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01-02-2012 | Original Article

Randomized controlled pilot trial of yoga in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors: effects on quality of life and anthropometric measures

Authors: Alyson J. Littman, Lisa Cadmus Bertram, Rachel Ceballos, Cornelia M. Ulrich, Jaya Ramaprasad, Bonnie McGregor, Anne McTiernan

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Purpose

To obtain estimates of time to recruit the study sample, retention, facility-based class attendance and home practice for a study of yoga in breast cancer survivors, and its efficacy on fatigue, quality of life (QOL), and weight change.

Methods

Sixty-three post-treatment stages 0–III borderline overweight and obese (body mass index ≥24 kg/m²) breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to a 6-month, facility- and home-based viniyoga intervention (n = 32) or a waitlist control group (n = 31). The yoga goal was five practices per week. Primary outcome measures were changes in QOL, fatigue, and weight from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in waist and hip circumference.

Results

It took 12 months to complete recruitment. Participants attended a mean of 19.6 classes and practiced at home a mean of 55.8 times during the 6-month period. At follow-up, 90% of participants completed questionnaires and 87% completed anthropometric measurements. QOL and fatigue improved to a greater extent among women in the yoga group relative to women in the control group, although no differences were statistically significant. Waist circumference decreased 3.1 cm (95% CI, −5.7 and −0.4) more among women in the yoga compared with the control group, with no difference in weight change.

Conclusions

This study provides important information regarding recruitment, retention, and practice levels achieved during a 6-month, intensive yoga intervention in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors. Yoga may help decrease waist circumference and improve quality of life; future studies are needed to confirm these results.

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Title: Randomized controlled pilot trial of yoga in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors: effects on quality of life and anthropometric measures
Authors: Alyson J. Littman
Lisa Cadmus Bertram
Rachel Ceballos
Cornelia M. Ulrich
Jaya Ramaprasad
Bonnie McGregor
Anne McTiernan
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1066-8

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Purpose

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