The Efficacy and Benefits of Yoga in Hematological Malignancies: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Authors

  • S Giridharan Consultant Oncologist, Department of Oncology, Tawam Hospitals, Al Ain, UAE. Author
  • Rajanee Bhana Consultant Oncologist, Department of Oncology, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent, UK. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2024.70807

Keywords:

Fatigue, Hematological malignancies, Pain, Quality of life, Supportive care, Yoga

Abstract

Introduction: Hematological malignancies, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, contribute  significantly to global cancer morbidity and mortality. Patients often face high chemotherapy toxicity and significant  physical and psychological symptoms. The use of yoga as a supportive care intervention has shown promise in  alleviating these side effects and enhancing patients’ quality of life (QOL). Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive  literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using specific keywords  related to yoga and hematological malignancies. Studies from 2000 to 2023 that investigated the effects of yoga on  physical or mental health outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies were included. Data extraction and  synthesis were performed by two reviewers, focusing on study design, sample size, intervention details, outcome  measures, and critical findings. The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: The search yielded 903 items, with five randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria. These  trials demonstrated that yoga intervention significantly reduced fatigue, emotional distress, and pain in patients with  hematological malignancies. However, challenges related to the feasibility of online interventions and adherence  were noted. Conclusion: Yoga interventions have the potential to significantly enhance the QOL for patients with hematological  malignancies by mitigating fatigue, pain, and psychological distress. Further research is warranted to optimize these  interventions and integrate yoga into comprehensive cancer care. Hematological malignancies, comprising a range of cancers including  leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, account for a substantial  portion of global cancer diagnoses and fatalities. The incidence and  prevalence of these malignancies have exhibited an upward trend over  the years, posing significant public health concerns. They represent  approximately 7% of all cancers and rank as the fourth most frequently  diagnosed cancer in the western world.[1,2] 

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Published

2024-09-03

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 8 (2024): International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga (Aug)

Section

Review Article

How to Cite

Giridharan , S., & Bhana, R. (2024). The Efficacy and Benefits of Yoga in Hematological Malignancies: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials . International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga, 7(8), 36-42. https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2024.70807
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