YogaThrive
YogaThrive
The goal of this project is to build on work previously completed through the kinesiology and Oncology Departments at the University of Calgary in collaboration with the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Functional Synergy Inc. Culos-Reed, Carlson, Daroux, & Hately-Aldous (2006) published their investigation of the physical and psychological benefits of a yoga program for breast cancer survivors. These researchers continue to assess the benefits of this therapeutic yoga program for cancer survivors in Calgary.
Physical activity provides a number of physical and psychological benefits to cancer survivors, including lessening the impact of detrimental cancer-related symptoms and treatment side-effects (e.g. fatigue, nausea), and improving overall well-being and quality of life. The purpose of Culos-Reed and associates’ (2006) research was to examine the physical and psychological benefits provided by a 7-week yoga program for cancer survivors. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. All participants completed pre- and post-testing assessments immediately before and after the yoga program, respectively. Significant differences between the intervention and the control group at post-intervention were seen in psychosocial (i.e. global quality of life, emotional function) variables. There were also trends for group differences, in the hypothesized directions, for the psychosocial variables of emotional irritability, gastrointestinal symptoms, cognitive disorganization, mood disturbance, tension, depression, and confusion. Finally, there were also significant improvements in both the program participants and the controls from pre- to post-intervention on a number of physical fitness variables.
These initial findings from Culos-Reed and associates’ (2006) pilot work suggest that yoga has significant potential and should be further explored as a beneficial physical activity option for cancer survivors. The current project will build on and extend this work by assessing the benefits of the same yoga program for a broader range of cancer survivors (e.g., male and female, other forms of cancer other than breast cancer, etc.) in Red Deer, Alberta. Different physical and psychological variables may be assessed as well (e.g., self-esteem, body image, coping self-efficacy, stress levels, feelings of optimism and empowerment).
Recently, Suzanne Blackwell (Yoga, Martial Arts, & Fitness Instructor, Certified Coach New Leaf Training & Life Balance) of the Yoga Alliance of Red Deer (YARD) has undergone the teacher training course to teach a 7 week (once a week) "Yogathrive" Yoga for Cancer Survivors class with the same protocol as was used for the classes offered by those in Calgary assessing the program (see Culos-Reed and associates (2006) in Psycho-Oncology). The program is new to Red Deer and has not been assessed in our community. Suzanne has offered a 7 week start up class at YARD and is looking forward to collaborating with University of Calgary at RDC in the implementation and evaluation of this exciting new program.
Therefore, the goal of the current study is to implement and evaluate the Yogathrive program in terms of the physical and psychological benefits it provides to cancer survivors in our community. With the partnership we have established with Suzanne Blackwell at the YARD and the connections we have acquired at the University of Calgary, we are confident that this program can easily be implemented and evaluated in our community in such a way that our efforts meaningfully build onto the existing evaluations of this program. This is a new program that is showing promise in Alberta and an important goal of this project will be to provide further evidence of its effectiveness and to increase awareness of this program and its impact within our community.
This project will give students an opportunity to be involved in the implementation and evaluation of Yogathrive as well as engage them in applied community research. The project will involve a literature review on effectiveness of yoga-based programs, their value specifically pertaining to cancer survivors, and other areas that may be relevant.
Advisory Team:
- Dr. Anomi Bearden - RDC Psychology Instructor
- Suzanne Blackwell - YogaThrive Instructor
- Krista Rawson - Nurse Practitioner, Cancer Clinic
- Rayna Newton - RDC Research Student
- Scott Oddie - RDC Rural Health Research Chair
Current Status:
6-credit research course and student aligned with project; advisory team established. HRC providing $1550 for 30 – 40 cancer survivors to participate (recruited by Krista Rawson). No project learnings or impact to report at this time.
For more information contact: Dr. Scott Oddie or phone 403-342-3310.