Galantino, M.L., Desai, K., Greene, L., Demichele, A., Stricker, C.T., & Mao, J.J. (2012). Impact of yoga on functional outcomes in breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor–associated arthralgias. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 11, 313–320.
To establish feasibility of studying the effects of yoga on function, pain, and quality of life in women with aromatase inhibitor–associated arthralgias
Women who had joint pain attributed to aromatase inhibitor treatment were studied. Patients met two times per week for eight weeks for yoga sessions taught by certified instructors. The protocol used was inspired by Iyengar yoga involving precise postures, and meditation using relaxation and combinations of static and active stretching and isometric and dyunamic strengthening. Sessions were done among groups of 5–10 women, and an abbreviated version was given for home practice during week 2. Patients were asked to perform home practice for 15 minutes three times per week on days when sessions did not take place. Study assessments were done at baseline and at the end of the program.
Patients were undergoing active antitumor treatment.
This was a quasi-experimental feasibility study.
Of the sample, 80% reported adherence to home practice as recommended. Participants had significant improvement in functional reach (p = 0.048) and sit and reach (p = 0.009). Participants experienced significant reduction in pain severity (3.9–2.79, p = 0.016).
The yoga protocol used here was associated with improvement in flexibility and pain associated with aromatase inhibitor–induced arthralgia.
There is limited evidence regarding interventions to reduce arthralgia pain in patients undergoing cancer treatment. This study shows that a yoga intervention is feasible and may provide some promising results. Further research in this area is warranted.