Chakrabarty, J., Vidyasagar, M., Fernandes, D., Joisa, G., Varghese, P., & Mayya, S. (2015). Effectiveness of pranayama on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Yoga, 8, 47–53.
To determine the effectiveness of pranayama yoga on fatigue during radiation therapy
Patients were randomized to receive only radiation therapy with routine care or to perform pranayama during radiation therapy. Those in the yoga group performed pranayama morning and evening five days per week for six weeks under supervision. Fatigue was assessed at the beginning and end of radiation therapy.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Randomized, controlled trial
Cancer fatigue scale
Post-test fatigue scores in the intervention group were lower (p = 0.001), and the intervention group had a significant decline in fatigue score (p = 0.001); however, all scores continued to be in the range of mild fatigue only.
Pranayama may be helpful to prevent or reduce fatigue during treatment with radiation therapy.
Participation in yoga during cancer treatment may be helpful to combat symptoms of fatigue. This is a low-risk intervention that nurses can suggest to patients to manage fatigue.