Assessing the Effects of Yoga on Cognition and Immune Function in Colorectal Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Cancer-related cognitive impairment can interfere with daily functioning and negatively affect quality of life. To date, there are no validated treatments. Yoga may be a promising intervention that combines physical activity and meditation to improve cognition.

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial with yoga, physical activity, and waitlist control arms in colorectal cancer survivors, determine effect sizes, and explore differences among groups.

Interventions included 2 weekly 90-minute sessions over 12 weeks. Participants were assessed before, after, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Measures included feasibility and acceptability, attention (Attentional Function Index, Attention Network Test, Digit Span, Digit Substitution Test, Trail Making Test), and circulating immune markers (interleukin [IL] 1β, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor receptor II, C-reactive protein, and neopterin). Data analyses included descriptive statistics, comparative analyses, Cohen d statistics, and reliable improvement percentages.

Enrollment, retention, and intervention fidelity rates were 39%, 74%, and >75%, respectively. Exploratory analyses showed the yoga group improved performance in alertness at 3 months postintervention at time 3, with 60% of the group demonstrating reliable improvement, and improved cognitive control at time 3, with 30% of the group demonstrating reliable improvement ( P  < .05).

Findings suggest that this randomized controlled trial study is feasible, and yoga may have a positive benefit on cognition.

Yoga is a possible intervention, but to optimize function in colorectal cancer survivors, further validation is needed.