Cancer survivors boosted by yoga

Cancer survivors boosted by yoga

Yoga can help cancer survivors improve their quality of life by enabling them to sleep better, US researchers have said.

The findings were revealed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology after it conducted a four-week study.

As part of the research, 410 cancer survivors were split into two groups, one of which underwent a program of yoga involving breathing techniques and meditation, while the other group had the usual post-treatment care.

Among those who did yoga, 22 per cent said they enjoyed a better quality of sleep, compared to 12 per cent in the other group.

Meanwhile, 42 per cent of the yoga group noted a significant reduction in fatigue, with just 12 per cent in the control group saying the same.

And while none of the control group said they felt their quality of life had improved, six per cent in the yoga group said it had improved.

A team at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found that cancer patients who engaged in regular exercise were less fatigued and in a better condition physically and mentally.