A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Impact of Yoga Practice on Quality of Life, Mood, and Perceived Stress in Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: A breast cancer diagnosis can entail numerous physical and psychosocial challenges. Yoga practice (YP) may contribute to improved well-being for these patients. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: Investigate feasibility and impact of YP on quality of life (QoL), mood, fatigue, and perceived stress immediately after breast cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Thirty women were randomly assigned to a yoga group (YG) or control group (CG) immediately after cancer diagnosis. SETTING: Pilot study conducted at an academic medical center breast clinic. PARTICIPANT(S): Females (N = 30) who received a biopsy-proven breast cancer diagnosis without metastatic disease. INTERVENTION (YG): One individual YP session at baseline, then 2 individual and 8 weekly group sessions followed by weekly gentle yoga at home (DVD). Questionnaires and saliva samples (ie, cortisol) completed at baseline and 12 weeks postdiagnosis. RESULTS: Both groups reported significant improvements in QoL postintervention but with no significant difference between groups. Emotional well-being, mood-related tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, and confusion-bewilderment scores improved for both groups, and cortisol and cortisone levels decreased. Lumpectomies were prevalent with YG (67%) and CG (47%). YP was rated as “very effective,” providing relaxation (85%), stress relief (69%), and reduced muscle tension/general feeling of wellness (each 62%). CONCLUSION: Feasibility of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis was good. Improvement in emotional well-being, anxiety, depression, and levels of confusion was found in both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the impact of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis. Further research in this area is warranted.