The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga and Breast Cancer

Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Breast Cancer
• Interventions: Other: Yoga

• Registration Number: NCT01230671
• Lead Sponsor: Dr. Sarkis Meterissian

Brief Summary

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer amongst Canadian women. Studies report that breast cancer patients are the most likely to use complementary medicine within the oncologic population. Yoga has become especially popular with this group as it promises to improve the mind, body and soul holistically. The investigators yoga program specifically focuses on rebuilding physical strength, increasing flexibility and reducing the pain and stress associated with the post-operative period. This study will examine how yoga can help improve the overall quality of life and its effects on the physical well-being of women with breast cancer. With positive statistical results, the investigators hope to implement yoga as part of their rehabilitation services at the Cedars Breast Clinic.

Detailed Description

Proposed Intervention:

1-hour hatha yoga classes, once a week for a 12-week period. One class will be offered in French, another in English. The class will begin with approximately 10 minutes of pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, followed by 30 minutes of yoga poses and ending with 10 minutes of sivasana (rest period.) The first couple of classes in the 12 week series will begin with restorative postures and will gradually progress to more gentle exercises. If health permits, the last couple of classes will involve some strengthening poses. A small portion of the class will work with the physical body in general and there will be a specific emphasis on the physical difficulties faced by most breast cancer patients, i.e. neck, chest, shoulders arms and hands.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2010-08
• Study First Submitted: 2010-10-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-10-28
• Study First Posted: 2010-10-29
• Status Verified: 2013-10
• Primary Completion: 2013-10
• Study Completion: 2013-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2013-10-24
• Last Update Posted: 2013-10-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• Ages between 18-70
• Stage I to II breast cancer
• Minimum of 6 weeks Post Operative status

Exclusion Criteria

• Previous/Current psychiatric history
• Concurrently involved in a yoga program
• Inability to undergo yoga training secondary to physical/health limitations outlined by the treating team

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Yoga	Yoga	Patients in this arm will receive yoga therapy

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Range of motion of the shoulders	12 weeks	The range of motion of the shoulders will be measured before and after the 12 week session and then compared.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Anxiety	12 weeks	The participants will fill in questionnaires (HADS and the Distress Thermometer) before and after the 12 week session and the results will be compared.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Cedar's Breast Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital; 🇨🇦 Montreal, Quebec, Canada