Iyengar yoga in a cancer center
 Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada report how Iyengar yoga affected their patients’ worst symptoms and more.
First, the details.
- This study included 24 patients treated for cancer within the previous 6 months.
- They participated in 10, 90-minute weekly Iyengar yoga classes.
- The researchers looked for changes in their patients’ most-bothersome symptom, quality of life and spiritual well-being, and mood disturbance.
And, the results.
- Statistically significant improvements were reported in most-bothersome symptom, quality of life, spiritual well-being, and mood disturbance during the program.
- After the study, quality of life and mood disturbance significantly improved over time.
The bottom line?
The participants appeared to benefit from participating in the yoga program.
Maybe a placebo group isn’t necessary under these circumstances. For those who disagree, the results of a similar study in breast cancer patients are summarized here, along with a link to background information on the Iyengar method of yoga.
9/5/08 20:49 JR