Psychological adjustment and sleep quality in a randomized trial of the effects of a Tibetan yoga intervention in patients with lymphoma Effects of an integrated yoga programme on chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis in breast cancer patients. A Longitudinal Study of Exercise Barriers in Colorectal Cancer Survivors Participating in a Randomized Controlled Trial Barriers to Supervised Exercise Training in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Effects of yoga program on quality of life and affect in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial. Effects of yoga on inflammation and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. A pilot study of yoga for breast cancer survivors: physical and psychological benefits. Randomized, controlled, six-month trial of yoga in healthy seniors: effects on cognition and quality of life. Effects of a Yoga Program on Cortisol Rhythm and Mood States in Early Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Yoga for Persistent Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors: Results of a Pilot Study Effect of yoga training on maze learning. Pilot Evaluation of an Iyengar Yoga Program for Breast Cancer Survivors Randomized controlled pilot trial of yoga in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors: effects on quality of life and anthropometric measures 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 Effects of aerobic exercise training and yoga on the baroreflex in healthy elderly persons. 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. 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. Predictors of adherence and contamination in a randomized trial of exercise in colorectal cancer survivors.
Research suggests that stress‐reduction programs tailored to the cancer setting help patients cope with the effects of treatment and improve their quality of life .  Yoga , an ancient Eastern science , incorporates stress‐reduction techniques that include regulated breathing , visual imagery , and meditation as well as various postures . The authors examined the effects of the  Tibetan yoga ( TY ) practice s of Tsa lung and Trul khor , which incorporate  controlled breathing and visualization , mindfulness techniques  , and low‐impact postures  in patients with lymphoma This study examined the effect of an integrated yoga programme on chemotherapy-related nausea and emesis in early operable breast cancer out patients . Sixty-two subjects were r and omly allocated to receive yoga ( n = 28 ) or supportive therapy intervention ( n = 34 ) during the course of their chemotherapy . Both groups had similar socio-demographic and medical characteristics . Intervention consisted of both supervised and home practice of yoga sessions lasting for 60 min daily , while the control group received supportive therapy and coping preparation during their hospital visits over a complete course of chemotherapy . The primary outcome measure was the Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Emesis ( MANE ) assessed after the fourth cycle of chemotherapy . Secondary outcomes included measures for anxiety , depression , quality of life , distressful symptoms and treatment-related toxicity assessed before and during the course of chemotherapy . Following yoga , there was a significant decrease in post-chemotherapy-induced nausea frequency ( P = 0.01 ) and nausea intensity ( P = 0.01 ) , and intensity of anticipatory nausea ( P = 0.01 ) and anticipatory vomiting ( P = 0.05 ) as compared with the control group . There was a significant positive correlation between MANE scores and anxiety , depression and distressful symptoms . In conclusion , the results suggest a possible use for stress reduction interventions such as yoga in complementing conventional antiemetics to manage chemotherapy-related nausea and emesis Background : The Colorectal Cancer and Home-Based Physical Exercise ( CAN-HOPE ) trial compared the effects of a 16-week home-based exercise program to usual care on quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors . Purpose : In this study , we report the weekly exercise barriers from the exercise group . Methods : Participants r and omized to the exercise group ( N = 69 ) were asked to report their exercise on a weekly basis by telephone . Those participants not achieving the minimum weekly exercise prescription ( 3 times per week of 30 min of moderate intensity exercise ) were asked for a primary exercise barrier . Results : We obtained 1,073 ( 97.2 % ) weeks of adherence data out of a possible 1,104 ( i.e. , 69 × 16 ) . Participants did not meet the minimum exercise