LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of yoga on shoulder and arm pain, quality of life (QOL), depression, and physical performance in patients with breast cancer. METHODS This prospective, randomized study included 42 patients. The patients in Group 1 underwent a 10-week Hatha yoga exercise program. The patients in Group 2 were included in a 10-week follow-up program. Our primary endpoint was arm and shoulder pain intensity. RESULTS The group receiving yoga showed a significant improvement in their pain severity from baseline to post-treatment, and these benefits were maintained at 2.5 months post-treatment. When compared to the control group, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to the parameters assessed at the end of week 10. CONCLUSION Yoga was an effective and safe exercise for alleviating shoulder and arm pain, which is a complication with a high prevalence in patients with breast cancer.