The impact of online yoga on sleep and quality of life in women with breast cancer: a randomized trial

Einleitung There is growing evidence of the benefit of physical activity and mindfulness in breast cancer patients. Yoga offers a combination of both. The aim of this study was to establish an online yoga program for breast cancer patients and survivors. As the project was launched during the (Covid) pandemic restrictions, we intended to prove effective online yoga as a way to access supportive therapy independently of sanitary issues and geographic locations in rural regions.

Material und Methodik Participants were recruited both in the Breast Cancer Unit (Medical Campus Oberfrankonia, Klinikum Bayreuth, Germany) and online. Inclusion criteria were as follow: breast cancer or past history of breast cancer (less than 10 years since first diagnosis), regardless of therapy and stage of disease, sufficient understanding of German language (B1), sufficient physical fitness (ECOG 1-2), absence of orthopedic lesions and osseous metastasis.

173 participants signed informed consent for this study, providing general health data with breast cancer history. The two main outcomes were quality of life and sleep quality, and both were evaluated by standardized questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ 30 BR 23 and PSQI). Participants were randomized 2:1 to either 6 weeks online yoga, twice a week for 45 minutes or a waiting control group. The specifically designed website hosted all twelve videos and was accessible round-the-clock on demand for the participants.

Ergebnisse Our results show improved sleep quality in the PSQI score and improved subitems (dyspnea and physical activity) in the EORTC quality of life score. The overall score in the EORTC QLQ 30 BR 23 was improved after the yoga intervention, although the difference was not significant p=0,140.

The physis score was significantly improved after 6 weeks of yoga (p=0,04). There was also a tendency to improvement in cognitive function after the intervention (p=0,058). Dyspnea was significantly reduced after yoga practice (p=0,012). Arm symptoms also showed a positive tendency towards reduction (p=0.051).

We showed a significant improvement (p=0,007) of the overall sleep quality score after 6 weeks of yoga in comparison to the waiting control group. Further, we demonstrated an improvement of different subitems of the PSQI score, statistical significance was reached for sleep disturbance, sleep latency and day sleepiness. We could also demonstrate the feasibility of an online supportive therapy as a cost-effective and reproducible alternative.

Zusammenfassung This study provides evidence of effectivity of online yoga in supportive therapy for women with breast cancer. Participation in yoga intervention improves sleep quality and physis as well as dyspnea after 6 weeks in comparison to control group.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 June 2024