Research Area
Yoga and Meditation on Fall Risk, Function, and Quality of Life
Research Title
Impact of Somatic Yoga and Meditation on Fall Risk, Function, and Quality of Life
Introduction
Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent side effect of certain commonly used chemotherapies and reduces quality of life (QOL) in individuals diagnosed with cancer, including breast, colon, and lung cancer and lymphoma.
CIPN is a particularly essential adverse effect to address because the importance of curing the cancer limits the ability to reduce the serious, long-lasting, and even permanent debility that may result.
Abstract
Objective. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) syndrome causes significant pain as an adverse effect of treatment, with few nonpharmacological interventions tested. A somatic yoga and meditation (SYM) intervention on functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) was investigated. Design and methods. Individuals diagnosed with CIPN were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, mixed-methods feasibility trial. Participants and Setting. In an outpatient rehabilitation center, ten participants with median age 64.4 years (47-81) attended 61% of the sessions with no adverse events.
Conclusion
Cancer survivors with CIPN have sensory and motor deficits leading to inappropriate proprioceptive feedback, impaired postural control, and fall risk. SYM may improve
clinical measures and patient-reported symptoms in cancer survivors with CIPN. Although results should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size, this pilot trial has shown preliminary evidence that yoga and meditation with a focus on somatic awareness has positive therapeutic effects for cancer survivors with CIPN. This can enhance QOL and produce significant improvement in vibration sense and functional measures of flexibility, balance, and 12 Integrative Cancer Therapies mobility outcomes. A fully powered, randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm these results.
