Assessing the Effects of Yoga on Cognition and Immune Function in Colorectal Cancer: A Feasibility Study.
Moira A Visovatti, Mi Sook Jung, Diane Von Ah
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This feasibility randomized controlled trial assessed yoga, physical activity, and waitlist control in colorectal cancer survivors, examining feasibility, cognition, and circulating immune markers. The interventions involved two 90-minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks, with assessments after treatment and at follow-up. Enrollment, retention, and intervention fidelity rates were 39%, 74%, and >75%, respectively. Exploratory analyses found improved alertness and cognitive control in the yoga group at 3 months postintervention (P < .05); 60% showed reliable improvement in alertness and 30% in cognitive control. The findings support feasibility and suggest a possible cognitive benefit, requiring further validation.
Key findings
- Enrollment, retention, and intervention fidelity rates were 39%, 74%, and >75%, respectively.
- At 3 months postintervention, the yoga group showed improved alertness, with 60% demonstrating reliable improvement (P < .05).
- At 3 months postintervention, 30% of the yoga group demonstrated reliable improvement in cognitive control (P < .05).
Why it matters
Cancer-related cognitive impairment can affect daily functioning and quality of life, while validated treatments are lacking. This feasibility study provides preliminary evidence that yoga may be associated with improvements in selected cognitive outcomes among colorectal cancer survivors. The findings are relevant as a basis for further evaluation, but do not establish efficacy or demonstrate changes in immune function.
What to keep in mind
This was a feasibility study with a 39% enrollment rate; the reported cognitive findings were exploratory, and further validation is needed.