The purpose of this study was to determine if occupational therapy informed yoga could decrease barriers to occupational engagement in African American breast cancer survivors. .
Breast cancer disproportionately affects African American women as illustrated by a 42% higher death rate and an 11% lower 5-year survival rate when compared to Caucasian women. Reasons for these disparities include biological and structural barriers to higher survival rates. Regular physical activity and resistance training are recommended to support improved survivorship. To date, few efforts have targeted African American survivors who may experience greater survivorship challenges than Caucasians. Yoga is a safe and effective means for breast cancer survivors to exercise and gain positive physical and psychosocial outcomes. Only two studies, 10 years apart, have provided evidence about the efficacy of yoga for African American breast cancer survivors.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
17
Occupational therapy informed yoga met weekly for six, 60-minute sessions. Each session started with a seated warm-up to coordinate breath and movement and promote upper extremity mobility. Standing postures followed to target balance. Sessions closed with restorative postures in seated and supine variations.
Change in dynamic balance
Dynamic balance measured with Functional Reach Assessment
Time frame: Week 1 & week 6
Change in Pain
Universal Pain Assessment Tool
Time frame: Week 1 & week 6
Change in Mental Health
Mental health subscale of Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)
Time frame: Week 1 & week 6
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