Effects of Yoga for Degree of Shoulder Movement with Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients Modified Radical Mastectomy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of shoulder movement Yoga on life quality of breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy. The sample group consisted of 60 breast cancer patients who received modified radical mastectomy, selected by criteria-based purposive sampling. The sample group was divided into 2 equal Test Group and Control Group of which the subjects in each group had similar age, marital status, income, stage of disease, personality, and body mass index. The Control Group received normal treatment and advice, while the Test Group received Yoga training in 3 steps: (a) relationship forming; (b) medical information giving; and (c) 45-min Yoga sessions 3 times⋅wk^-1 for 12 wks. In addition, the Test Group was encouraged to practice Yoga at home via a phone. The data collection tools consisted of a personal information questionnaire, Yoga training form, shoulder movement degree assessment form, WHOQOL assessment form, and clinical information plan on breast cancer and shoulder training via Yoga. Content validity was verified by the expert to be 0.90. Data analysis was done by using statistics, percentage, standard deviation and f-test. The study found that the average degree of shoulder movement in the breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy was significantly increased (P<0.05) post-test versus the pre-test value, and there was no limb swelling or other complications. Average life quality score, both overall and in detail (e.g., physical, mental, social, and environmental factors) were good. Also, after Yoga training, life quality of the Test Group was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the Control Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]