Benefits of yoga in breast cancer patients
 According to this study, yoga might have a role in managing psychological distress in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.
First, the details.
- 88 stage II and III breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to receive yoga or brief supportive therapy prior to radiotherapy treatment.
- Assessments included diurnal salivary cortisol levels 3 days before and after radiotherapy.
- Self-ratings of anxiety, depression, and stress were collected before and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy.
And, the results.
- There were significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress.
- 6 AM salivary cortisol, and pooled mean cortisol in the yoga group also decreased significance compared to controls.
- There was a significant correlation between morning salivary cortisol levels and anxiety and depression.
The bottom line?
Other studies support the benefits of yoga in patients with breast cancer.
- The University of Saskatchewan reported improved quality of life and mood disturbance with yoga.
- Researchers in New York reported that yoga is associated with beneficial effects on social functioning.
- A study presented at the American Physiological Society meeting identified improved quality of life in the yoga participants.
2/5/09 20:41 JR