A brief yoga intervention implemented during chemotherapy: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Fatigue and sleep disturbance significantly impact quality of life for cancer patients during chemotherapy.
• Yoga interventions show promise in mitigating treatment-related symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial for a brief yoga intervention in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
• To inform future research by collecting preliminary data on outcomes and challenges.

Main Methods:

• Adult patients with colorectal cancer were randomized to Yoga Skills Training (YST) or an attention control (AC).
• Interventions were delivered individually during chemotherapy infusions, with recommended home practice.
• Feasibility outcomes included accrual, retention, adherence, and data collection.

Main Results:

• 15 out of 52 identified patients enrolled, with 75% retention in the YST group and 71% in the AC group.
• Participants demonstrated high adherence (97%) to in-person intervention sessions and completed all questionnaires.
• Preliminary data on fatigue, sleep, quality of life, and biomarkers were collected.

Conclusions:

• A larger randomized controlled trial of Yoga Skills Training for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is feasible.
• The study provides valuable insights into recruitment, retention, and data collection for future research.