Banerjee, B., Vadiraj, H.S., Ram, A., Rao, R., Jayapal, M., Gopinath, K.S., . . . Hande, M.P. (2007). Effects of an integrated yoga program in modulating psychosocial stress and radiation-induced genotoxic stress in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 6, 242–250.
The yoga intervention was a 90-minute, six-week course taught by expert yoga trainers. The course included meditative practices, various postures, guided imagery of cancer cells, positive thought provocation, chanting of various sounds according to the respective patient’s religious beliefs, awareness practices, deep relaxation, and soothing sound vibrations. Control group patients were given supportive counseling and advised to take light exercise.
Three centers in India
A randomized controlled trial design was used.
There was significant decrease in anxiety levels in the yoga intervention group (repeated measures ANCOVA, p < 0.001). Yoga intervention decreased anxiety in women with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy.