Effects of Yoga, Strength Training and Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Adult Cancer Survivors

Effects of Yoga, Strength Training and Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Adult Cancer Survivors

The investigators propose to compare the effects of a 12-week, supervised, site-based group yoga intervention on cognitive function, functional fitness, and well-being in middle-aged cancer survivors. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise conditions: a yoga group, an aerobic walking group or a strength training group. All sessions (2-3 times per week) will be led by a trained exercise leader for a total of 150 minutes of exercise each week for the 12-week intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 30-70 years of age
• Cancer diagnosis
• 1 year since last cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation)
• Not planning to receive treatment during study period
• Completion of Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
• Ambulatory and absence of health conditions that may be exacerbated by yoga, walking, or strength training
• Physician consent (if deemed necessary)
• Low-active, i.e. less than 150 minutes/week of moderate to vigorous exercise, no current yoga practice (including within last six months)
• Intention to remain in the Champaign-Urbana area over the study duration
• Willingness to be randomly assigned to one of the three groups (yoga, aerobic walking, strength training)
• Comfortable with reading, writing, and speaking English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Below 30 or above 70 years of age
• Cancer diagnosis of the brain
• Less than 1 year since last treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) or plans to receive treatment during study
• Determined ambulatory or 'high risk' based on responses to PAR-Q
• High-active (exercising more than 150 minutes/week in the last six months)
• No consent from physician
• Intent to be away from the Champaign-Urbana area for an extended period of time during the study
• Inability to communicate effectively in English