Impact of Nada Yoga Music Therapy on Anxiety and Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and Objective: Nada yoga is a complementary therapy known for its potential to reduce anxiety. This study aimed to assess the effects of nada yoga music on anxiety management and quality of life (QoL) in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 58 ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups using a simple randomization procedure: Group A (control arm): Participants in this group listened to nada yoga music without any additional instructions. Group B (intervention arm): Participants in this group listened to the same nada yoga music with additional verbal instructions for meditation. Nada yoga music was delivered to both groups through a custom Android application developed for this study. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 weeks, and anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, whereas QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire)-C30 QoL questionnaire. Baseline data were collected just before the first chemotherapy session, and post data were collected after 12 weeks. Results: Data from 49 participants were included in the analysis. Both groups were found to be homogeneous with respect to age, weight, and clinical parameters. Significant differences were observed in anxiety scores (P = 0.026), fatigue (P = 0.039), nausea/vomiting (P = 0.009), dyspnea (P = 0.011), financial difficulties (P = 0.006), and global health status in between the two groups (P = 0.039) favoring intervention arm of nada yoga music without instructions (Group A). However, no significant changes were observed in physical functioning (P = 0.390), role functioning (P = 0.453), emotional functioning (P = 0.192), cognitive functioning (P = 0.190), and social functioning (P = 0.282). Conclusion: The 12-week nada yoga music therapy intervention offers a cost-effective approach to reducing anxiety and improving the QoL for ovarian cancer patients. This study highlights the result that Nada yoga simple music is more effective in ovarian cancer patients than the nada yoga music with verbal instruction of meditation. This study showed the potential of nada yoga music therapy as a valuable addition to comprehensive cancer care, emphasizing its positive impact on emotional well-being and symptom management.