The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga and Breast Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Breast Cancer is the most common cancer amongst Canadian women. Studies report that breast cancer patients are the most likely to use complementary medicine within the oncologic population. Yoga has become especially popular with this group as it promises to improve the mind, body and soul holistically. The investigators yoga program specifically focuses on rebuilding physical strength, increasing flexibility and reducing the pain and stress associated with the post-operative period. This study will examine how yoga can help improve the overall quality of life and its effects on the physical well-being of women with breast cancer. With positive statistical results, the investigators hope to implement yoga as part of their rehabilitation services at the Cedars Breast Clinic.

Detailed Description
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Proposed Intervention: 1-hour hatha yoga classes, once a week for a 12-week period. One class will be offered in French, another in English. The class will begin with approximately 10 minutes of pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, followed by 30 minutes of yoga poses and ending with 10 minutes of sivasana (rest period.) The first couple of classes in the 12 week series will begin with restorative postures and will gradually progress to more gentle exercises. If health permits, the last couple of classes will involve some strengthening poses. A small portion of the class will work with the physical body in general and there will be a specific emphasis on the physical difficulties faced by most breast cancer patients, i.e. neck, chest, shoulders arms and hands.

Official Title
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The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Conditions
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Breast Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Yoga


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Ages between 18-70 Stage I to II breast cancer Minimum of 6 weeks Post Operative status Exclusion Criteria: Previous/Current psychiatric history Concurrently involved in a yoga program Inability to undergo yoga training secondary to physical/health limitations outlined by the treating team

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Yoga<br>Patients in this arm will receive yoga therapy | Other: Yoga<br>* A 12 week yoga session will be offered to women with breast cancer.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: No yoga<br>Patients will not have yoga in this arm | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Range of motion of the shoulders | The range of motion of the shoulders will be measured before and after the 12 week session and then compared. | 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anxiety | The participants will fill in questionnaires (HADS and the Distress Thermometer) before and after the 12 week session and the results will be compared. | 12 weeks |