ONS Connect - April 2008 - (Page 20)

fIvEmINUTEINSERvICE As seen in tHe CliniCal Journal of onCology nursing Help Patients Integrate Yoga Into Cancer Care [By Pamela Oestreicher, PhD, ONSEdge Scientific Writer] I n her article in the February 2008 issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Susan A. DiStasio, MS, ANP-CS, APRN, sought to familiarize nurses with yoga as a complementary therapy for patients with cancer. She argued that yoga can provide benefits for patients and survivors, including managing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and fatigue. Exercise is recommended as an evidence-based intervention for cancerrelated fatigue in ONS’s published guidelines. The recommendation was based on strong evidence from rigorously designed studies, including two that found that yoga-like positioning and relaxation breathing significantly reduced fatigue, although few randomized, controlled trials of yoga in patients with cancer have been published. Early research about the benefits of yoga in cancer symptom management faced many of the same difficulties experienced by other complementary therapy research. Several yoga studies had methodologic limitations, including small sample sizes, no control groups, brief intervention and follow-up periods, and inadequate statistical analyses. Many types of yoga exist that differ in approach and technique, and interventions varied and were not always specified, inhibiting study replication. In addition, participants in most studies were self-selected and interested in exploring yoga. Nevertheless, findings are strongly key Definitions Asanas: postures that are designed to exercise every muscle, nerve, and gland in the body Complementary therapy: nonmedical intervention that may combine with traditional therapy to enhance patient well-being. Yoga is a complementary therapy that incorporates elements of relaxation, exercise, and social support; therefore, it may improve quality of life in cancer survivors. Pranayama: rhythmic control of the breath, combined with asanas in yogic practice Yoga: The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to bind, join, or yoke; it is a form of exercise that is a reflection of the union of the body, mind, and spirit; it comprises many types, including Iyengar, Kripaula, Ashtanga, Birkham, Dru, and restorative. “Five-Minute In-Service” is a monthly feature that offers readers a concise recap of a full-length article published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON) or Oncology Nursing Forum. This edition summarizes “Integrating Yoga Into Cancer Care” by Susan A. DiStasio, MS, ANP-CS, APRN, which is featured in the February 2008 issue of CJON. Questions regarding the information presented in this Five-Minute In-Service should be directed to the CJON editor at CJONEditor@ons.org. Photocopying of this article for educational purposes and group discussion is permitted. 20 ONS CONNECT APRIL 2008

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ONS Connect - April 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Work-Life Balance A Year in the Life—Month Four Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Enhance Your Professionalism in Your Daily Practice Help Patients Integrate Yoga Into Cancer Care Caregiver Care Epigenetics Offers New Options for Cancer Diagnosis Working for You Calendar of Events Staying on Top

ONS Connect - April 2008

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