prescription in 39.2 % ( 421/1,073 ) of the weeks . We obtained an exercise barrier in 83.8 % ( 353/421 ) of these cases . Overall , participants reported 37 different exercise barriers ; the three most common were lack of time/too busy , nonspecific treatment side effects , and fatigue . The top 7 to 10 barriers accounted for 70 % to 80 % of all missed exercise weeks . Conclusions : These findings may have utility for promoting exercise in this population both inside and outside of clinical trials Background Exercise adherence is a challenge for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy but few studies have identified the key barriers . Purpose In this paper , we report the barriers to supervised exercise in breast cancer patients participating in a r and omized controlled trial . Methods Breast cancer patients initiating adjuvant chemotherapy ( N = 242 ) were r and omly assigned to usual care  ( n = 82 )  or supervised resistance  ( n = 82 ) or aerobic  ( n = 78 ) exercise . Participants r and omized to the two exercise groups ( n = 160 ) were asked to provide a reason for each missed exercise session . Results The two exercise groups attended 70.2 % ( 5,495/7,829 ) of their supervised exercise sessions and provided a reason for missing 89.5 % ( 2,090/2,334 ) of their unattended sessions . The 2,090 reasons represented 36 different barriers . Feeling sick ( 12 % ) , fatigue ( 11 % ) , loss of interest ( 9 % ) , vacation ( 7 % ) , and nausea/vomiting ( 5 % ) accounted for the most missed exercise sessions . Disease/treatment-related barriers ( 19 of the 36 barriers ) accounted for 53 % ( 1,102/2,090 ) of all missed exercise sessions . Demographic and medical variables did not predict the types of exercise barriers reported . Conclusions Barriers to supervised exercise in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are varied but over half can be directly attributed to the disease and its treatments . Behavioral support programs need to focus on strategies to maintain exercise in the face of difficult treatment side effects 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 Despite recent advances in pharmacologic and device therapy , morbidity and mortality from heart failure ( HF ) remain high . Yoga combines physical and breathing exercises that may benefit patients with HF . We hypothesized that an 8-week regimen of yoga in addition to st and ard medical therapy would improve exercise capacity , inflammatory markers , and quality of life ( QoL ) in patients with HF . METHODS AND RESULTS New York Heart Association Class I-III HF patients were r and omized to yoga treatment ( YT ) or st and ard medical therapy ( MT ) .  Measurements included a grade d exercise test ( GXT ) to V O(2Peak ) and the following serum biomarkers : interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) , high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hsCRP ) , and extracellular superoxide dismutase ( EC-SOD ) . The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Question naire ( MLHFQ ) was administered to assess changes in QoL. A total of 19 patients were enrolled after the initial screening . Of the 19 patients , 9 were r and omized to YT and 10 to MT . Patients had a mean EF of 25 % .  GXT time and V O(2Peak ) were significantly improved in the YT versus MT groups ( + 18 % in the YT and -7.5 % in MT ; P = .03 vs. control and + 17 in YT and -7.1 in MT ; P = .02 , respectively ) . There were statistically significant reductions in serum levels of IL-6 and hsCRP and an increase in EC-SOD in the YT group ( all P < .005 vs. MT ) . MLHFQ scores improved by 25.7 % in the YT group and by 2.9 % in the MT group . CONCLUSIONS Yoga improved exercise tolerance and positively affected levels of inflammatory markers in patients with HF , and there was also a trend toward improvements in 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 CONTEXT There are potential benefits of mind-body techniques on cognitive function because the techniques involve an active attentional or mindfulness component , but this has not been fully explored . OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of yoga on cognitive function , fatigue , mood , and quality of life in seniors . DESIGN R and omized , controlled trial comparing yoga , exercise , and wait-list control groups . PARTICIPANTS One hundred thirty-five generally healthy men and women aged 65 - 85 years . INTERVENTION Participants were r and omized to 6 months of Hatha yoga class , walking exercise class , or wait-list control . Subjects assigned to classes also were asked to practice at home . