Effects of Yoga on Cognitive and Immune Function in Colorectal Cancer

Effects of Yoga on Cognitive and Immune Function in Colorectal Cancer

The purpose of this study is to determine if individuals with colorectal cancer enjoy yoga and to begin to assess whether yoga is effective in improving attention and immune function in individuals with colorectal cancer compared to physical activity and usual care.

The proposed study will use a prospective RCT pilot design with three arms (yoga, resistance and flexibility exercise, usual care) and a total of 60 men and women who have completed therapy (> 6 months post primary or adjuvant therapy) to accomplish the specific aims. Equal numbers of men and women will be randomized into each arm of the study. Participants will be tested before, immediately after, and 3-months after treatment or similar time points for the usual care group. After data has been collected, participants who were randomized to the resistance and flexibility exercise group (active control group) or to the usual care group will be provided with the opportunity to participate in the yoga intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a history of any stage new or recuurent colorectal cancer
• great then 6 months post treatment for colorectal cancer
• report not fully recovered from the effects of cancer and cancer treatment
• no clinical signs or symptoms of brain metastasis
• normal (or corrected to normal) hearing and vision
• able to read and write English

Exclusion Criteria:

- conditions that could affect participation in yoga such as spinal disease or unstable joints