Milbury, K., Chaoul, A., Engle, R., Liao, Z., Yang, C., Carmack, C., . . . Cohen, L. (2014). Couple-based Tibetan yoga program for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. Psycho-Oncology, 24, 117–120.
To examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Tibetan yoga practice as a supportive approach for patients and caregiver dyads during radiation therapy for lung cancer
Participants had two to three weekly sessions of yoga for 45–60 minutes over five to six weeks. The program included deep breathing awareness and visualization, guided meditation, compassion-based meditation, and gentle movements coordinated with specific breathing patterns. Patients and caregivers completed study measures at baseline and at the end of the program.
Single-group, prospective pilot study
Ten of 19 consenting dyads completed the study and attended a mean of 12 sessions (range = 6–15). For patients, there was a significant increase in spiritual well-being (d = 1.12, p = .03), improvement in sleep (d = .60), and depressive symptoms (d = .52). There were small effects for anxiety. For caregivers, there were significant decreases in fatigue (d = .89, p = .03) and anxiety (d = .81, p =.04) and some reduction in sleep disturbance (d = .71, p =.08). Class attendance and home practice frequency was not associated with differences seen in symptoms for either patients or caregivers.
A couple-based yoga program was seen as feasible for patients, including those with advanced disease. Medium effect sizes were seen for depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance.
Couple-based yoga sessions were shown to be feasible, and findings suggest that this type of supportive care during radiation therapy may be beneficial in some patients and caregivers for symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The high drop-out rate suggests that many patients may not be interested or able to participate in such a program, but for those who are interested, it may be helpful. The fact, however, that the number of sessions attended and frequency of home practice were not related to the magnitude of results seen causes one to question whether it was the yoga practice or general support and attention provided that caused effects.