Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Porter, L. S., Keefe, F. J., & Seewaldt, V. L. (2009). Yoga of Awareness program for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: results from a randomized trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 17, 1301–1309.
The study evaluated the effects of a yoga intervention on menopausal symptoms among breast cancer survivors.
Patients were randomized to the yoga intervention or a wait-list control group. The intervention consisted of eight weekly, 120-minute, group classes led by a certified yoga instructor. Classes were videotaped and reviewed. Sessions involved 40 minutes of stretching poses, 10 minutes of breathing techniques, 25 minutes of meditation, 20 minutes of study of pertinent topics, and 25 minutes of group discussion. CD recordings were provided for home practice. Application of concepts to daily life were assigned weekly. Assessments were performed at baseline, posttreatment, and three months postintervention. Wait-list controls were reminded about the assessments they needed. Patients kept daily diaries to rate hot flashes and daily use of yoga.
The study was performed in outpatient clinics at Duke University.
The study was a randomized, controlled trial.
Those in the yoga group had a significantly better decline in hot flash frequency, severity, joint pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance (p < 0.002). Patients in the control group had significantly better decline in the degree to which they were bothered by symptoms (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in night sweats. Mean yoga practice time spent in use of techniques was associated with less fatigue (p = 0.032). Yoga daily participation ranged from 7.3 to 64.6 minutes. There was a 76% completion rate in the yoga group.
The findings suggested a potential benefit of a group yoga and support intervention for some symptoms in breast cancer survivors.
The findings suggested that yoga and support activities provided in a group setting may help patients with symptoms of hot flashes, sleep deprivation, and fatigue. There was no apparent effect on night sweats.