In 206, Stan, et. al., conducted study about Fatigue which is a prevalent and distressing symptom that many cancer survivors face, particularly those recovering from breast cancer. Mindful exercise interventions, such as yoga, have shown potential in alleviating cancer-related fatigue. However, the specific impact of yoga on fatigued breast cancer survivors has not been clearly established, as previous studies have involved diverse survivor populations.

In this study, 34 early-stage breast cancer survivors who reported cancer-related fatigue (scoring 4 or higher on a 10-point Likert scale) within a year of diagnosis were randomly assigned to one of two 12-week interventions. The interventions were home-based and delivered via DVD: one group practiced yoga, while the other group performed strengthening exercises. The primary goals were to assess the feasibility of these interventions and to measure changes in fatigue levels using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF). Additionally, the study examined the secondary endpoint of quality of life, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B) tool.

Out of 401 women invited to participate in the trial, 78 responded, and 34 were ultimately enrolled. Both the yoga and strengthening exercise groups experienced significant improvements in several fatigue and quality of life domains from the start of the intervention to its conclusion, and these benefits were sustained three months after the intervention ended. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of fatigue reduction or quality of life improvements at any point during the study. Additionally, both groups showed similar adherence to their respective exercise interventions.

The findings suggest that both DVD-based yoga and strengthening exercises are viable options for managing fatigue in breast cancer survivors. These interventions are accessible, can be easily implemented at home, and offer potential benefits in reducing fatigue and enhancing quality of life during the first year after a breast cancer diagnosis.

This study highlights the potential of home-based, mindful exercise programs as effective strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Both yoga and strengthening exercises appear to be feasible, with good participant adherence and sustained benefits, making them practical and beneficial options for this population.

Reference: Stan, D. L., Croghan, K. A., Croghan, I. T., Jenkins, S. M., Sutherland, S. J., Cheville, A. L., & Pruthi, S. (2016). Randomized pilot trial of yoga versus strengthening exercises in breast cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 4005-4015.