Feasibility and potential benefits of partner-supported yoga on psychosocial and physical function among lung cancer patients

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7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Patients with lung cancer experience significant declines in psychosocial and physical function during and after treatment that impact quality of life (QOL) and survival. Yoga is a potential strategy to mitigate functional decline among patients with lung cancer. Methods: A single group 12-week pilot trial of low-moderate intensity yoga among patients with stage I-IV lung cancer and their partners (n = 46; 23 patient-partner dyads) during cancer treatment from two hospital systems. Feasibility, acceptability, descriptive statistics, and Cohen d effect sizes were calculated at 6 and 12-weeks for psychosocial and physical outcomes using validated questionnaires and assessments. Results: At 6 and 12-weeks, retention was 65% and withdrawals were mainly due to disease progression. Among study completers (n = 26; 13 dyads) adherence was 80%. Comparing baseline to 12-week measurements, fatigue, depression symptoms, and sleep disturbance improved in 54% of participants for all three measures (Cohen's d = 0.40‒0.53). QOL improved in 77% of participants (Cohen's d = 0.34). Upper and lower body flexibility, and lower body strength improved in 92%, 85% and 77% of participants, respectively (Cohen's d = 0.39‒1.08). Six-minute walk test improved in 62% of participants an average of 32 meters (SD = 11.3; Cohen's d = 0.17). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Among patients with stage I-IV lung cancer including active treatment, a 12-week partner-supported yoga program is feasible, acceptable, and improved psychosocial and physical function. Low-intensity yoga may be a complimentary approach to reduce the effects of cancer treatment, however, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of partner-supported yoga to mitigate functional decline.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)789-793
Number of pages5
JournalPsycho-Oncology
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • cancer treatment
  • depression
  • exercise
  • lung cancer
  • metastatic disease
  • oncology
  • physical function
  • quality of life
  • yoga

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Oncology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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