Patricia Blickle
(Divison of Physical Activity, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Background:
Mind-body interventions such as yoga are increasingly recognized as integral components of supportive cancer care. Yoga, combining strengthening mindful movements, breathing, and relaxation techniques, has demonstrated positive effects on common cancer side effects such as cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and emotional distress. However, heterogeneity of patient needs, physical limitations related to the disease or treatment, and logistical barriers often impede participation in yoga interventions. Live-remote sessions may overcome these challenges.
Methods:
As part of the intervention in the LION RCT, live-remote yoga-based sessions were developed for cancer survivors who completed curative therapy 3-12 months ago and continue to report CRF or emotional distress. Participants receive a 12-week live-remote intervention consisting of an aerobic and resistance exercise module (2×/week) and a side effect-specific module, e.g. the CRF and emotional distress modules (1×/week), that include yoga-based exercises. These yoga-based sessions encompass Hatha and restorative yoga postures, elements from Tai Chi, breathing techniques, and guided relaxation. Modifications to floor and standing postures as well as adaptations to postures involving the arms were made to meet the specific needs of patients with limited mobility to ensure safe participation.
Results:
Each yoga-based session begins with a breathing exercise and warm-up. The CRF-focused module comprises 16 postures, designed to enhance energy regulation and reduce perceived exertion, followed by a 10-minute body scan during the relaxation phase. The emotional distress module incorporates 13 yoga postures to facilitate stress release and promote relaxation, followed by a 15-minute relaxation exercise (Body Scan, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or Guided Imagery).
Discussion:
The developed sessions represent a side effect-targeted approach to integrating yoga into exercise oncology. The emphasis on safety, feasibility and accessibility is intended to inform best practices for evidence-based mind–body interventions. The LION trial will evaluate patient compliance, satisfaction and potential practical barriers.
Keywords
yoga-based intervention, supportive care, side effect-targeted, mindfulness
| Abstract submitters declaration |
yes
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| Conflict of Interest & Ethical Approval |
yes
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Patricia Blickle
(Divison of Physical Activity, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Evelyn Monninkhof
(Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands)
Martina Schmidt
(Divison of Physical Activity, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Anouk Hiensch
(Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Mark Trevaskis
(Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia)
Anna Campbell
(Edinburgh Napier University)
Nadira Gunasekara
(German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany)
Dorothea Clauss
(Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum)
Joachim Wiskemann
(Exercise Oncology Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Karen Steindorf
(Divison of Physical Activity, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Alberto Alves
(Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Maia, Maia, Portugal; ONCOMOVE®-Associação de Investigação de Cuidados de Suporte em Oncologia (AICSO), Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal)
Anne May
(Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Dr
Jana Müller
(Exercise Oncology Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany)
Eva Zopf
(Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia)
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