A Restorative Yoga Intervention for African-American Breast Cancer Survivors: a Pilot Study.

Abstract

Data show that yoga is effective for improving health-related outcomes in breast cancer survivors. While breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African-American women (AAW), AAW are less likely to engage in yoga compared to other ethnic groups. The goals of the current study were to assess the feasibility of an 8-week restorative yoga program among African-American breast cancer survivors (AA BCS). Specifically, study aims were to (1) measure changes in study outcomes in a restorative yoga (RY) group compared to a wait list control group, (2) assess adherence to the RY program, and (3) assess program satisfaction among study participants. Thirty-three AA BCS were randomly assigned to either the RY intervention (n=18) or wait list control group (n=15). RY classes met once per week for 8weeks. Pre- and post-testing assessments were measured at 0 and 8weeks (immediately post-intervention). Depression scores at follow-up were significantly lower in the yoga group (M=4.78, SD=3.56) compared to the control group (M=6.91, SD=5.86). No significant group differences were observed for sleep quality, fatigue, or perceived stress. Yoga program participants completing baseline assessments demonstrated 61% adherence to the yoga classes. Average rating of the yoga program was "very useful." Recommendations for future yoga programs were provided. This study suggests that yoga has a beneficial effect on depression in AA BCS. There is, however, a need to further explore the benefits of yoga among minority breast cancer survivors using a study with larger sample sizes.