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Feasibility of a mindful yoga program for women with metastatic breast cancer: results of a randomized pilot study.

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
November 1, 2019
Laura S Porter et al. (8 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a yoga intervention for improving symptoms in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Results Summary

The yoga intervention was highly acceptable to participants, with modest improvements in some outcomes, though overall symptom levels were low in both yoga and support group conditions. Challenges were noted in implementing group-based sessions, suggesting alternative delivery methods may be needed.

Population

Women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Effective Dosage

Eight weekly group sessions.

Duration

8 weeks (with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months post-intervention).

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (3)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
yoga intervention
increase
acceptability
patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC)
highly
were highly acceptable
#1
yoga intervention
increase
some outcomes
women in the yoga intervention
modest
had modest improvements
#2
yoga intervention
decrease
overall symptom levels
women in both conditions
low
were low
#3
Abstract

PURPOSE: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) experience high levels of symptoms. Yoga interventions have shown promise for improving cancer symptoms but have rarely been tested in patients with advanced disease. This study examined the acceptability of a comprehensive yoga program for MBC and the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial testing the intervention. METHODS: Sixty-three women with MBC were randomized with a 2:1 allocation to yoga or a support group comparison condition. Both interventions involved eight weekly group sessions. Feasibility was quantified using rates of accrual, attrition, and session attendance. Acceptability was assessed with a standardized self-report measure. Pain, fatigue, sleep quality, psychological distress, mindfulness, and functional capacity were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. RESULTS: We met goals for accrual and retention, with 50% of eligible patients enrolled and 87% of randomized participants completing post-intervention surveys. Sixty-five percent of women in the yoga condition and 90% in the support group attended ≥ 4 sessions. Eighty percent of participants in the yoga condition and 65% in the support group indicated that they were highly satisfied with the intervention. Following treatment, women in the yoga intervention had modest improvements in some outcomes; however, overall symptom levels were low for women in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the yoga intervention content was highly acceptable to patients with MBC, but that there are challenges to implementing an intervention involving eight group-based in-person sessions. Alternative modes of delivery may be necessary to reach patients most in need of intervention.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultBreast NeoplasmsFemaleHumansMiddle AgedMindfulnessNeoplasm MetastasisPilot ProjectsQuality of LifeYoga
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy65/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations41
Citations/Year6.8
Relative Citation Ratio2.85
NIH Percentile83.9%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score2.39
Normalized Score0.62
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