Effects of Iyengar Yoga on Measures of Cognition, Fatigue, Quality of Life, Flexibility, and Balance in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have revealed the benefits derived from yoga which includes improvements in quality of life (QOL) and decreased symptoms for women with breast cancer. Studies to date have not included specific measures of cognition with various interventions to improve QOL during survivorship. This case series tests the feasibility and use of yoga to determine perceived cognitive change and QOL in breast cancer survivors postchemotherapy. Methods: At baseline, participants completed the CogState computerized program to measure cognition in addition to the Perceived Cognition Questionnaire (PCQ). Quality of life instruments included: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) while symptom surveys captured neurotoxicity through Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) and fatigue via Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) and the Piper Fatigue Inventory. Physical data included Forward Reach (FR) and Sit and Reach (SR) tests. All measures were taken at baseline, 4 weeks and after 8 weeks of the Iyengar yoga program. Results: The trends of 3 participants are described in the analysis. CogState showed variability through 8 weeks in the various domains of cognition. However, the PCQ showed trends in improved perceived cognition in 2 of the 3 subjects. Our study notes that with a structured Iyengar yoga program, there were improved trends in the FACT-B, FACIT-Sp, FACT/GOG-Ntx, FACIT-F, and Piper Fatigue Inventory, Forward Reach and Sit and Reach tests. Discussion: This case series depicts trends in cognitive, physical, and QOL measures with a structured 8 week Iyengar yoga program. This case series suggests that CogState and PCQ may be measures to capture cognitive changes over time with mind-body therapies such as yoga. To strengthen the reliability of this study, a greater number of subjects are needed to determine the impact of yoga on cognition over time. This study supports the need for further research on the short and long term impact of yoga on cognition in women with breast cancer. This should encourage further comprehensive and carefully designed studies.