Effects of a Yoga-Based Exercise Program on Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Research Objectives To examine the impact of six months of exercise on a Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) outcomes in post treatment breast cancer survivors in the San Antonio area in Texas. Design Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting The exercise program was run at a comprehensive cancer care facility. Participants Women with breast cancer (n=94) were randomized into one of three groups: yoga-based exercise (YE; n=31); “conventional” comprehensive exercise (aerobic, resistance and flexibility; CE; n=31); or a comparison group allowing participants to choose their own preferred exercise activities (C; n=32). 72 participants completed the 6 month long exercise program (YE: n=20; CE: n=26 and C: n=26). One year retention testing was completed by 64 participants (YE: n=17; CE: n=21, C: n=24). Interventions All groups exercised three hours weekly over six months. The YE group had a structured Hatha yoga exercise program emphasizing breath awareness and postures. The exercise program for the CE group included aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training. The C group could choose from a variety of activities including aerobics, strength training, Tai Chi, and water aerobics. Main Outcome Measures The SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Scales [PCS, MCS] were used to evaluate HrQoL. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). SF-36 data was collected at baseline, post and retention. PSQI data was collected baseline and post-intervention only. Results At retention testing, PCS scores improved significantly in the YE group compared C and CE groups (p < 0.025). All participants improved PCS and MCS scores with no between group differences. No change was seen in PSQI scores. Conclusions A yoga-based exercise program can positively impact the physical component of HR-QOL in breast cancer survivors, particularly after completion of the intervention. Whether the HR-QOL continues to improve beyond one year needs further research. Author(s) Disclosures The authors would like to acknowledge all the participants for their commitment to the study and support of Dr. Amy Lang, the ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, and the START Center for Cancer Care. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare. To examine the impact of six months of exercise on a Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) outcomes in post treatment breast cancer survivors in the San Antonio area in Texas. Randomized Controlled Trial. The exercise program was run at a comprehensive cancer care facility. Women with breast cancer (n=94) were randomized into one of three groups: yoga-based exercise (YE; n=31); “conventional” comprehensive exercise (aerobic, resistance and flexibility; CE; n=31); or a comparison group allowing participants to choose their own preferred exercise activities (C; n=32). 72 participants completed the 6 month long exercise program (YE: n=20; CE: n=26 and C: n=26). One year retention testing was completed by 64 participants (YE: n=17; CE: n=21, C: n=24). All groups exercised three hours weekly over six months. The YE group had a structured Hatha yoga exercise program emphasizing breath awareness and postures. The exercise program for the CE group included aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training. The C group could choose from a variety of activities including aerobics, strength training, Tai Chi, and water aerobics. The SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Scales [PCS, MCS] were used to evaluate HrQoL. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). SF-36 data was collected at baseline, post and retention. PSQI data was collected baseline and post-intervention only. At retention testing, PCS scores improved significantly in the YE group compared C and CE groups (p < 0.025). All participants improved PCS and MCS scores with no between group differences. No change was seen in PSQI scores. A yoga-based exercise program can positively impact the physical component of HR-QOL in breast cancer survivors, particularly after completion of the intervention. Whether the HR-QOL continues to improve beyond one year needs further research.