Raghavendra, R.M., Nagarathna, R., Nagendra, H.R., Gopinath, KS, Srinath, B.S., Ravi, B.D., … Nalini, R. (2007). Effects of an integrated yoga programme on chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis in breast cancer patients. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16, 462-474.
To examine the effects of an integrated yoga program in reducing frequency and intensity of nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy-naïve patients with early stage breast cancer
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a yoga intervention or a supportive therapy intervention. Patients in the yoga group received both supervised and home practice of yoga sessions for 60 minutes daily, starting prior to chemotherapy. These patients received supervised initial training, audio and videocassettes for home use, and a supervised home visit. Patients in the control group received supportive therapy and coping preparation during hospital visits over a complete course of chemotherapy. Both interventions were initiated prior to the first chemotherapy cycle. The yoga instructor was trained in counseling and facilitated both groups.
Patients were recruited from a comprehensive cancer care center in India.
Patients maintained diaries to record episodes of vomiting and duration of nausea, and, at the fourth cycle, they completed the Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Emesis (MANE), State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC), and a symptom checklist questionnaire.
The yoga intervention was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of nausea and the intensity of anticipatory nausea and vomiting in women with early stage breast cancer.