The impact of yoga on quality of life and psychological distress in caregivers for patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of a six-week Vinyasa yoga (VY) intervention on caregivers' overall quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress.


METHODS
A single-group, pre- and post-test pilot study.


METHODS
University public recreational facility.


METHODS
12 informal caregivers for patients with cancer.


METHODS
Caregivers participated in a six-week VY intervention and completed measures of QOL and psychological distress pre- and postintervention. Program satisfaction was measured with open-ended survey questions.


METHODS
QOL, psychological distress, and program satisfaction.


RESULTS
Significant improvements were found in the mental component score of overall QOL and in overall psychological distress. Several subdomains of QOL and psychological distress were also improved significantly. Open-ended survey question responses revealed participants perceived physical and mental benefit from the intervention, highlighting improvements in flexibility, core and upper-body strength, balance, breathing, and energy.


CONCLUSIONS
Informal caregivers may benefit mentally and physically from participating in VY.


CONCLUSIONS
Caregivers of patients with cancer characterize a group worthy of attention, research, and interventions focusing on their healthcare needs.
Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Andi Céline
AC
Martin
School of Health and Human Performance and the School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Melanie R
MR
Keats
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015013:Yoga / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
cancer; caregiver; distress; quality of life; yoga