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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01230671

The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga and Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer amongst Canadian women. Studies report that breast cancer patients are the most likely to use complementary medicine within the oncologic population. Yoga has become especially popular with this group as it promises to improve the mind, body and soul holistically. The investigators yoga program specifically focuses on rebuilding physical strength, increasing flexibility and reducing the pain and stress associated with the post-operative period. This study will examine how yoga can help improve the overall quality of life and its effects on the physical well-being of women with breast cancer. With positive statistical results, the investigators hope to implement yoga as part of their rehabilitation services at the Cedars Breast Clinic.

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Key information

Conditions

Breast Cancer Breast Diseases Breast Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1

Primary location

Cedar's Breast Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital

Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada

About this study

Proposed Intervention:

1-hour hatha yoga classes, once a week for a 12-week period. One class will be offered in French, another in English. The class will begin with approximately 10 minutes of pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, followed by 30 minutes of yoga poses and ending with 10 minutes of sivasana (rest period.) The first couple of classes in the 12 week series will begin with restorative postures and will gradually progress to more gentle exercises. If health permits, the last couple of classes will involve some strengthening poses. A small portion of the class will work with the physical body in general and there will be a specific emphasis on the physical difficulties faced by most breast cancer patients, i.e. neck, chest, shoulders arms and hands.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ages between 18-70
  • Stage I to II breast cancer
  • Minimum of 6 weeks Post Operative status

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous/Current psychiatric history
  • Concurrently involved in a yoga program
  • Inability to undergo yoga training secondary to physical/health limitations outlined by the treating team

Treatment and study plan

yoga

Other

A 12 week yoga session will be offered to women with breast cancer.

Primary outcomes

  1. Range of motion of the shoulders

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The range of motion of the shoulders will be measured before and after the 12 week session and then compared.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Anxiety

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The participants will fill in questionnaires (HADS and the Distress Thermometer) before and after the 12 week session and the results will be compared.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dr. Sarkis Meterissian

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Oct 29, 2010
Registry last updated
Oct 25, 2013

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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