The impact of yoga on quality of life and psychological distress in caregivers for patients with cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of a six-week Vinyasa yoga (VY) intervention on caregivers' overall quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress. DESIGN A single-group, pre- and post-test pilot study. SETTING University public recreational facility. SAMPLE 12 informal caregivers for patients with cancer. METHODS Caregivers participated in a six-week VY intervention and completed measures of QOL and psychological distress pre- and postintervention. Program satisfaction was measured with open-ended survey questions. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES QOL, psychological distress, and program satisfaction. FINDINGS Significant improvements were found in the mental component score of overall QOL and in overall psychological distress. Several subdomains of QOL and psychological distress were also improved significantly. Open-ended survey question responses revealed participants perceived physical and mental benefit from the intervention, highlighting improvements in flexibility, core and upper-body strength, balance, breathing, and energy. CONCLUSIONS Informal caregivers may benefit mentally and physically from participating in VY. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Caregivers of patients with cancer characterize a group worthy of attention, research, and interventions focusing on their healthcare needs.