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome assessment s performed at baseline and after the 6-month period included a battery of cognitive measures focused on attention and alertness , the primary outcome measures being performance on the Stroop Test and a quantitative electroencephalogram ( EEG ) measure of alertness ; SF-36 health-related quality of life ; Profile of Mood States ; Multi-Dimensional Fatigue Inventory ; and physical measures related to the interventions . RESULTS One hundred thirty-five subjects were recruited and r and omized . Seventeen subjects did not finish the 6-month intervention . There were no effects from either of the active interventions on any of the cognitive and alertness outcome measures . The yoga intervention produced improvements in physical measures ( eg , timed 1-legged st and ing , forward flexibility ) as well as a number of quality -of-life measures related to sense of well-being and energy and fatigue compared to controls . CONCLUSIONS There were no relative improvements of cognitive function among healthy seniors in the yoga or exercise group compared to the wait-list control group . Those in the yoga group showed significant improvement in quality -of-life and physical measures compared to exercise and wait-list control groups 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 Approximately one-third of breast cancer survivors experiences persistent fatigue for months or years after successful treatment completion . There is a lack of evidence -based treatments for cancer-related fatigue , particularly among cancer survivors . This single-arm pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a yoga intervention for fatigued breast cancer survivors based on the Iyengar tradition . Iyengar yoga prescribes specific poses for individuals with specific medical problems and conditions ; this trial emphasized postures believed to be effective for reducing fatigue among breast cancer survivors , including inversions and backbends performed with the support of props . Twelve women were enrolled in the trial , and 11 completed the full 12-week course of treatment . There was a significant improvement in fatigue scores from pre- to post-intervention that was maintained at the 3-month post-intervention followup . Significant improvements were also observed in measures of physical function , depressed mood , and quality of life . These results support the acceptability of this intervention and suggest that it may have beneficial effects on persistent post-treatment fatigue . However , results require replication in a larger r and omized controlled trial The performance in a maze learning task was assessed in adults of either sex ( n = 31 ) before and after 30 days of yoga training and in an age and gender matched control group of subjects who did not receive training in yoga .  Subjects were blind folded and used the dominant h and to trace the path in a wooden pencil maze . At each assessment , subjects were given 5 trials , without a gap between them . Performance was based on the time taken to complete the maze and the number of blind alleys taken . The time and error scores of Trial 1 were significantly less after yoga ( two-factor ANOVA , Tukey test ) . Repeating trials significantly decreased time scores at Trial 5 versus Trial 1 , for both groups on Day 1 and for the control group on Day 30 . Hence the yoga group showed improved performance in maze tracing at retest 30 days later , which may be related to this group being faster learners and also the effect of yoga itself . Yoga training did not influence maze learning , based on the performance in 5 repeat trials Background : With continual improvements in screening uptake and adjuvant cancer treatments , the number of Canadian women surviving breast cancer continues to grow . Preliminary findings suggest yoga can improve quality of life ( QoL ) in breast cancer survivors , but few studies have focused on Iyengar yoga ( IY ) . Objective : The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of IY on QoL and psychosocial functioning in a select sample of breast cancer survivors . Methods : Breast cancer survivors ( N = 24 ) participating in IY classes completed a question naire measuring generic and disease-specific QoL and psychosocial functioning , before and after the 12-week classes . Results : Postprogram question naires were completed by 17 participants ( 71 % ) who attended an average of 78.9 % of the IY sessions . Several indicators of generic QoL improved significantly , including mental health ( mean change , + 4.2 ; P = .045 ) , vitality ( mean change , + 4.9 ; P = .033 ) , role-emotional ( mean