title: Impact of relaxation training according to Yoga In Daily Life® system on self-esteem after breast cancer surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this pilot study was to gather information on the immediate and short-term effects of relaxation training according to the Yoga In Daily Life(®) system on the self-esteem of patients with breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a parallel-groups design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Baseline interventions took place at the Institute for Oncology of Ljubljana (Slovenia). At discharge, the experimental group was issued with audiocassette recordings containing the instructions for relaxation training to be practiced individually at home for an additional 3 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  The convenience sample of 32 patients with breast cancer was recruited from an accessible population of hospitalized women. Patients were randomized to the experimental (n=16) and to the control group (n=16).
  
  
  METHODS
  Both groups received the same standard physiotherapy for 1 week, while the experimental group additionally received a group relaxation training sessions according to the Yoga in Daily Life(®) system. At discharge, the experimental group was issued with audiocassette recordings containing similar instructions for relaxation training to be practiced individually at home for an additional 3 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outcome measures were obtained by blinded investigators (physiotherapists) using standardized questionnaires (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) at baseline (after the surgery); at 1 week (1 week postattendance; at discharge); and at 4 weeks (4 weeks postattendance); prior the commencement of radiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control group in all measuring self-esteem scores over the study period (p<0.0005). At the same time, the control group's scores remained unchanged over the study period (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that relaxation training according to the Yoga in Daily Life system could be a useful clinical physiotherapy intervention for patients who have breast cancer and who are experiencing low self-esteem. Although this kind of relaxation training can be applied to clinical oncology in Slovenia, more studies need to be done.
authors: Centre for Education, Work and Care Dobrna, Dobrna, Slovenia.
authors: Tine
authors: T
authors: Kovačič
authors: Miha
authors: M
authors: Kovačič
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012649:Self Concept; D015013:Yoga