Improvement of well-being in cancer patients by yoga training

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients frequently suffer from a reduced physical activity. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, provide opportunities to deal with these symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of yoga on the well-being of cancer patients.Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, we analyzed the effects of yoga on the well-being of cancer patients. Fifty-one patients received yoga training specifically designed to address cancer-related problems. Before the start (SoS) and after the end (EoS) of training, the WHO-5 well-being index was used to evaluate patients’ perception.Results: WHO-5 scores significantly improved from 47.1±21.4 at SoS to 69.7±15.1 at EoS. Patients in the middle age group (EoS–SoS: 28.0±20.6) showed a significantly higher benefit (p<0.005) compared with age groups <40 years (EoS–SoS: 10.7±15.4) and >60 years (EoS–SoS: 16.0±12.1). Patients with low initial scores benefited most from yoga.Conclusion: Our study showed that yoga training under experienced supervision could serve as a beneficial complementary treatment in cancer patients. Best effects were observed in patients with highly reduced well-being and 40–60-year-old patients.

Systematic Review of Functional Outcomes in Cancer Rehabilitation

“…These studies were conducted across breast (n=39), gynecologic 39-43 (n=5), colon and GI [44][45][46][47][48][49][50] (n=7), hematologic [51][52][53] (n=3), head and neck 54,55 (n=2), lung 56,57 (n=2), prostate 58,59 (n=2), and brain and CNS 60 (n=1) cancers, while 19 studies included various cancer diagnoses in their cohort [61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79] . A variety of cancer stages were represented across the studies, yet 34 studies did not specify stage of cancer for their cohort.…”

Bibliometric Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients: A Decade in Review

“…These practices foster a harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit, contributing to improved physiological and psychological states [9,10]. Yoga's holistic benefits have been documented across various health conditions, including chronic pain and heart, lung, and neurological diseases, making it especially relevant for cancer patients navigating the complexities of their treatment [11,12].…”

Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention in Cancer Care: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

“…It has positively impacted various health conditions, including neurological diseases, heart and lung diseases, and chronic pain [7][8][9][10]. Its holistic nature, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, makes it particularly relevant for individuals navigating the complexities of cancer treatment [11][12][13][14].…”