Trial Information

The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Proposed Intervention:

1-hour hatha yoga classes, once a week for a 12-week period. One class will be offered in
French, another in English. The class will begin with approximately 10 minutes of
pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, followed by 30 minutes of yoga poses and
ending with 10 minutes of sivasana (rest period.) The first couple of classes in the 12
week series will begin with restorative postures and will gradually progress to more gentle
exercises. If health permits, the last couple of classes will involve some strengthening
poses. A small portion of the class will work with the physical body in general and there
will be a specific emphasis on the physical difficulties faced by most breast cancer
patients, i.e. neck, chest, shoulders arms and hands.