Clinical Case Report: Yoga for Fatigue in Five Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing consequence of cancer and its treatment. CRF impacts many young adult (YA) survivors of childhood cancer, compromising work, social relationships, and daily activities. No satisfactory treatment exists. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week twice/week Iyengar yoga (IY) intervention for treating persistent fatigue in YA survivors of childhood cancer.


METHODS
Using a single-arm mixed-methods design, adult childhood cancer survivors aged between 18 and 39 years were recruited from a survivorship clinic at a single institution. Quantitative: The primary outcome was fatigue as measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue. Secondary outcomes included vitality, social functioning, multidimensional fatigue, mood, and sleep. Weekly self-report monitoring data were collected. Qualitative: Participants also completed a post-intervention interview, major themes evaluated.


RESULTS
Five participants enrolled into the study and four completed the intervention. Attendance was 92% and there were no adverse events. Baseline mobility was highly varied, with one YA having had a hemipelvectomy. Quantitative data revealed significantly improved fatigue, social functioning, somatization, and general and emotional manifestations of fatigue following yoga. Qualitative data cross validated, clarified, and expanded upon the quantitative findings.


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that a brief IY intervention is safe for YA survivors of childhood cancer, even for those with physical disabilities. Preliminary efficacy was demonstrated for the primary outcome of fatigue. Qualitative data elucidated additional improvements, such as work-related social functioning, and a sense of calm and relaxation.
1 School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University , Burwood, Victoria, Australia .
Subhadra
S
Evans
2 UCLA Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, California.
Laura
L
Seidman
2 UCLA Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, California.
Beth
B
Sternlieb
3 UCLA Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, California.
Jacqueline
J
Casillas
2 UCLA Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, California.
Lonnie
L
Zeltzer
2 UCLA Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, California.
Jennie
J
Tsao
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000073116:Cancer Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D015013:Yoga / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
cancer survivors; fatigue; integrative medicine; yoga