A Structured and Combined Yoga Asana & Pranayama Intervention for Post-Treatment Breast Cancer Survivors

Nydia T. Darby, DPT,¹ Daniel C. Hughes, PhD,² Terri Boggess, PhD,³ Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH² ¹Nydia’s Yoga Therapy Studio, ²The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, ³St. Mary’s University

! ! Methods

A Hatha yoga program was developed specifically ! ! ! ! !! for this study. It took into account the potential ! limitations of limb movement, higher body fatness, and lower levels of aerobic fitness and strength common to post-treatment breast cancer survivors. The protocol was developed by a licensed physical ! ! ! ! !! therapist, who is also a certified and experienced ! yoga instructor. The program included: an emphasis on breath awareness and practice (pranayama); a

modified Sun Salutation; standing, seated, ! ! ! ! Mo Mo d if quadruped, twisting/rotation, prone, supine

! postures and the transition used between postures; modified inversion; guided

relaxation and resting postures. The protocol M o d I f ied Est ended Sdi

Seat ed Rot at i o

and sequencing of postures were designed with a great deal of specificity to guarantee that ! ! ! ! ! subjects would receive the same instructions and perform the same routine, regardless of the NYT$Modified$Sun$Salutation$ ! ! ! !! instructor or class attended. Instructors received ! training in specific language to be used, as well as timing/pacing for the class to ensure Introduction consistency for the 60-minute program ! ! ! The physical and mental benefits for properly designed throughout the study duration. Yoga classes NYT$Yoga$Intervention$Protocol$ exercise for post-treatment breast cancer survivors were taught at six different times a week continue to be documented, including reduced risk for so each participant could attend at least three classes a week. Participants recurrence and improved quality of life. received an audio CD and booklet with the detailed yoga program, photos and instructions for use at home when they were unable to attend class. Conclusion Yoga asana has been practiced for centuries, and has This program, proven to be safe and effective for post- proven to have many physical and mental benefits for Results treatment breast cancer survivors, resulted in consistent practitioners. However, few yoga programs significantly improved physical and mental functioning. have been designed specifically for post-treatment Twenty randomized participants received the structured yoga intervention during This methodology, as designed, should be replicated for breast cancer survivors. Here we report on the the 6-month trial. No injuries were reported. Significant physical and mental effectiveness with other cancer survivor populations. methodology of a 6-month yoga asana and pranayama functioning was evidenced by scores on physical functioning tests and scoring on The fundamentals of this program serve as the intervention for 20 post-treatment breast cancer the Medical Outcomes Short Form – SF-36® Survey. Participants lost % body fat, foundation for the community yoga classes offered at survivors. (-3.00%, p = .001); increased: (a) sit to stand leg strength repetitions, (+2.05 reps, Nydia’s Yoga Therapy studio in San Antonio, Texas. It p= .003); (b) forward reach, (+3.59 cm, p= .01); (c) right arm sagittal range of is our desire to introduce modified, gentle and breath motion (ROM), (+6.50°, p= .05); and (d) aggregate score on Mental Component centered yoga practices to the community at large so that Scale (MCS) of the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36® scale (+7.3, p= .005) all individuals will have access to its benefits.

This project was supported by Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Award No. SAB08-00005) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI; Award No. K22 CA 154626). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, an NCI-designated Cancer Center (P30CA054174). Content is solely the author’s responsibility and does not necessarily represent official views of Komen or the NCI.