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Effect of a Six-Month Yoga Exercise Intervention on Fitness Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors
Physiotherapy theory and practice
Short Title: Physiother.Theory Pract.
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2014
Pages: 451 - 460
Sources ID: 39976
Notes: LR: 20170220; GR: K22 CA154626/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States; GR: P30 CA054174/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States; GR: U54 CA153511/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States; JID: 9015520; NIHMS761474; OTO: NOTNLM; 2015/09/24 06:00 [entrez]; 2015/09/24 06:00 [pubmed]; 2016/07/02 06:00 [medline]; ppublish
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
Yoga-based exercise has proven to be beneficial for practitioners, including cancer survivors. This study reports on the improvements in physical fitness for 20 breast cancer survivors who participated in a six-month yoga-based exercise program (YE). Results are compared to a comprehensive exercise (CE) program group and a comparison (C) exercise group who chose their own exercises. "Pre" and "post" fitness assessments included measures of anthropometrics, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength and flexibility. Descriptive statistics, effect size (d), dependent sample 't' tests for all outcome measures were calculated for the YE group. Significant improvements included: decreased % body fat (-3.00%, d = -0.44, p < 0.001); increased sit to stand leg strength repetitions (2.05, d = 0.48, p = 0.003); forward reach (3.59 cm, d = 0.61, p = 0.01); and right arm sagittal range of motion (6.50 degrees , d = 0.92, p = 0.05). To compare YE outcomes with the other two groups, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. YE participants significantly outperformed C participants on "forward reach" (3.59 cm gained versus -2.44 cm lost), (p = 0.009) and outperformed CE participants (3.59 cm gained versus 1.35 cm gained), but not statistically significant. Our results support yoga-based exercise modified for breast cancer survivors as safe and effective.