Yoga Protocol for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Exploration of Psychophysiological Benefits

Abstract

Background: Several studies report that practicing Yoga may lead to numerous psychophysiological benefits in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Moreover, it may result in an effective alternative for coping with sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and fatigue symptoms. A study based on the “Yoga in Oncology” project of the Foundation Poliambulanza was carried out, and it was designed to explore the benefits of Yoga, therefore corroborating Yoga as a therapeutic activity that can have a beneficial impact on patients diagnosed with cancer. Methods: Seventy patients were recruited, of whom 20% were males and 80% were females 18 years of age and older. All patients were being treated at the oncology department for gastrointestinal, mammary or genital carcinoma, and the disease was metastatic in 80% of patients. Data were collected between April 2013 and May 2017. The protocol consisted of a weekly 90-minute Yoga lesson for 8 consecutive weeks, and the data collection was carried out in 2 phases: (T0) preprotocol assessment and (T1) postprotocol assessment. Psychophysiological assessment was carried out with the following scales: the (BFI) Brief Fatigue Inventory, (HADS) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and (PSQI) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Data analysis showed a significant difference between the (T0) and (T1) HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scores. The constructs of this scale consist of psychological variables for the assessment of anxiety and depression. In contrast, scores from the (BFI) Brief Fatigue Inventory and (PSQI) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index did not show significant differences between (T0) and (T1): such scales are relative to psychophysiological variables for an assessment of the perception of fatigue and quality of sleep. Conclusion: It is noteworthy that the data, once analyzed, showed a significant difference between preprotocol and postprotocol levels of anxiety and depression but not for the perception of fatigue or the quality of sleep. In accordance with the scientific literature, data from this study highlight that practicing Yoga may promote changes in the levels of perceived anxiety and depression in patients undergoing treatment for cancer, thus positively affecting their (QoL). It is clear that the difference in significance between the psychological and physiological variables considered here and the statistical significance found only in levels of anxiety and depression encourage further studies to account for the nature of fatigue and sleep disturbances and how to address these symptoms in oncological patients. Moreover, other points of interest for future clinical research regard the evaluation of the reason for the possible denial to participate to this kind of study, as well as the social-cultural differences in patients’ behavior.

Restorative yoga therapy for third-year medical students in pediatrics rotation: Working to improve medical student well-being

“…Reviews of a wide range of yoga practices suggest that they can reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses and may be helpful for both anxiety and depression. [ 11 12 13 14 20 21 ] One randomized control trial on yoga's effect on cancer patients’ anxiety showed that yoga sessions for eight weeks significantly reduced perceived depression and anxiety. [ 21 ]…”

“…[ 11 12 13 14 20 21 ] One randomized control trial on yoga's effect on cancer patients’ anxiety showed that yoga sessions for eight weeks significantly reduced perceived depression and anxiety. [ 21 ]…”

“…Literature on burnout frequently suggests that exercise and other activities that help physicians relax and be available for themselves could mitigate burnout. [ 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 ] However, physicians and students alike often feel time pressures and that they must choose studying or patient care over self-care. However, students in this study experienced positive changes in well-being based on just six 45-minute weekly sessions, demonstrating the possible time efficiency of a restorative yoga practice.…”