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Effects of Yoga-Based Interventions on Cancer-Associated Cognitive Decline: a Systematic Review

  • Integrative Care (C Lammersfeld, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize and evaluate evidence available on the effects of yoga on cancer-associated cognitive decline (CACD).

Recent Findings

A systematic review was conducted using four databases of articles published before January 1, 2020. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria (six randomized controlled trials, two single-arm studies, one non-randomized controlled trial, and one case series study). Studies were predominantly conducted with breast cancer patients using low-intensity hatha yoga programs. Of the 10 articles, five reported some positive effects on CACD, but significant biases were possible due to design shortcomings. Cohen’s d effect sizes ranged from |0.03| to |0.74|.

Summary

The evidence to date is insufficient to suggest that yoga is beneficial for attenuating CACD. More rigorous trials controlling for non-specific factors are warranted. The field would also benefit from examining self-delivered modes of yoga for treating CACD in various cancer populations to enhance practice sustainability and generalizability.

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Funding

MB, DO, CM, and MF are supported by the Training in Research and Clinical Trials in Integrative Oncology (TRACTION) fellowship from the University of Calgary. DO is supported by a joint Cumming School of Medicine-Charbonneau Cancer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship. CM and MF are supported by the Alberta Innovates Support for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Graduate Studentships. CM is supported by an award from the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRQS). MF is supported by the Queen Elizabeth II Doctoral Scholarship from the province of Alberta. LEC holds the Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial Oncology, co-funded by the Canadian Cancer Society Alberta/NWT Division and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, as well as a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Mentorship Chair in Innovative Clinical Trials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

    Mohamad Baydoun, Devesh Oberoi, Andrew McLennan, Katherine-Ann L. Piedalue & Linda E. Carlson

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

    Michelle Flynn & Chelsea Moran

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  1. Mohamad Baydoun
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  2. Devesh Oberoi
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  7. Linda E. Carlson
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Correspondence to Linda E. Carlson.

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Baydoun, M., Oberoi, D., Flynn, M. et al. Effects of Yoga-Based Interventions on Cancer-Associated Cognitive Decline: a Systematic Review. Curr Oncol Rep 22, 100 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-020-00960-5

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