ) and trait ( P = 0.004 ) of anxiety , depression ( P = 0.01 ) , symptom severity ( P = 0.01 ) , distress ( P < 0.01 ) and improvement in quality of life ( P = 0.01 ) in the yoga group as compared to the controls . There was also a significantly lesser decrease in CD 56 % ( P = 0.02 ) and lower levels of serum IgA ( P = 0.001 ) in the yoga group as compared to controls following surgery . Conclusions : The results suggest possible benefits for yoga in reducing postoperative distress and preventing immune suppression following surgery OBJECTIVES This study compares the anxiolytic effects of a yoga program and supportive therapy in breast cancer out patients undergoing conventional treatment at a cancer centre . METHODS Ninety-eight stage II and III breast cancer out patients were r and omly assigned to receive yoga ( n=45 ) or brief supportive therapy ( n=53 ) prior to their primary treatment i.e. , surgery . Only those subjects who received surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and six cycles of chemotherapy were chosen for analysis following intervention ( yoga , n=18 , control , n=20 ) . Intervention consisted of yoga sessions lasting 60min daily while the control group was imparted supportive therapy during their hospital visits as a part of routine care . Assessment s included Speilberger 's State Trait Anxiety Inventory and symptom checklist . Assessment s were done at baseline , after surgery , before , during , and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy . RESULTS A GLM-repeated measures ANOVA showed overall decrease in both self-reported state anxiety ( p<0.001 ) and trait anxiety ( p=0.005 ) in yoga group as compared to controls . There was a positive correlation between anxiety states and traits with symptom severity and distress during conventional treatment intervals . CONCLUSION The results suggest that yoga can be used for managing treatment-related symptoms and anxiety in breast cancer out patients This study examined the effects of yoga on quality of life ( QOL ) and psychosocial outcomes in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy . Sixty-one women were r and omly assigned to either a yoga or a wait-list group . Yoga classes were taught biweekly during the 6 weeks of radiotherapy . Participants completed measures of QOL , fatigue , benefit finding ( finding meaning in the cancer experience ) , intrusive thoughts , sleep disturbances , depressive symptoms , and anxiety before radiotherapy and then again 1 week , 1 month , and 3 months after the end of radiotherapy . General linear model analyses revealed that compared to the control group , the yoga group reported significantly better general health perception ( p = .005 ) and physical functioning scores ( p = .04 ) 1 week postradiotherapy ; higher levels of intrusive thoughts 1 month postradiotherapy ( p = .01 ) ; and greater benefit finding 3 months postradiotherapy ( p = .01 ) . There were no other group differences in other QOL subscales for fatigue , depression , or sleep scores . Exploratory analyses indicated that intrusive thoughts 1 month after radiotherapy were significantly positively correlated with benefit finding 3 months after radiotherapy ( r = .36 , p = .011 ) . Our results indicated that the yoga program was associated with statistically and clinical ly significant improvements in aspects of QOL Context : Pre- and postoperative distress in breast cancer patients can cause complications and delay recovery from surgery . Objective : The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of yoga intervention on postoperative outcomes and wound healing in early operable breast cancer patients undergoing surgery . Methods : Ninety-eight recently diagnosed stage II and III breast cancer patients were recruited in a r and omized controlled trial comparing the effects of a yoga program with supportive therapy and exercise rehabilitation on postoperative outcomes and wound healing following surgery . Subjects were assessed at the baseline prior to surgery and four weeks later . Sociodemographic , clinical and investigative notes were ascertained in the beginning of the study . Blood sample s were collected for estimation of plasma cytokines — soluble Interleukin (IL)-2 receptor ( IL-2R ) , tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma . Postoperative outcomes such as the duration of hospital stay and drain retention , time of suture removal and postoperative complications were ascertained . We used independent sample s t test and nonparametric Mann Whitney U tests to compare groups for postoperative outcomes and plasma cytokines . Regression analysis was done to determine predictors for postoperative outcomes . Results : Sixty-nine patients contributed data to the current analysis ( yoga : n = 33 , control : n = 36 ) . The results suggest a significant decrease in the duration of hospital stay ( P = 0.003 ) , days of drain retention ( P = 0.001 ) and days for suture removal ( P = 0.03 ) in the yoga group as compared to the controls . There was also a significant decrease in plasma TNF alpha levels following surgery in the yoga group ( P < 0.001 ) , as compared to the controls . Regression analysis on postoperative outcomes showed that the yoga intervention affected the duration of drain retention and hospital stay as well as TNF alpha levels . Conclusion : The results suggest possible benefits of yoga in reducing postoperative complications in breast cancer patients Objectives : This study compares the effects of an integrated yoga program with brief supportive therapy on distressful symptoms in breast cancer out patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy . Material s and Methods : Eighty-eight stage II and III breast cancer out patients were r and omly assigned to receive yoga ( n = 44 ) or brief supportive therapy ( n = 44 ) prior to their radiotherapy treatment . Intervention consisted of yoga sessions lasting 60 min daily while the control group was imparted supportive therapy once in 10 days