| The Effect of Yoga Exercise on Physiological Stress, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy in Hamedan, Iran |
| Paper ID : 1292-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
fatemeh ahmadi * عضو هیات علمی دانشگاه پیام نور تهران |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga exercise on physiological stress, fatigue, and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy in Hamedan, Iran. Yoga, as a mind-body practice, has been increasingly recognized as a complementary therapy to improve patients’ physical and psychological well-being during cancer treatment [1,2]. Methods: A randomized controlled design was used involving women with stage 0–III breast cancer recruited before the start of radiotherapy at Hamedan, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to a yoga group (two sessions per week during radiotherapy) or a control group. Data were collected at the start, mid-point, end of treatment, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Measures included cortisol level, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1RA, TNF-α), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and self-reported assessments of fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life [1,3]. Results: A total of 24 participants (12 yoga, 12 control) completed the study. The yoga group showed significantly lower cortisol levels at the end of radiotherapy compared to the control group (p=0.02). Yoga practice was also associated with favorable modulation of IL-1RA levels and improved emotional functioning scores. No significant differences were found in fatigue or sleep quality between groups [3]. Conclusion: Yoga exercise conducted during radiotherapy may help reduce physiological stress and inflammation, thereby contributing to improved emotional functioning and quality of life among women with breast cancer in Hamedan, Iran. These findings are consistent with prior studies demonstrating yoga’s role in supporting physical and emotional well-being in oncology care [2,4]. Integrating yoga-based interventions into supportive care programs could enhance treatment experiences for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Hamedan, Iran. |
| Keywords |
| Yoga, Breast Cancer, Radiotherapy, Physiological Stress, Fatigue, Quality of Life |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
