Effect of yoga on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women and most patients with breast cancer experience fatigue. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between yoga and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with breast cancer. However, these studies drew their conclusions from small sample sizes and lacked sufficient evidence to demonstrate that yoga can effectively alleviate CRF. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to systematically examine the effects of yoga on cancer fatigue in patients with breast cancer and establish a scientific basis for enhancing their quality of life. Objective: To assess the effect of yoga on CRF in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Computer searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CKNI, and Wanfang databases to retrieve articles related to yoga and CRF in patients with breast cancer from the hospital establishment date to July 2023. The literature was independently screened, and the information was extracted by the researchers. A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager Software (version 5.3). Results: The findings from the meta-analysis of 18 studies indicate that yoga can effectively enhance CFR (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.92 to −0.10), improve sleep quality (MD = −3.86, 95%CI = −4.03 to −3.70) in patients with breast cancer, alleviate anxiety and depression (SMD = −0.93, 95%CI = −1.68, −0.18, SMD = −1.23, 95%CI = −2.02 to −0.44), and enhance quality of life (MD = −11.20, 95%CI = −14.16 to −8.24). Conclusion: Our study offers evidence for the subsequent reduction of CFR in patients with breast cancer. Yoga can alleviate fatigue, improve sleep quality and negative emotions, and improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer.