The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga and Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

Official title:

The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT01230671
• Other study ID #: 10-059-PSY
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1
• First received: October 27, 2010
• Last updated: October 24, 2013
• Start date: August 2010
• Est. completion date: October 2013

Study information

• Verified date: October 2013
• Source: McGill University Health Center
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Health authority: Canada: Ethics Review Committee
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial 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.

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.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 80
• Est. completion date: October 2013
• Est. primary completion date: October 2013
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: Female
• Age group: 18 Years to 70 Years

Eligibility

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

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Subject), Primary Purpose: Supportive Care

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Breast Cancer
• Breast Neoplasms

Intervention

Other:
• Yoga
A 12 week yoga session will be offered to women with breast cancer.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Canada	Cedar's Breast Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital	Montreal	Quebec

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Dr. Sarkis Meterissian

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Canada, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Range of motion of the shoulders	The range of motion of the shoulders will be measured before and after the 12 week session and then compared.	12 weeks	No
Secondary	Anxiety	The participants will fill in questionnaires (HADS and the Distress Thermometer) before and after the 12 week session and the results will be compared.	12 weeks	No