Yoga, Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema and WellBeing: A Descriptive Report of Women’s Participation in a Clinical Trial

Loudon A, Barnett T, Williams A. J Clin Nurs. 2017 Mar 23

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Yoga, Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema and WellBeing: A Descriptive Report of Women’s Participation in a Clinical Trial

Loudon A, Barnett T, Williams A. J Clin Nurs. 2017 Mar 23

Abstract

AIM:

To describe the experiences of women taking part in a yoga intervention trial for breast cancer-related lymphoedema.

BACKGROUND:

Around 20% of women will experience lymphoedema as a consequence of treatment for breast cancer. Specialist lymphoedema clearing, along with self-management, remains the mainstay of therapy. Yoga, an increasingly popular complementary therapeutic practice, may provide another tool to augment self-management.

DESIGN:

A qualitative, descriptive design.

METHODS:

Interviews were conducted with 15 women with stage one breast cancer-related lymphoedema who had completed an eight-week yoga intervention trial. The intervention consisted of a weekly teacher-led 1.5-hour yoga class and a daily home-practice using a 45-minute DVD. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. These data were then analysed using an iterative-thematic approach.

RESULTS:

Participants reported improved wellbeing, increased awareness of their physical body as well as improved physical, mental and social functioning. They gained from being part of the yoga group that also provided a forum for them to share their experiences. Nine women felt empowered to describe their yoga participation as a transformative journey through illness.

CONCLUSION:

When safe to do so, the holistic practice of yoga may augment and provide additional benefit to current self-management and treatment practices for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema (BCRL) may seek advice and guidance from nurses and other health care professionals on a range of complementary therapies to help relieve symptoms and promote recovery. Patients who choose to augment their treatment of BCRL by practicing yoga should be carefully assessed, be taught an appropriate technique by a qualified yoga teacher/therapist and its impact monitored by their yoga teacher/therapist, breast care nurse, lymphoedema therapist or treating clinician. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Main findings

Benefits of yoga included:

  • Improvement in wellbeing
  • Greater awareness of their body and how they moved
  • Improved mental health and social functioning with a strong sense of connection with the other participants.
  • Made them think more outwardly.