Research indicates that Oncology Yoga is effective for managing cancer treatment-related side effects and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Here are the key findings from various studies:
Evidence:
- Managing Treatment-Related Side Effects: Yoga has been shown to be effective in managing sleep disruption, cancer-related fatigue, cognitive impairment, psychosocial distress, and musculoskeletal symptoms in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation (Lin et al., 2018).
- Improving Quality of Life (QOL): Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that yoga can improve overall quality of life in cancer patients both during and after treatment. Yoga has been found to significantly reduce fatigue, improve stress and sleep disturbances, and even enhance biomarkers of stress, inflammation, and immune function (Danhauer et al., 2019).
- Psychological Benefits: Reviews of yoga interventions show improvement in psychological outcomes, including reduced depression, anxiety, and distress. Yoga has also been effective in improving the quality of life and managing physical symptoms during cancer treatment (Danhauer et al., 2017).
- Improved Sleep Quality: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial indicated that a standardized yoga program led to greater improvements in sleep quality and reduced sleep medication use among cancer survivors (Mustian et al., 2013).
- Effect on Fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that yoga interventions have a positive effect in reducing cancer-related fatigue among patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (Song et al., 2021).
Conclusion
Overall, yoga appears to be a beneficial complementary therapy for cancer patients, helping to manage treatment-related symptoms, enhance psychological well-being, and improve the overall quality of life.