during the course of their adjuvant radiotherapy . Assessment s included Rotterdam Symptom Check List and European Organization for Research in the Treatment of Cancer— Quality of Life ( EORTC QoL C30 ) symptom scale . Assessment s were done at baseline and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy treatment . Results : A GLM repeated- measures ANOVA showed a significant decrease in psychological distress ( P = 0.01 ) , fatigue ( P = 0.007 ) , insomnia ( P = 0.001 ) , and appetite loss ( P = 0.002 ) over time in the yoga group as compared to controls . There was significant improvement in the activity level ( P = 0.02 ) in the yoga group as compared to controls . There was a significant positive correlation between physical and psychological distress and fatigue , nausea and vomiting , pain , dyspnea , insomnia , appetite loss , and constipation . There was a significant negative correlation between the activity level and fatigue , nausea and vomiting , pain , dyspnea , insomnia , and appetite loss . Conclusion : The results suggest beneficial effects with yoga intervention in managing cancer- and treatment-related symptoms in breast cancer patients PURPOSE This study examines the impact of yoga , including physical poses , breathing , and meditation exercises , on quality of life ( QOL ) , fatigue , distressed mood , and spiritual well-being among a multiethnic sample of breast cancer patients . PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred twenty-eight patients ( 42 % African American , 31 % Hispanic ) recruited from an urban cancer center were r and omly assigned ( 2:1 ratio ) to a 12-week yoga intervention ( n = 84 ) or a 12-week waitlist control group ( n = 44 ) . Changes in QOL ( eg , Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy ) from before r and om assignment ( T1 ) to the 3-month follow-up ( T3 ) were examined ; predictors of adherence were also assessed . Nearly half of all patients were receiving medical treatment . RESULTS Regression analyses indicated that the control group had a greater decrease in social well-being compared with the intervention group after controlling for baseline social well-being and covariates ( P < .0001 ) . Secondary analyses of 71 patients not receiving chemotherapy during the intervention period indicated favorable outcomes for the intervention group compared with the control group in overall QOL ( P < .008 ) , emotional well-being ( P < .015 ) , social well-being ( P < .004 ) , spiritual well-being ( P < .009 ) , and distressed mood ( P < .031 ) . Sixty-nine percent of intervention participants attended classes ( mean number of classes attended by active class participants = 7.00 + /- 3.80 ) , with lower adherence associated with increased fatigue ( P < .001 ) , radiotherapy ( P < .0001 ) , younger age ( P < .008 ) , and no  antiestrogen therapy  ( P < .02 ) . CONCLUSION Despite limited adherence , this intent-to-treat analysis suggests that yoga is associated with beneficial effects on social functioning among a medically diverse sample of breast cancer survivors . Among patients not receiving chemotherapy , yoga appears to enhance emotional well-being and mood and may serve to buffer deterioration in both overall and specific domains of QOL L ots of small observational studies have suggested that yoga , exercise , and other mind – body techniques can reduce the stress and side effects of cancer treatment . But little compelling evidence has been available to support their use and most oncologists do n’t include such alternative medicine approaches in treatment plans . That could be changing , though . Large r and omized trials of yoga have recently been concluded or are under way , and some cancer centers are beginning to offer complementary treatments in-house . Professional and patient groups have given space on their websites to these methods for coping with symptoms . And professional meetings are giving more time to complementary , or “ integrative medicine , ” approaches for symptom management . Linda Sutton , M.D. , medical director of the Duke Oncology Network in Durham , N.C. , has observed the recent change in attitude in the oncology community toward exercise and other complementary techniques as part of treatment plans . At the 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer meeting , she noted that for the fi rst time the session on exercise and nutrition had a prominent place in the program . “ I think that there ’s a building body of evidence that ’s emerging in the mainstream cancer world regarding some of the add-on approaches to patients with breast cancer , ” Sutton said . Sutton attributes much of the recent interest in yoga and other exercise interventions to the increased emphasis on cancer survivorship and the well-documented fact that many people have lingering symptoms such as fatigue , sleep disturbances , and joint pain that are often inadequately addressed with conventional approaches . And cancer patients themselves have pushed for alternatives . More than half regularly use complementary techniques in an attempt to treat symptoms or boost their immune systems , according to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey of nearly 24,000 participants , which included 1,471 cancer survivors . In her experience , Sutton said , physicians are not so much against the use of , for example , yoga or meditation practice s , as they are uncomfortable recommending these approaches because of a lack of clear data about who will benefi t. “ I think there ’s still a lot of unanswered questions and more so than we are used to when we talk about giving tamoxifen or giving chemotherapy , where we have clear criteria as to who should get it , ” she said
Background Many breast cancer patients and survivors use yoga to cope with their disease .
The aim of this review was to systematic ally assess and meta-analyze the evidence for effects of yoga on health-related quality of life and psychological health in breast cancer patients and survivors .