Date of Award

2013

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department Chair

John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga aids in the reduction of short-term anxiety in adult female breast cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2007 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one before and after comparison study were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID. These studies analyzed yoga intervention in adult female breast cancer patients suffering from anxiolytic effects.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The main outcomes measured were anxiety state level and symptom severity and distress experienced by patients through use of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and subjective symptom checklist. The tools used to assess significance of outcomes measured were p-values, change in mean from baseline, ANOVA F-score, and t-values.

RESULTS:All three trials showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels after yoga-based intervention. When yoga intervention was employed in the Raghavenedra et al study, a significant decrease in anxiety levels were found (t-value = -5.18, p

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the RCTs and before and after comparison study, demonstrate the yoga practice to be an effective treatment for reducing anxiety in adult female breast cancer patients. The implementation of yoga intervention into the lives of cancer patients results in a reduction of stress and chemotherapy-related symptoms, further reducing anxiety levels. Further research is needed to determine length, intensity, and specific yoga asanas that may yield maximum results and relief from anxiety.

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