change , + 6.4 ; P = .010 ) , and bodily pain ( mean change , + 4.4 ; P = .024 ) . Other improvements in QoL and psychosocial functioning were meaningful but were not statistically significant . Findings were further substantiated by participant 's evaluation of the program 's benefits and motivational value . Conclusion : In this pilot study of breast cancer survivors participating in IY , we found improvements in QoL and psychosocial functioning . Moreover , positive program evaluation and motivational profile provide support for the acceptability of IY with breast cancer survivors . R and omized controlled trials comparing IY to usual care and other forms of yoga in breast cancer survivors are warranted . Implication s for Practice : Nurses may consider IY as a possible intervention strategy to help breast cancer survivors improve their QoL and psychosocial functioning 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 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 It is unclear whether the age-associated reduction in baroreflex sensitivity is modifiable by exercise training . The effects of aerobic exercise training and yoga , a non-aerobic control intervention , on the baroreflex of elderly persons was determined . Baroreflex sensitivity was quantified by the alpha-index , at high frequency ( HF ; 0.15 - 0.35 Hz , reflecting parasympathetic activity ) and mid-frequency ( MF ; 0.05 - 0.15 Hz , reflecting sympathetic activity as well ) , derived from spectral and cross-spectral analysis of spontaneous fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure . Twenty-six ( 10 women ) sedentary , healthy , normotensive elderly ( mean 68 years , range 62 - 81 years ) subjects were studied . Fourteen ( 4 women ) of the sedentary elderly subjects completed 6 weeks of aerobic training , while the other 12 ( 6 women ) subjects completed 6 weeks of yoga .  Heart rate decreased following yoga ( 69 + /- 8 vs. 61 + /- 7 min-1 , P < 0.05 ) but not aerobic training ( 66 + /- 8 vs. 63 + /- 9 min-1 , P = 0.29 ) . VO2 max increased by 11 % following yoga ( P < 0.01 ) and by 24 % following aerobic training ( P < 0.01 ) . No significant change in alpha MF ( 6.5 + /- 3.5 vs. 6.2 + /- 3.0 ms mmHg-1 , P = 0.69 ) or alpha HF ( 8.5 + /- 4.7 vs. 8.9 + /- 3.5 ms mmHg-1 , P = 0.65 ) occurred after aerobic training . Following yoga , alpha HF ( 8.0 + /- 3.6 vs. 11.5 + /- 5.2 ms mmHg-1 , P < 0.01 ) but not alpha MF ( 6.5 + /- 3.0 vs. 7.6 + /- 2.8 ms mmHg-1 , P = 0.29 ) increased . Short- duration aerobic training does not modify the alpha-index at alpha MF or alpha HF in healthy normotensive elderly subjects .  alpha HF but not alpha MF increased following yoga , suggesting that these parameters are measuring distinct aspects of the baroreflex that are separately modifiable 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 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 The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of exercise adherence ( i.e. exercise in the intervention group ) and exercise contamination ( i.e. exercise in the control group ) in a r and omized controlled trial of home-based exercise in colorectal cancer survivors . At baseline , 102 participants completed measures of the theory of planned behavior , personality , past exercise , exercise stage of change , physical fitness , and medical/demographics and then were r and omly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to an exercise ( n=69 ) or control ( n=33 ) group . Exercise was monitored weekly for 16 weeks using self-reports by telephone .  Ninety-three ( 91 % ) participants completed the trial .  Adherence was 76 % in the exercise group and contamination was 52 % in the control group . Hierarchical stepwise regression analyses indicated that baseline exercise stage of change ( beta=0.35 ; p=0.001 ) , employment status ( beta=-0.28 ; p=0.010 ) , treatment protocol ( beta=-0.26 ; p=0.018 ) , and perceived behavioral control ( beta=0.20 ; p=0.055 ) explained 39.6 % of the variance in  exercise adherence . Intentions ( beta=0.36 ; p=0.049 ) and baseline exercise stage of change ( beta=0.30 ; p=0.095 ) explained 29.9 % of the variance in exercise contamination . These findings may have implication s for conducting clinical trials of exercise in colorectal cancer survivors and for promoting exercise to colorectal cancer survivors outside of clinical trials
Background This study aim ed to systematic ally review the evidence from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) and to conduct a meta- analysis of the effects of yoga on physical and psychosocial outcomes in cancer patients and survivors .